Tuya: I have no military experience, but I'll consult

Roselinda Soipan Tuya , nominee for the position of Defense CS before the Committee on Appointments at the Mini Chambers, County Hall, Nairobi on August 1, 2024 [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Defence Cabinet Secretary nominee Soipan Tuya has acknowledged her lack of military experience despite being nominated for the position.

This admission came after Members of Parliament expressed concerns about her ability to manage matters related to the uniformed units within the Ministry of Defence.

In her defense, Tuya stated, "I am aware I have no military background. However, I am a team player by design and practice, and very consultative in my leadership philosophy. I will heavily employ these skills to understand both the operational and administrative roles of the uniformed side of the military."

Tuya made these remarks during her vetting by the Committee on Appointments, where she also revealed that her net worth had increased by Sh87 million over two years.

According to Tuya, this increase was mainly due to the appreciation of assets, private businesses, and the value of an asset acquired in Nairobi.

"My net worth stands at Sh243 million. In 2022, it was Sh156 million," Tuya noted.

If approved, Tuya will serve as the principal advisor to the President on Defence Policies, among other roles.

Prior to her nomination, she served as the Environment Cabinet Secretary, a position she held for nearly two years.

She has a strong educational background in law, with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi, a Diploma from Kenya School of Law, and a Master of Laws degree from the University of Washington in the United States.