A Kenyan has made history in the US by becoming the first official Photo Editor for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Polly Irungu announced the good news on her Twitter handle after bagging the prestigious role.
"New chapter I’m excited to announce that I’m the first official Photo Editor for the Office of the Vice President to the Biden-Harris Administration. Honored and grateful is an understatement," Polly said.
Her Twitter profile indicates that she is a woman from a family of firsts.
The profile shows that she's the founder of Black Women Photographers, a global community and directory of over 1,000 black photographers.
She said July 7, 2022 marked the second anniversary since its launch.
Polly's appointment came less than a month after her mother, Jane Irungu, was elected the first Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Utah State University (USU) on July 1, 2022.
Jane's profile in an article on the University's website shows that she began her career as a high school teacher and then principal in Kenya before moving to the U.S. to pursue graduate studies.
New chapter ✨ I’m excited to announce that I’m the first official Photo Editor for the Office of the Vice President to the Biden-Harris Administration. Honored and grateful is an understatement. 🙏🏾✨ pic.twitter.com/wmxp6BMdvv
— Polly Irungu (@pollyirungu) July 28, 2022
The article was posted by the News Director at the Utah State University, Emilie Wheeler.
Polly replied to the post saying, "That’s my mom."
The article does not state when Jane left Kenya but it reveals that she originally learned about USU as a sports fan.
"I had never been to Utah before I started interviewing for this position,” she said.
“But I was following Utah State very closely, because I’m a college football nerd,” Jane told the writer of the article, Jen Wright, the Assistant Director for Strategic Communications at the university.
“I’m very grateful to be here and for the opportunity to be part of the USU community,” she added.
We're very excited to have @JNIrungu here on campus as our first VP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that will benefit the entire @USUAggies community.https://t.co/rLjZUhM8Jc
— Emilie Wheeler (@emiliescribbles) July 21, 2022
Jane, a PhD holder, also identifies herself as a Higher Education Administrator at USU.
She showered her daughter with praise on her new role in the White House.
"So proud of my daughter @pollyirungu !!! Congratulations again and again #inclusionmatters I know you will do great," Jane said in a tweet.
Kenyans back home also extended their congratulatory messages to Polly.
Among them is Patricia Kihoro, a renowned content creator, former musician and radio presenter.
"Whoooop! Congratulations!!," Patricia said.
Public Relations practitioner, Lindah Mbaisi, also extended her congratulatory message saying.
Journalists Kennedy Wandera (VOA), Dickens Olewe (BBC) and musician Dan Aceda also congratulated Polly for her new role.
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