Kenyan-born Sally Kimondo recently made history by becoming the first Black Mayor of Dunstable, a town in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom.

Kimondo's appointment was confirmed by the Dunstable Town Council on the evening of Monday, 19 May, as the council described the milestone as a proud and historic moment.

"We are proud to announce a truly historic milestone for our town. Cllr Sally Kimondo has officially been appointed as the first black Mayor of Dunstable," the Dunstable Town Council announced.

The town council praised Kimondo as the ideal candidate for the job thanks to her "wealth of experience". The council also lauded the Kenyan-born leader for being a visionary leader, a crucial trait in her new role.

A photo of Dunstable East Councillor Sally Kimondo

Photo

Sally Kimondo

Also elected during the same council meeting was Richard Attwell, who will support Kimondo while serving as the new Deputy Town Mayor.

Her latest appointment came nearly a year after she was elected as the Dunstable East Councillor, defeating three other candidates in the race after clinching 372 votes.

At the time, Kimondo vowed to address a spate of issues, including the cost of fuel, better amenities for residents, fixing lighting and potholes, among other initiatives to make Duntsable East a more habitable area for the residents.

Kimondo is the daughter of the late Hon. Kiruhi, former Member of Parliament for Starehe Constituency. Despite being born in Kenya, she relocated to the UK at an early age and eventually graduated from the University of Bedfordshire with a degree in Social Work.

Additionally, she is the founder and Chair of the multi-award-winning Luton, Dunstable & Surrounding Kenya Community Forum.

As the new Dunstable Town Mayor, Kimondo's role will revolve around serving as a representative of the town to support the community. The Mayor also typically raises money for local charities through events and fundraising.

Another key role the Kenyan-born leader will undertake as Mayor is presiding over meetings of the Town Council while ensuring efficient and effective business.

Since Kimondo has been elevated to Mayor before her four-year term as councillor came to an end, the Dunstable councillor seat will be declared vacant as per the UK’s Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.

A photo of Dunstable East Councillor Sally Kimondo

Photo

Sally Kimondo