Nominated senator Karen Nyamu gave Kenyans something to smile about after she took on the challenge of debating a key fisheries bill entirely in Kiswahili during a Senate session held in Kilifi County, and openly admitted the struggle was very real.
The Senate Mashinani sitting, part of the Thirteenth Parliament’s Fifth Session, brought proceedings out of Nairobi and into the coastal county.
Nyamu decided the occasion called for a switch in language, but as an Eastlands girl whose first language is Sheng, speaking fluent Kiswahili in a formal legislative setting turned out to be quite the workout.
Nyamu takes on the Fisheries Management Bill
In the clip, Nyamu can be seen speaking confidently at the podium, making the case for the Fisheries Management Bill. She highlighted how fishing is far more than a hobby for families living near water bodies, it is their livelihood, their children’s school fees, and their primary source of income.
She cited figures showing that Kenya’s fish sector generated 55 billion shillings in value the previous year, up from 39 billion the year before, pointing to strong growth that she argued deserved greater legislative support and investment.
She also championed the bill’s focus on aquaculture, noting it would open up opportunities even for counties without direct access to water.
Despite the occasional stumble in translation, her message came through clearly; the bill matters for ordinary Kenyans across the country, not just those living by the sea.
Eastlando babe’ owns the moment
What really got people talking was Nyamu’s own caption accompanying the video she shared on Instagram. She wrote:
“Leo nikaamua kuchangia mjadala wa Fisheries Management Bill in Kiswahili, juu tuko Kilifi County Assembly for Senate Mashinani. Shida me ni Eastlando babe first language ni Sheng. Kutranslate English to Kiswahili in my head was the struggle, lakini si nime try?”
The self-awareness was refreshing. Rather than presenting a polished image, Nyamu acknowledged exactly what many Kenyans go through when code-switching between languages in formal settings, something the country’s multilingual population found instantly relatable.
Nyamu is a nominated senator who has built a significant public following, known as much for her candid personality online as for her legislative work. Her willingness to laugh at herself while still showing up and contributing to a serious policy debate landed well with her audience.
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