Fatuma Achani

Fatuma Mohamed Achani is a Kenyan lawyer and politician who made history in 2022 as the first female governor of Kwale County and the first Muslim woman governor in the coastal region. Born in Kingwede village, Msambweni, she studied law at Moi University and the Kenya School of Law before working with FIDA-Kenya, where she championed women’s rights and social justice. Achani entered politics in 2013 as Deputy Governor under Salim Mvurya, serving for two terms before successfully vying for the top seat on a UDA ticket in 2022. Her leadership focuses on women and youth empowerment, agriculture, education, and environmental conservation. Known for her calm yet firm leadership style, Achani has become a trailblazer for women in governance, breaking cultural and gender barriers in a region where female leaders are rare.