Don Owino |photo courtesy|
According to Don Owino, a dynamic young politician, collective action and a shared vision are the foundation for a better future.
An alumnus of Sawagongo High School, Mr. Owino believes Kenya has immense potential but is hindered by a lack of integrity and good governance.
In an exclusive interview with this publisher, Owino shared his life experiences and the lessons he has learned over the years.
Born in Agoro Tula, North Alego Ward of Siaya County, Don began his primary education at Agoro Tula before attending the prestigious Sawagongo High School for his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
Don describes his educational journey as challenging but remained determined to excel.
“My education was difficult. I walked several kilometers each day to attend classes and faced harsh weather conditions and inadequate resources. Despite these challenges, I was determined to excel academically,” he said, noting that his focus on studies was driven by his dream to make a difference in his community.
As a total orphan reliant on his guardian, transitioning to high school posed a significant challenge due to financial constraints.
However, fate intervened when Owino received a scholarship from the Cooperative Bank Foundation following his exemplary performance in the KCPE exams.
“Joining high school seemed like an unattainable dream, but I am grateful that the Cooperative Bank Foundation supported me at Sawagongo High School,” Owino stated.
Growing up as an orphan in the vast village of Alego Usonga presented both challenges and formative experiences. Despite his family’s limited financial resources, Don recalls being rich in love and values.
From a young age, he learned the importance of perseverance and hard work, lessons imparted by his guardian who worked tirelessly to provide for them.
His family has been his pillar of strength over the years. Their sacrifices and unwavering belief in his potential have motivated him continually. The lessons from these experiences have shaped him into a resilient and determined individual, prepared to tackle any challenge that arises.
After excelling in high school, Don pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies at Moi University. It was there that he discovered his call to leadership, starting as a student activist and later becoming the student leader.
He attributes his political journey to mentorship from former Rarieda MP Engineer Nicolas Gumbo and the late Dr. Florence Doghana, PhD, who instilled in him the values of integrity, dedication, and servant leadership.
“These experiences have profoundly shaped my character. I have become more empathetic and understanding of the struggle for a better society. Politics has taught me the importance of listening, collaborating, and remaining true to one’s values,” he explained.
Inspired by Chinua Achebe’s “The Trouble with Nigeria” and Julius Nyerere’s “Man and Development,” Don is driven to effect positive change in all his endeavors.
He notes that youths face numerous challenges, including unemployment and limited opportunities for meaningful political engagement. There is a prevalent sense of disillusionment and mistrust towards the political system, which often seems disconnected from their needs and aspirations.
To address these issues, Don emphasizes the need for policies that promote job creation and ensure youth representation in decision-making processes. Mentorship programs and platforms for civic engagement can empower young people, giving them a voice and the tools to effect change.
Owino, who is running for North Alego Ward MCA in 2027, is motivated by a deep-seated desire to bring tangible change to his community.
“I have witnessed the struggles of our people in North Alego, from inadequate infrastructure to lack of access to essential services. My core goal is to address these issues directly and work towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all,” he said.
Regarding the ongoing discourse among Gen Z, Owino acknowledges their genuine and powerful need for fresh perspectives in our political landscape.
“They are vocal about crucial issues such as good governance, leadership accountability, and unemployment. I believe in engaging Gen Z, listening to their concerns, and incorporating their ideas into policy-making,” Owino concluded.