The room had an elegant charm, the decor was all glitz and glam, crystal chandeliers spiraled from the arching golden brown ceiling, women who have broken the glass ceiling in various sectors sparkled like royal jewels leaving wafts of jasmine and all other expensive fragrances as they confidently walked to their seats, it was indeed a marvellous event!
The Occasion…the Borana Women Professionals were holding a dinner in honour of Ms.Kabale Tache following her recent appointment as the National Land Commission (NLC) Chief Executive Officer(CEO).
Overwhelmed by the great show of love extended to her by family and friends, the CEO narrated the difficult journey she’s travelled to get to where she is currently.
“If someone had told me some 40 years ago that I would be giving such a speech as CEO of a public institution and the first Borana woman CEO in independent Kenya, I would have taken it as a joke and dismissed the person,” said Kabale.
Nostalgically, she narrated how as a woman in the pastoralist community, she was to stay at home, be taught the pastoralist ways including the place of a woman in the society and then at the right time, be married off.
“My mother on the other hand had the conviction that I should go to school. She even sacrificed her strong Islamic faith to allow me be taken in by the Catholic Church so that I could go to school,” she explained.
Kabale who is passionate about mentoring young women said hers was a celebration of faith and resilience.
“If my life’s story should teach my fellow women any lesson, it should be that they should believe and focus on what they want to achieve. As one of our own, Lupita Nyong’o observed, all dreams are valid. From the tiny, quiet and remote village in Saku District, Marsabit County, and despite so many hurdles to overcome, the daughter of a peasant dared to dream and today she can stand before you as the CEO of the National Land Commission, “ said Kabale.
According to Kabale, even though her life’s story could be inspiring, she does not want to be remembered just as the first Borana woman to be a CEO since independence.
“I would like the women who come after me to remember me for transforming the NLC,” she said.
Before being confirmed to the position, Kabale had held the position in acting capacity for nearly five years.
She applauded Environment , Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary CS Soipan Tuya, who was the chief guest, for being a role model and a source of inspiration to many pastoralist women in Kenya.
At the same time, she urged the Borana Women Professionals to continue working together to motivate girls, some who have lost hope, to believe once again.
Meanwhile, Kabale exuded confidence that the Commission is currently undergoing a transformation journey.
“Like any institution, the Commission still faces a lot of challenges. Progressively we are working to make the Commission achieve its vast mandate. It has been another journey of faith and resilience, “ said Kabale.
While reaffirming fellow women on her commitment to deliver, Kabale said she would perform beyond her expectations.
“My promise to you, my fellow women, is that I will not let you down. You have shown amazing love, faith confidence and belief in me. I will not disappoint you,”vowed Kabale.