In a world often shaped by conventional norms and expectations, there are individuals who defy the odds, break through barriers and pave the way for others to follow. Sandra Ochola is one such remarkable individual-a trailblazer whose journey embodies resilience, passion and a relentless commitment to effecting meaningful change. From qualifying as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya to being appointed to the Executive Office of the President in the presidential strategic communication unit (PSCU) as a Deputy Director for research and speech writing. Sandra’s Journey is a testament to the transformative power of determination in the pursuit of justice.
Sandra Ochola is a lawyer, author, and policymaker with over ten years of professional experience in policymaking and advocacy. She has played a central role in shaping policy developments in Kenya through senior government positions and her prominent newspaper columns. Sandra has a strong civil society and governance background in leadership, strategic communication, and public administration.
Beyond the study of law, Sandra holds a master’s degree in international studies as an addition to a Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, and a Bachelor of Laws Degree from Moi University. Her sterling performance at school has brewed her passion for writing and has accorded her the temerity to write her book, “Teens Guide to the Constitution of Kenya” which aims at enlightening teenagers on the Constitution.
Sandra’s skills and competencies include a deep understanding of the socio-economic and political context in Kenya, commitment to leadership and organizational management, strong writing and presentation skills, project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. She has a proven ability to inspire multifaceted and multicultural teams and has strong relationships with key institutions and policy makers in the civil society and private sectors.
As catalyst for change, here at home in the confines of politics, she has provided leadership and direction in the execution of key policy and administrative undertakings by both the Ministry and the Cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage.
Furthermore, in her tenure at statehouse, she has collaborated in the development of the 2018-2022 strategic plan for the presidency and in the development of the state house citizen service delivery charter where she monitored and reported on the implementation of PSCU’S annual work plans. Also, in her capacity as a member of the PSCU, she contributed to writing speeches for the President and even helped in spearheading the implementation of the big four agenda.
Additionally, due to her work ethic, Sandra has extended her horizons to international standards having been voted as one of the 100 most influential Young Africans in 2018 and through her certification as an Obama Foundation leader. She continues to leave footprints in the media by being in international news platforms including the BBC and CTGN Africa where she discusses topics that revolves around leadership, politics, youth participation and human rights.
Sandra’s legacy transcends her own accomplishments, inspiring countless others to embrace their own potential and pursue their dreams. She has dedicated herself to nurturing the next generation of leaders through her book “The teens guide to the Constitution”.
Beyond her love for writing her motivation to develop this guide was threefold: To inform the next generation about their country’s history, to tailor the information on leadership and governance at an early age so that they can participate in issues that affect them and provide a platform for where teenagers are viewed as partners in nation building.
The guide simplifies the technical language with which the Constitution is written and provides colorful and age-appropriate access to the Constitution. Sandra’s hope is that in the future, young people will take center stage in addressing some of the social, political, cultural and economic challenges that plague the country.
