Hon. Adan Barre Duale, now serving as Cabinet Secretary for Health, remains one of the most significant figures in Northern Kenya’s political journey. Since his election to Parliament in 2007, he has played a trailblazing role in opening the Somali community of Northern Kenya to the national political arena. His visibility, bold parliamentary engagement, and historic rise as the first Somali Majority Leader in the National Assembly broke long-standing barriers, proving that leaders from the North Eastern region could compete, negotiate, and influence decisions at the highest level.
Through his leadership, many young Somali leaders found courage to step into politics, while the issues of Northern Kenya—security, drought, education, health, and infrastructure—were mainstreamed as national matters, not just regional concerns. In this way, he bridged the gap between decades of marginalization and the broader Kenyan political conversation.
Nevertheless, Hon. Duale’s contribution toward fostering education in NEP cannot be taken for granted. He has consistently supported educational funds, driven school development programs, and encouraged the formation of strong alumni associations in institutions such as Garissa High, Wajir High, and NEP Girls. These initiatives have strengthened schools, built mentorship networks, and uplifted young learners. Education has been one of the cornerstones of his service, ensuring that the Somali community in Northern Kenya is not only visible politically but also empowered academically to produce the next generation of leaders.
Today, in his capacity as Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Duale continues to champion equitable access to services in marginalized regions. While constructive feedback is always necessary where improvements are needed, his role in both political inclusion and educational empowerment remains a legacy that deserves respect and recognition.
Importantly, Hon. Duale is no political gambler. He has consistently made the right decisions at the right time, and his visionary leadership was evident in 2022 when most NEP leaders, under his influence, joined the government of the day. His confidence in standing firmly with H.E. President William Samoei Ruto reflects both foresight and commitment to his people’s interests.
Through his influence, the long-standing challenges of vetting for national IDs and citizenship for the Somali community were addressed and removed, restoring dignity and equal citizenship to many. This milestone alone marks him as a transformative leader whose impact will be remembered for generations.
As Chairman of the NEP National School Principals, I affirm our collective support and rally behind Hon. Adan Barre Duale. To the naysayers and political beginners, it is important to check their horses—for history has already shown that his legacy is built not on chance, but on vision, courage, and tangible results.
Chief Principal
Adan K. Farah
Chairman, NEP National School Principals
