From the arid plains of Turkana to the heart of national leadership, Beatrice Askul Moe is steadily carving out a story of resilience, firsts, and influence.

Now serving as Cabinet Secretary for EAC Affairs, ASALs and Regional Development, Askul has been nominated for a continental award that recognises African women shaping leadership and governance.

She is among nominees in the Best Performing Minister – Africa category at the second edition of the Thamani Africa Awards, a platform celebrating women driving change across the continent.

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“I am delighted to learn that I have been nominated for this recognition, and I thank God for this great honour,” she said.

Her journey has not been typical. Raised in Turkana county, where cultural norms have historically limited women’s participation in leadership, Askul has steadily risen through the ranks, becoming the first woman from her community to sit in Cabinet.

That milestone, she often says, is bigger than her — it is about opening doors for young girls who dare to imagine themselves in positions of power.

Before joining Cabinet, she had already built a track record in public service. In 2022, she was nominated by the Orange Democratic Movement to the East African Legislative Assembly, marking her entry into regional politics.

Her roots in county governance run even deeper. With the advent of devolution, she served in the administration of former Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok as part of a pioneering team that helped shape county leadership structures.

She also played a behind-the-scenes role in national politics, contributing to the 2022 presidential campaign of Raila Odinga, including participating in the panel that selected his running mate.

In her current role, Askul’s focus has been on some of the country’s most fragile regions. Her work centres on strengthening drought resilience and advancing sustainable development across 23 ASAL counties — areas that continue to grapple with climate shocks and long-standing marginalisation.

She later rose to serve as chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, where she oversaw reforms aimed at deepening regional integration among partner states, further cementing her influence beyond Kenya’s borders.

Her nomination now places her among a growing list of African women whose leadership is gaining continental recognition.

The awards ceremony will be held in Nairobi on May 9, 2026, in line with Mother’s Day — a symbolic nod to the role women play in shaping societies.

The Thamani Africa Awards bring together voices from across sectors, recognising women in leadership, governance, innovation, media, education, sports, and civil society.

For Askul, the nomination is not just a personal recognition, but a reflection of a broader shift — one where more women, even from the most unlikely places, are stepping forward and being seen.

Voting closes on April 12, with winners set to be announced the following day.