Poor, jiggered and hopeless: The rise of a vegetable vendor to Kisii Governor

Simba Arati's remarkable journey from poverty-stricken childhood to becoming Kisii County's Governor is a testament to resilience and determination. Born in Nyamache, Kisii, young Simba grew up in a struggling family, often forced to endure hardship and pain due to jiggers infesting his feet. Despite these early challenges, he remained determined to succeed.

In his teens, Simba struggled with behavioral issues and was sent to live with an aunt in Bura, Tana River. After returning home, he excelled in education, attending secondary schools in Nyamache and Suneka. However, his ambitions extended beyond his studies.

Upon moving to Nairobi, Simba turned to his skills as a vegetable vendor to survive. This experience not only provided him with a livelihood but also taught him the value of hard work and financial prudence. He used his earnings to fund his education, eventually attending Kenya Polytechnic, now the Technical University of Kenya, where he studied Tourism Management.

Simba's interest in politics emerged during his time at university, where he participated in student leadership and lost election after election. However, each setback only fueled his resolve. He became a nominated councillor in Nairobi before winning the Dagoretti North parliamentary seat in 2013 and subsequently defending his seat in 2017.

In 2022, Simba returned to his home county of Kisii and ran for Governor. Despite the challenges and political competition, he emerged victorious. His ascension to the Governor's office is a powerful reminder that one's past does not dictate their future. "Where you start does not necessarily determine where you finish," Simba insists. "You may start with nothing, but you should never allow that nothing to convince you that you are nothing."