Who is Esther Passaris?
Esther Muthoni Passaris(born 20 October 1964) is a Kenyansocial entrepreneur,philanthropistandpolitician. A member of theKenya National Congress, she has run for member of parliamentforEmbakasi Constituencyas well as for women's representative forNairobi County.[1]She is regarded as one of the most well-known female public figures in Kenyan business and politics
Early life
Passaris was born in the coastal city ofMombasato aGreekfather and aKenyanKikuyumother. She attended theAga Khan Academiesthroughout her primary and secondary education, before pursuing aBachelor of Lawsdegree at theUniversity of Nairobi.[4]
Esther Passaris Public and political career
Passasis is a known public figure in Kenya, who has sparked some controversy by her statements about other Kenyan politicians and businessman.[5]She has been a runner-up inMiss Kenyacontest and is actively campaigning for the rights of woman in Kenya.[6]Through her 'Adopt a Light' organization Passaris has signed a deal with Nairobi city authorities in order to:"Restore decrepit street lighting in exchange for advertising rights on the lamposts."[7]Passaris ran for the women's representative forNairobi Countyduring the2013 general election,[8]and was alsoa candidate for the post ofMayor of Nairobi. She is currently a member of Kenya National Congress, a Kenyan political party.She is also CEO and founder of 'One in a Million' campaign operating underDrivingKenya Foundation,[9]a non-profit charitable organization, aimed at fighting problems in Kenya, such as poverty and unemployment, and promoting urban and rural development.
Adopt a light achievements
Without government funding, she lit up Nairobi to the tune of 500m shillings. The improved night-time visibility saw trade and security grow substantially whilst a sharp reduction in crime and road carnage was recorded.Although my project was muffled by external forces, it ignited every one to the realization that street and slum lighting was necessary for the country to attain its developmental goals. Today, the biggest legacy of my initiative is how the government spends billions in installing new streetlights and highmasts.
Her Personal life
Passaris has two children with Kenyan businessman Pius Ngugi. In 2003, she filed a lawsuit against Ngugi for abreach of promiseto marry, demandingKsh.200,000and a car to take their children to and from school.[10]In August 2011, Passaris was sued by Ngugi, claiming she continued to demand more money despite agreeing to a truce in their previous case.[11]Passaris' daughter and eldest child, Makenna Ngugi, is a singer.[
