Siaya County woman representative 2027 aspirant Elizabeth Anyango (on dark sunglasses) /photo courtesy/
Elizabeth Anyango Odaga, otherwise known as Nyar Kathomo, reflects on her life growing up in the busy, chaotic slums of Nyalenda, Kisumu.
Born into a family of eight surviving children, her family faced significant challenges due to limited resources.
“It was a life of constant struggle. The family was large, and my parents struggled to feed us and pay for our education,” Elizabeth explains.
To contribute to her schooling, Elizabeth sold paraffin, simsim, mangoes, and sweets by the roadside whenever she was not in school. The harsh realities of her upbringing shaped her character and ignited a fierce determination to rise above her circumstances.
As Elizabeth transitioned into her teenage years, challenges mounted. Her father, frustrated by the family’s inability to produce male heirs, took a second wife, creating a tumultuous home environment where Elizabeth witnessed her mother endure domestic abuse. These experiences left a profound mark on her, fostering a desire to advocate for women’s rights.
At seventeen, Elizabeth’s life took another turn when she became pregnant and gave birth to her daughter, Bonita. This pivotal moment led her father to disown her, forcing her to flee home.
Seeking refuge with her grandmother in Siaya, she found the strength to navigate motherhood while still yearning for education. Eventually, she moved to Mombasa to live with her aunt, where she trained as a hairdresser, gaining skills that would serve her well in the future.
Turning Point in Elizabeth’s Life
While working in Mombasa, Elizabeth met her husband, a British national. Their relationship blossomed, leading her to move to the UK. This transition marked a significant turning point, as she embraced new opportunities for education and personal growth.
Elizabeth attended Cambridge University, determined to make up for the educational opportunities she had missed in her youth.
Throughout her time in the UK, Elizabeth remained deeply connected to her roots, frequently returning to Kenya. Each visit reinforced her commitment to improving the lives of those in her home community, where she witnessed the ongoing struggles of women and children.
On her visits to her motherland, Elizabeth became acutely aware of the pervasive suffering among the less fortunate, particularly in the male-dominated society of Siaya County. Women were often relegated to subservient roles, treated as mere caretakers and laborers.
This reality, coupled with her own experiences growing up, galvanized Elizabeth into action. She founded the Change Africa Foundation, registered in both the UK and Kenya, with the goal of transforming the lives of orphans and vulnerable children.
The foundation focuses on providing loving homes, education, and healthcare for those in need. Through tireless efforts, Elizabeth has established numerous community projects, supporting livelihoods and empowering marginalized groups.
Empowering Communities and Individuals
Change Africa Foundation has seen numerous success stories under Elizabeth’s leadership. The foundation provides essential resources, educational support, and emotional guidance to orphans and vulnerable children, ensuring they grow up in nurturing environments.
Elizabeth also prioritizes empowering women with disabilities, promoting their rights and offering vocational training to help them participate actively in society.
Additionally, the foundation supports elderly citizens by building houses for widows, widowers, and orphans. Elizabeth believes that every member of the community deserves dignity and support, regardless of their circumstances.
By equipping children and youth with essential life skills, mentorship, and educational resources, she aims to foster the next generation of leaders.
Currently, Elizabeth’s is paying fees for 203 students in different Secondary schools from the six sub counties in Siaya county.
A Call to Leadership
With a wealth of experience in community development and a heart for service, Elizabeth has announced her candidacy for the position of Woman Representative for Siaya County in the 2027 general elections, responding to a series of calls from the local community.
Her journey has given her a unique perspective on the needs of her community, and she is determined to bring about meaningful change.
Elizabeth’s vision is to address the inadequacies of the current leadership, which she believes has failed to prioritize the needs of Siaya County’s residents.
Her experience managing community projects and building networks with organizations in the UK positions her well to create opportunities for business, education, and empowerment for the youth of Siaya County.
She holds Masters degree in law, politics and sociology from and Bachelor of arts Counselling psychology from Cambridge University.
