Daniel Manyala’s journey to becoming one of Mombasa’s most popular and inspirational County Executive Committee (CEC) members is a story of resilience, transformation, and a deep sense of commitment to his community. From losing his father at a critical time in his life to rising through the ranks in politics and business, Manyala’s path has been marked by challenges, kindness, and the application of street-smart problem-solving.
Manyala’s troubles began on a fateful June morning in 1996 when he was preparing for his mock exams at Likoni Secondary School. His father, who had been in good health, passed away unexpectedly while visiting their home village in Kisumu. The devastating news reached him just as he was about to sit for an exam, leaving him in deep grief. “I had lost my father on the first day of the exams. I went through counselling. Madam Deche, the deputy principal at that time, sat me down and told me that life had to continue,” Manyala recalls. Despite the emotional turmoil, he channeled his grief into determination, promising himself to make his father proud.
In the years that followed, Manyala faced further adversity. His uncle, Peter Manyala, who had promised to fund his university education, passed away just a year after his father. Left without financial support, Manyala thought his educational journey might end there. But then, a miracle happened. His father’s friends, including Hisham Mwidau, a man he respected greatly, stepped in to help. Mwidau, despite not being a blood relative, took Manyala under his wing, paying for his education at Egerton University. Manyala attributes much of his drive to this act of kindness and now strives to help others in the same way.
While waiting to join university, Manyala immersed himself in local politics in Likoni, becoming involved with the youth factions of political parties like Kanu and NDP. This exposure gave him a keen understanding of political dynamics and street-smart strategies, which would serve him well later in life. “I was part of Suleiman Shahbal’s political campaign team in 2013, 2017, and 2022,” he shares. His political engagement and subsequent work in the clearing and forwarding sector gave him practical lessons in business development, an area where he excelled due to his outgoing nature.
Manyala’s true test came when he was appointed as the Transport and Infrastructure Executive under Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir’s administration. Though he initially doubted his leadership abilities, he soon discovered a latent skill for people management, something he credits to the governor’s guidance. “I serve under a very great governor who has brought out in me a skill that was hidden all this time a people’s leader,” Manyala reflects.
His tenure has been marked by tangible achievements, especially in improving Mombasa’s infrastructure. Under his leadership, the county has been able to complete more than 15 kilometers of access roads, with a minimum of 500 meters of road built in each of the county’s wards. Manyala also takes great pride in the county’s progress in stormwater drainage, which has significantly improved the flow of traffic and the general cleanliness of Mombasa. Notably, the Railways Roundabout, which was often submerged during rains, is now no longer prone to flooding thanks to the revamped drainage systems.
One of his proudest achievements is the Nyerere Avenue storm drainage project, a result of a partnership with TradeMark Africa, which has transformed a perennial problem area. Additionally, Manyala’s work extends to improving traffic flow and enhancing security in Mombasa, with the County Street Lighting Policy set to revolutionize how street lighting is managed in the region.
Manyala’s efforts are not just focused on physical infrastructure but also on legislative changes. His department has initiated policies like the County Dig Once Policy, aimed at streamlining the installation of critical infrastructure and minimizing disruptions caused by digging projects. As a disaster management lead, Manyala is often seen at disaster scenes, believing that solutions are often found in the field where real-time issues arise.
In a region where political and social dynamics are often challenging, Manyala’s street-smart approach to leadership has allowed him to navigate difficulties with compassion, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to service. As Mombasa continues to evolve under the leadership of Governor Nassir and his team, Daniel Manyala remains a beacon of inspiration, proving that resilience, hard work, and kindness can truly change lives.
