Aisha Jumwa Karisa Katana, born on March 28, 1975, in Takaungu village, Kilifi County, Kenya, is a prominent political figure whose journey from humble beginnings to significant political roles exemplifies resilience and determination.
Growing up in a polygamous family as one of 28 children, she faced numerous challenges that shaped her future endeavors.
Early Life and Education
Jumwa’s educational path was marked by interruptions due to financial constraints. She began her schooling at Takaungu Primary School, completing her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in 1991.
She then attended Ganze Secondary School but had to drop out in Form Two because of school fee challenges. Undeterred, she resumed her studies years later, enrolling as a private candidate and completing her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2011.
Following this, she pursued higher education, obtaining a Certificate in Governance and an Executive Diploma in Governance from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
In 2020, she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership and Management from International Leadership University.
Family and Personal Life
Jumwa’s personal life reflects her commitment to both her family and career. She is a mother of three children: Karisa, Selina, and Ruth, whom she raised as a single parent.
Her early marriage ended due to her aspirations in politics, which her husband opposed. Demonstrating her independence, she returned the dowry to her in-laws, adhering to Mijikenda customs, to signify the end of her marriage.
Religious Beliefs
Although she bears a Muslim name, Aisha Jumwa converted to Christianity. She has publicly stated, “I was a Muslim. My name was Aisha Abdallah. I converted to Christianity.” Despite her conversion, she chose to retain her original name.
Aisha Jumwa Political Career
Aisha Jumwa Karisa Katana’s political career is a testament to her resilience, strategic acumen, and dedication to public service. Her journey from grassroots politics to national prominence reflects her ability to navigate complex political landscapes and advocate effectively for her constituents.
1. Early Political Engagements
Jumwa’s political activism began in the 1990s when she served as a youth leader for the Kenya African National Union (KANU) in Takaungu.
Her leadership skills and commitment to community development led to her election as the Councillor for Takaungu Ward in 1997, a position she held until 2007.
During her tenure, she was appointed Chairperson of the Kilifi Town Council, where she focused on initiatives aimed at improving local governance and infrastructure.
2. Transition to National Politics
In 2013, Jumwa transitioned to national politics by successfully contesting the Kilifi County Woman Representative seat under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
Her tenure was marked by vigorous advocacy for women’s rights and community development projects. Building on her legislative experience, she contested and won the Malindi Constituency parliamentary seat in 2017, further solidifying her influence in the coastal region.
3. Political Realignments and Defection
The 2018 political landscape in Kenya underwent significant shifts following the “handshake” between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Feeling marginalized by the new political alignment, Jumwa began gravitating towards Deputy President William Ruto’s camp. This move led to her expulsion from ODM in 2019, although the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal later overturned this decision.
In 2022, she formalized her association with Ruto by joining the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), becoming a pivotal figure in promoting the party’s agenda in the coastal region.
4. Gubernatorial Aspirations and Cabinet Appointment
Capitalizing on her growing political capital, Jumwa declared her candidacy for the Kilifi County gubernatorial seat in the 2022 elections under the UDA banner. Despite a
Recent Developments
Following her dismissal, Jumwa was appointed as the Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board in January 2025. This appointment faced criticism from the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), questioning her qualifications for the role.
Aisha Jumwa Legal Challenges
Jumwa’s career has not been without controversy. In 2019, she was questioned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over allegations of embezzling Ksh.57,711,690 of public funds. Documents revealed that her two children were also implicated through their company, Kaseru Construction Ltd.
As of her 2022 vetting for the Cabinet Secretary position, Jumwa declared her net worth to be approximately Ksh.100 million by now with the CS position under William Ruto. Her net worth is estimated to be KES500 M.
Her wealth primarily comes from her salary and other income-generating ventures. She owns two houses in Nairobi and Malindi, with a combined worth of Ksh. 85 million.
Philanthropy
Beyond her political and leadership roles, Aisha Jumwa is a passionate advocate for charitable causes. She is the founder of the Aisha Jumwa Foundation, an organization that is self-funded and works to improve the lives of vulnerable populations.
Aisha Jumwa’s life story is a testament to determination and resilience, overcoming early life challenges to become a significant player in Kenya’s political landscape.
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