As Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza faces impeachment attempts, women in leadership roles across Kenya rally behind her, using the opportunity to advocate for more female representation in politics. Led by the Council of Governors chairperson Anne Waiguru, a cohort of female governors pledged support for Mwangaza, affirming their commitment to increasing the number of women governors from the current seven to 24 by the next general elections in 2027.
Strengthening Women’s Leadership
At a recent Council of Governors Women Caucus (G7) press conference in Nairobi, Waiguru emphasized the need to encourage more women to pursue gubernatorial positions despite the challenges they might face. “Ours is to encourage other leaders and ourselves as well because as you all know, it’s not easy to be a governor and certainly not easy to be a woman governor,” Waiguru noted. This sentiment resonates deeply in a political landscape where female leaders are often subjected to greater scrutiny and resistance.
The press conference featured an assembly of prominent female governors, including Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos), Susan Kihika (Nakuru), Fatuma Achani (Kwale), Cecily Mbarire (Embu), and Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay). Together, they not only supported Mwangaza but also showcased their achievements, signaling the beginning of a two-day tour in Machakos County. Hosted by Ndeti, this tour aims to highlight the development projects led by women governors, demonstrating the tangible benefits of female leadership.
The G7 Initiative
Waiguru articulated the broader goals of the G7 initiative, which seeks to inspire and mobilize more women into leadership roles by fostering a sense of unity and mutual learning among the existing women governors. “We also want to show that women exemplify exceptional leadership qualities,” she said, noting that the initiative began in Homabay County. By touring different counties and highlighting successful development projects, the G7 hopes to demystify devolution and illustrate its intended impact on local governance.
After Machakos, the G7 plans to visit Nakuru, Embu, Kirinyaga, Kwale, and Meru, showcasing the work of women leaders in these regions. The objective is clear: to pave the way for an increase in female governors, transforming the G7 into G24 by 2027. Waiguru encouraged male counterparts seeking re-election to consider female running mates, emphasizing the positive contributions women can make in governance.
Empowering Local Communities
Governor Wavinya Ndeti expressed her enthusiasm for the G7 tour, highlighting the opportunity to showcase the achievements of Machakos County under her leadership. “I’m excited to welcome my sister governors to experience the beauty of Machakos and see for themselves what we have been able to accomplish in the last two years,” Ndeti said. The tour will feature projects spanning healthcare, youth empowerment, talent development, social welfare, climate change, and infrastructure, as well as the ‘Mama Initiative’ at the Matuu Daycare Centre.
The climax of the tour will be the G7 Machakos County activation at Kenyatta Stadium, where Ndeti plans to launch an empowerment initiative by distributing equipment to women and youth groups. This initiative aims to benefit 227,600 residents, reflecting a significant investment in the county’s future.
A Call for More Women in Leadership
As the female governors embark on their tour, they hope to inspire a new generation of women to seek leadership roles in Kenyan politics. Despite the obstacles they face, Waiguru and her colleagues remain steadfast in their mission to break barriers and expand the presence of women in governance. Through unity, collaboration, and determination, they aim to ensure that the next election sees a significant rise in the number of women holding gubernatorial positions, paving the way for more inclusive and representative leadership in Kenya.
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