Jomde Kena

Jomde Kena was an Indian politician from the state of Arunachal Pradesh, remembered for his contribution to the political and social development of the region. He rose from local-level governance to become a cabinet minister in the Arunachal Pradesh government, serving in key portfolios such as Health and Family Welfare and Transport. His career was marked by his commitment to rural development, healthcare accessibility, and infrastructure improvement in one of India’s most geographically challenging states.

Early Life and Background

Jomde Kena was born on 31 December 1967 in Taramori village under Gensi circle, located in the present-day Lower Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Coming from a modest family, he experienced the challenges of rural life in a remote part of the northeast. He lost his father at a young age but continued his education with determination. His early interest in community affairs and local governance eventually led him to public service.
Before entering state politics, Kena began his career in grassroots administration. He served as a member of the Zilla Parishad (district council), where he developed a deep understanding of governance issues at the village and district levels. His early administrative experience became the foundation for his later success as a state legislator and minister.

Political Career

Jomde Kena’s political journey began with his election to the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly from the Likabali constituency in 2004. He first contested as an independent candidate and won, demonstrating his popularity and credibility at the local level. He was re-elected in 2009 and again in 2014, later representing the Indian National Congress before aligning with other political parties during his career.
In 2009, he was appointed as the Deputy Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, a position in which he played an important role in maintaining legislative order and facilitating parliamentary processes. His leadership during assembly proceedings earned him respect from members across party lines.
Following his tenure as Deputy Speaker, he joined the state cabinet and served as Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, where he worked to improve road connectivity and public transport services in a state known for its difficult terrain. Later, in 2016, he became the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, focusing on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and promoting better medical services for rural and tribal communities.

Major Contributions and Initiatives

As a cabinet minister, Jomde Kena worked towards improving the lives of people in remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh through practical and community-based initiatives.

• Infrastructure and Connectivity: He placed strong emphasis on expanding rural transport networks, recognising that connectivity was key to economic growth and social inclusion in hilly and remote regions.
• Healthcare Development: As Health Minister, he initiated measures to improve the availability of primary healthcare centres and encouraged the recruitment of medical staff for far-flung districts. He advocated for better health awareness and preventive care among rural populations.
• Grassroots Empowerment: His political philosophy was rooted in empowering local governance institutions, reflecting his own rise from district-level administration.

Through these initiatives, he worked to bridge the gap between policy formulation at the state level and practical implementation in the villages.

Political Ideology and Vision

Jomde Kena’s political vision reflected the developmental aspirations of the northeastern states. He strongly believed in inclusive growth that addressed both infrastructure and human development. His approach combined administrative efficiency with empathy for the daily struggles of rural and tribal communities.
He often emphasised the need for improved communication networks, better access to health and education, and the empowerment of local communities through decentralised governance. His leadership style was known for being approachable, people-centric, and grounded in the realities of his constituency.

Challenges in Office

Serving in a frontier state like Arunachal Pradesh posed significant challenges, including limited infrastructure, difficult geography, and resource constraints. Despite his efforts, implementation delays and logistical issues remained hurdles in achieving rapid development. Moreover, the political instability that occasionally affected the state added complexity to his ministerial responsibilities.
Nevertheless, Kena’s focus on long-term goals and his commitment to the welfare of his constituency were widely acknowledged. His untimely death curtailed what many believed would have been an even more influential political career.

Personal Life and Legacy

Jomde Kena was known as a family-oriented and community-driven individual. He was married and a father of six children. Despite his responsibilities in government, he maintained close ties with his native village and continued to support local initiatives and youth development programmes.
He passed away on 4 September 2017 at a hospital in Guwahati, Assam, after a prolonged illness. His death was deeply mourned across Arunachal Pradesh. The state government accorded him full honours during his funeral at his hometown of Gensi.

Legacy and Remembrance

Jomde Kena’s legacy is defined by his rise from humble beginnings to become a respected public leader dedicated to his people’s welfare. He is remembered for his role in improving transport and healthcare systems in Arunachal Pradesh and for his efforts to make governance more inclusive and accountable.
As one of the prominent political figures from the Lower Siang region, Kena symbolised the aspirations of smaller and remote communities within India’s northeastern landscape. His contributions continue to inspire future generations of leaders in Arunachal Pradesh, demonstrating that dedication to public service and a focus on regional development can create lasting impact.