By Abdihakim Siyad

At just 26 years old, Umulkheir Harun made history in 2022 when she was sworn in as one of Kenya’s youngest Members of Parliament.

Today, she takes a bold step forward by officially declaring her candidacy for the Garissa County Women Representative seat in the 2027 general election a move that signals the emergence of a new generation of leaders shaped by lived experience, grassroots activism, and unwavering resolve.

Nominated to Parliament by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to represent youth interests, Umulkheir stood out not just for her age, but for her substance.

In a space often dominated by political insiders and patronage, her nomination was a rare recognition of genuine merit and public service.

“I took the oath of office to represent important constituents of this great nation,” she said in 2022. “May Allah guide me, for I know the task ahead. I am looking forward to serving with utmost diligence and honour, inshallah.”

Born and raised in southern Garissa County, Umulkheir affectionately known as “Umi”—grew up in a household deeply rooted in the value of education.

IN PICTURES: Nominated MP @missyHaroona has officially declared and submitted her candidacy for #Garissa County Woman Representative in the 2027 general elections to Samawathal clan of elders. pic.twitter.com/EODfsHbGlf

— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) June 26, 2025

Her father, Harun Mohamed, a former principal of Garissa High School, instilled in her discipline, resilience, and a vision to lead. These virtues would later form the foundation of her journey into public service.

In 2015, before entering national politics, Umulkheir founded “Kesho Alliance”, a non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing access to quality education, empowering youth and women, and fostering peace and security in marginalized communities.

The organization has grown into a respected platform, partnering with local and international institutions including the European Union, ASPEN Institute, and regional peace networks to create meaningful impact in education and leadership across Kenya.

Her leadership work took her from classrooms in Garissa to global forums. In 2019, she presented Kesho Alliance’s work at the European Parliament in Brussels.

That same year, she emerged second in the televised leadership competition “Miss President”, which sought to inspire more Kenyan women to pursue high political office.

“It was at Alliance High School that my dream began to take shape,” she once said. “Through school debates and politics, I saw a path to leadership and I decided to walk it.”

Since joining Parliament, Umulkheir has used her platform to champion issues affecting youth, education, digital inclusion, and marginalized voices.

She has lobbied for the operationalization of the Youth, Women, and Disability Revolving Fund in Garissa, advocated for fairer scholarship distribution under the Elimu Fund, and worked to expand digital access by supporting free Wi-Fi and donating tech resources to youth hubs.

Currently, she is sponsoring the “Kenya Sign Language Bill”, a progressive piece of legislation that seeks to officially recognize Kenyan Sign Language in public education and government, thereby improving access and dignity for the deaf community.

Now, with her eyes set on the Garissa Women Representative seat, Umulkheir says her mission is to continue building from the ground up this time with a direct mandate from the people.

“This is not just a political campaign – it’s a continuation of a cause,” she said. “To create spaces where young people, women, and marginalized communities have equal opportunities to thrive.”

Her candidacy has already drawn support from youth groups, civil society actors, and local leaders who see in her a fresh, credible alternative in a political space often shaped by clan dynamics.

Should she be elected, Umulkheir would not only bring youthful energy and progressive leadership to the Women Representative office, she would also represent a seismic shift in how leadership is defined in Garissa County: not by privilege or patronage, but by service, impact, and vision.

As 2027 approaches, her campaign will be one to watch not just for what it represents, but for what it could become.