Kenyan-Born Sally Kimondo Makes History as Dunstable’s First Black Mayor

Sally Kimondo, a Kenyan-born social worker and community leader, has been elected as the first Black mayor of Dunstable, United Kingdom. Her appointment, announced on 19th May 2025 during the 40th annual meeting of the Dunstable Town Council, marks a significant milestone in the town’s history, celebrating diversity and progress in local governance.

Born in Kenya as the daughter of the late Hon. Kiruhi, former Member of Parliament for Starehe Constituency, Sally Kimondo relocated to the UK at a young age. She settled in Dunstable, a town 45km north of London, approximately 20 years ago. Kimondo graduated from the University of Bedfordshire with a degree in Social Work, a field in which she has built a distinguished career. Her commitment to community service and advocacy for social change has been a cornerstone of her professional and political journey. Kimondo’s political ascent began nearly a year ago when she was elected as the Dunstable East Councillor in January 2024, securing 372 votes and defeating three other candidates on a Dunstable and Houghton Regis Labour Party ticket. Her campaign focused on addressing local issues such as fuel costs, improving amenities, fixing street lighting, and tackling potholes to enhance the livability of Dunstable East. Her recent elevation to mayor, before the completion of her four-year councillor term, has led to her councillor seat being declared vacant as per the UK’s Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.

As mayor, Kimondo brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering inclusivity. In her statement following the election, the 47-year-old emphasized her dedication to continuing the work of her predecessors while promoting multiculturalism. “I am an immigrant who has settled in the UK and made Dunstable my home,” she said. “Diversity and the ability to connect with people in different ways are what I bring to this role. I’ve experienced domestic violence and discrimination, which has taught me to be more considerate of others.” Kimondo’s personal experiences have shaped her leadership philosophy. She aims to champion community cohesion and address anti-social behavior by collaborating with local agencies. Her vision includes recognizing and amplifying the positive contributions of diverse communities in Dunstable. “I’m someone who has worked hard and wants to give back to the community and society,” she added, highlighting her commitment to public service.

Beyond her political roles, Kimondo is the founder and chair of the Luton, Dunstable & Surrounding Kenya Community Forum (LDSKCF), a multi-award-winning organization that provides a platform for Kenyan diaspora members to connect, share their culture, and support one another. The forum has been instrumental in fostering integration and celebrating Kenyan heritage in the region. Her work with LDSKCF has earned her recognition as a tireless advocate for the rights of Kenyans in the diaspora. Kimondo’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Posts on X celebrated her election, with users like @dansonmukile calling it a “powerful symbol” and @mwarv, a former classmate, expressing pride in her achievement. The Dunstable Town Council echoed this sentiment, describing her appointment as “a powerful moment of progress and representation for Dunstable.”

Kimondo’s election as mayor follows her swearing-in as a councillor, where she pledged to tackle pressing community issues. Her new role as mayor, supported by Deputy Town Mayor Richard Attwell, positions her to lead Dunstable with a focus on unity and progress. The town council’s spokesperson praised her leadership, stating, “Her appointment is a testament to the strength of unity and community spirit.” This historic win adds Kimondo to a growing list of Kenyan women making significant strides in global leadership. Other notable figures include Elizabeth Wanjiku Kang’ethe, who became the first British-Kenyan mayor of Barking and Dagenham in 2014, and Lilian Seenoi-Barr, who was elected the first Black mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council in Northern Ireland in 2024. These achievements highlight the increasing influence of Kenyan women in international politics.

Kimondo’s election has sparked discussions about the potential for her leadership to inspire more Kenyan women to pursue leadership roles globally. As @KeDailyOnline noted on X, “Could her rise spark a new wave of Kenyan women stepping into leadership roles across the globe?” Her story is one of resilience, determination, and a commitment to uplifting her community, making her a powerful symbol of hope and progress. As Dunstable embarks on this new chapter under Kimondo’s leadership, her appointment stands as a beacon of inclusivity and a reminder of the impact of diverse voices in shaping a brighter future.

Congratulations, Mayor Sally Kimondo, on this historic milestone!