Don Owino, a dynamic young politician and aspirant for the North Alego Ward MCA in 2027, believes that collective action and a shared vision are essential for building a better future.
An alumnus of Sawagongo High School, Owino asserts that Kenya has immense potential, but it is often stifled by a lack of integrity and good governance.
In an exclusive interview, he shared his life experiences and the lessons learned over the years.
Born in Agoro Tula, North Alego Ward in Siaya County, Don began his primary education at Agoro Tula before attending Sawagongo High School for his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). He describes his educational journey as challenging yet motivating.
“My education was difficult. I walked several kilometers each day to attend classes, facing harsh weather conditions and inadequate resources. Despite these challenges, I remained determined to excel academically,” he recalled, emphasizing that his focus was fueled by a desire to make a difference in his community.
As a total orphan reliant on his guardian, transitioning to high school was particularly challenging due to financial constraints. However, his fortunes changed when he received a scholarship from the Cooperative Bank Foundation after excelling in his KCPE exams.
“Joining high school felt like an unattainable dream, but I am grateful to the Cooperative Bank Foundation for supporting me at Sawagongo High School,” he said.
Growing up in the vast village of Alego Usonga, Don faced many challenges, yet he was rich in love and values. His guardian’s tireless work instilled in him the importance of perseverance and hard work.
“My family has been my pillar of strength. Their sacrifices and unwavering belief in my potential have motivated me continuously,” he stated. These formative experiences have shaped him into a resilient individual, ready to confront any challenge.
After excelling in high school, Don pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies at Moi University, where he discovered his passion for leadership as a student activist and later as a student leader. He credits his political journey to mentorship from former Rarieda MP Engineer Nicolas Gumbo and the late Dr. Florence Doghana, PhD, who taught him the values of integrity, dedication, and servant leadership.
“These experiences have profoundly shaped my character. I’ve become more empathetic and attuned to the struggles for a better society. Politics has taught me the importance of listening, collaborating, and staying true to one’s values,” he explained.
Inspired by Chinua Achebe’s The Trouble with Nigeria and Julius Nyerere’s Man and Development, Don is committed to effecting positive change in all his endeavors.
He recognizes that youths face numerous challenges, including unemployment and limited opportunities for meaningful political engagement. This has led to a pervasive sense of disillusionment and mistrust in a political system that often seems disconnected from their needs.
To tackle these issues, Don emphasizes the necessity for policies that promote job creation and ensure youth representation in decision-making processes. He advocates for mentorship programs and platforms for civic engagement to empower young people, giving them a voice and the tools to effect change.
As he runs for North Alego Ward MCA in 2027, Don is driven by a desire to bring tangible improvements to his community.
“I have witnessed the struggles of our people in North Alego, from inadequate infrastructure to lack of access to essential services. My primary goal is to address these issues directly and work toward a more equitable and prosperous future for all,” he stated.
Regarding the ongoing discourse among Gen Z, Owino acknowledges their powerful need for fresh perspectives in the political landscape.
“They are vocal about critical issues such as good governance, leadership accountability, and unemployment. I believe in engaging Gen Z, listening to their concerns, and incorporating their ideas into policy-making,” he concluded.
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