From village roots to county leadership: The rise of Khatundi.
When Phanice Khatundi walks through farms in Trans Nzoia County, speaking with farmers about seed quality, storage and market prices, she is not stepping into unfamiliar territory.
It is a world she knows well one that shaped her long before she rose to become the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture.
Her journey to one of the county’s most influential offices is not one built on privilege or political connections. It is a story of resilience, hard work and service, grounded in the realities of rural life and farming.
Raised in Mengo village, saboti constituency Khatundi grew up in a family that depended on agriculture for survival. Like many children in rural Kenya, her childhood was defined by the farming seasons planting when the rains came and harvesting in hope of better returns.
It was in those formative years that she developed a deep understanding of the challenges farmers face: poor access to quality seeds, fluctuating market prices, unpredictable weather and post-harvest losses.
Those experiences would later shape her vision for agriculture and leadership.
Today, Khatundi heads one of the most critical ministries in Trans Nzoia County, a region widely recognised as Kenya’s breadbasket for its massive production of maize, beans and other staple food crops.
The county plays a vital role in national food security, making her office central to both the local economy and the country’s food supply chain.
For Khatundi, agriculture is more than policy  it is personal.
Having grown up among farmers, she understands their struggles and aspirations. That connection has shaped her leadership priorities, with a focus on improving the lives of farmers and strengthening food production systems.
Under her stewardship, the county government has expanded agricultural extension services to ensure farmers receive timely guidance on modern farming techniques, pest management and crop diversification.
She has also championed the distribution of quality farm inputs, insisting that better yields begin with better seeds and fertilisers.
Her ministry has equally focused on market access, seeking to connect farmers directly with buyers to reduce exploitation by brokers and improve earnings.
Yet beyond policies and programmes, it is her leadership style that has earned her recognition.
Khatundi is not known for remaining behind office desks.
She spends much of her time in the field — visiting farms, inspecting projects and engaging directly with farmers.
Her regular visits to National Cereals and Produce Board stores have become part of her effort to educate farmers on proper storage, pricing and how to minimise losses after harvest.
Farmers say her visibility and willingness to engage have built trust, making her one of the most accessible leaders in the county administration.
Colleagues describe her as practical and focused, a leader who understands that effective agricultural policies must respond to real challenges on the ground.
At a time when farmers face rising production costs and the effects of climate change, Khatundi has also pushed for climate-smart agriculture, encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable practices and diversify crops.
Her vision is to make agriculture in Trans Nzoia more productive, profitable and resilient.
From the fields of Mengo village to the county executive offices, Phanice Khatundi’s rise reflects the power of persistence and purpose.
For many young women aspiring to leadership, her journey is a reminder that humble beginnings can be the foundation of impactful public service.
