Faith Gitau: The Former UN Administrator Who Became Nyandarua’s Political Powerhouse

When Faith Wairimu Gitau first sought the Nyandarua Woman Representative seat in 2013, few could have predicted that the former United Nations administrator would emerge as one of the county’s most influential political figures.

After losing her maiden bid, Gitau returned four years later with renewed determination, winning the seat in the 2017 General Election. She successfully defended it in 2022, cementing her place as one of Nyandarua’s most recognisable leaders.

Today, her political journey, from international civil servant to grassroots politician, has made her a key voice in Parliament on women’s empowerment, education and rural development.

From Nyandarua to the United Nations

Born and raised in Nyandarua County, Gitau began her education at Simbara Primary School before joining Ndaragwa Secondary School for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

She later pursued professional training in secretarial studies before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from The Washington University. She also obtained a Higher Diploma in Business Administration from the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), qualifications that would propel her into an international career.

Unlike many politicians whose careers begin in party politics or activism, Gitau spent close to two decades serving in the United Nations system.

She joined the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1992, rising through several administrative and community service roles, including Senior Staff Assistant, Senior Administrative Assistant and Senior Community Services Assistant.

Her work later took her to the World Food Programme (WFP) before she joined the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), where she served as an administrator until 2010.

The years spent working with international organisations exposed her to governance, humanitarian programmes and community development, experience that would later shape her approach to leadership.

A second chance at politics

Gitau’s first attempt at elective politics came during the 2013 General Election when she contested the Nyandarua Woman Representative seat on a Farmers Party ticket.

She lost.

Rather than retreat from public life, she returned to the grassroots, strengthening her networks across the county while engaging in community development and private business.

Her persistence paid off in 2017 when she won the Woman Representative seat on a Jubilee Party ticket, defeating the incumbent.

Five years later, she retained the seat under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), demonstrating her ability to navigate Kenya’s rapidly changing political landscape.

Championing education and empowerment

Since entering Parliament, Gitau has largely focused on issues affecting women, youth and vulnerable families.

Education has remained one of her signature causes.

Through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), she has overseen bursary programmes aimed at helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds remain in school.

She has also supported women’s groups, youth enterprises and persons living with disabilities through empowerment initiatives designed to improve household incomes.

For Gitau, economic empowerment is about creating opportunities rather than dependence.

She has consistently argued that increasing funding for affirmative action programmes would enable more women and young people to start businesses, acquire skills and improve their livelihoods.

Committee work

Beyond constituency matters, Gitau has played an active role in Parliament through several committees.

Over the years, she has served on the Departmental Committee on Energy, the Special Funds Committee and the Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library Committee.

In the current Parliament, she also serves on the House Business Committee, the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Committee, the Social Protection Committee and is a member of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), one of Parliament’s most influential administrative bodies.

These assignments have expanded her influence beyond Nyandarua, giving her a role in shaping parliamentary operations and national legislation.

Leadership style

Supporters often describe Gitau as an accessible leader who maintains close contact with residents through regular public meetings, bursary distribution exercises and empowerment forums.

Her background in international organisations has given her a structured, administrative approach to leadership, while years spent working with communities have reinforced her focus on practical solutions to everyday challenges.

Agriculture, education, women’s empowerment and social protection remain at the centre of her legislative agenda.

Looking ahead

Having secured two consecutive terms in Parliament, Gitau has become one of Nyandarua’s most established politicians.

Her name has increasingly featured in discussions about the county’s future political leadership ahead of the 2027 General Election, with some observers viewing her as a potential contender for higher office.

Whether or not she seeks a bigger political role, her journey—from a UN administrator to a two-term Member of Parliament—illustrates how professional experience, persistence and grassroots engagement can shape a successful career in public service.

As Nyandarua continues to evolve politically and economically, Faith Gitau remains among the leaders expected to play a significant role in determining the county’s future.