‘We Exemplify Exceptional Leadership’ – Waiguru Leads Female Governors Advocate For Greater Representation
Women governors representing the G7 caucus have pledged to lead a sustained campaign to empower and mentor more women into positions of leadership.
The leaders vowed to collaborate not only to achieve socioeconomic transformation in their respective counties but also to increase the number of women in influential leadership positions throughout the country.
The six Governors spoke yesterday during a guided tour of various development projects in Machakos County led by Wavinya Ndeti.
The leaders promised to use their platforms and influence to create an environment in which future female leaders can thrive.
Accompanied by my G-7 colleagues,I later laid the Foundation stone for the construction of the proposed Muindi Mbingu Hospital in the New Machakos City and also opened the Gender-Based Violence Recovery Center next to the Machakos People's Park.
— Wavinya Ndeti Oduwole, EGH (@Wavinya_Ndeti) August 15, 2024
A newly-built Fire Station and a… pic.twitter.com/0jbFzGLi6v
The initiative comes at a time when global discussions on gender equality and women’s empowerment are gaining traction, particularly in political and corporate leadership.
The female governors acknowledged the obstacles that women frequently face when advancing to leadership positions, such as systemic barriers, gender biases, and a lack of access to networks and mentorship opportunities.
To address these challenges, the leaders intend to establish comprehensive mentorship programs, provide leadership training resources, and host forums where young women can engage with and learn from experienced female leaders.
What a wonderful start of the G7 Machakos chapter development tour and warm welcome by Governor Wavinya @Wavinya_Ndeti. In under two years HE has laid a solid foundation for skills and job training in Kyamutheke Vocational training as well as health care systems in Machakos… pic.twitter.com/IIaWOMyH6G
— Anne Waiguru EGH, OGW (@AnneWaiguru) August 15, 2024
“The idea of G-7 is to encourage women aspiring for leadership and show them that it can actually be done,” said Kirinyaga County boss.
“We also want to show that women exemplify exceptional leadership qualities as demonstrated by Governor Wavinya.”
Ann Waiguru is also the chair of the Council of Governors.
The visiting governors, including Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Cecily Mbarire (Embu), Susan Kihika (Nakuru), Fatuma Achani (Kwale), and Waiguru, praised Wavinya for establishing Machakos Youth Service.
The program is designed to lift the youth out of poverty and turn them into wealth creators.
“What I was able to learn from this visit and I thank Governor Wavinya for is introducing the program of Machakos Youth Service. I am confident that it will be a game changer and will consider also introducing the same in Nakuru county,” Governor Kihika said.
Mbarire expressed similar sentiments, vowing to copy the concept and launch Embu Youth Service.
“As women leaders we are trying to learn from each other and exchange ideas that work for the benefit of our electorate,” she said.
On Tuesday, Ndeti wrapped up a series of countywide public participation forums aimed at engaging youth in discussions about proposed amendments to the Machakos County Youth Empowerment Act, 2022, which seeks to legally establish Machakos Youth Service.
“Ms Ndeti has done a lot in the last two years even though she took over the reins when counties were not receiving a lot of money. You need to support her to complete her 10 years,” Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said.
The leaders visited several key development projects, including the groundbreaking of the Athiriver Level 4 hospital, which will have 102 beds and the capacity to handle approximately 88,000 patients per year.
In New Machakos City, Ndeti led her colleagues in laying the groundwork for a massive specialty hospital named after the famous freedom fighter Muindi Mbingu.
The 600-bed facility, which is scheduled for completion in 2026, will house a modern cancer center, and mother and child complex, among other complex medical services.
At the Machakos New City site, an upcoming modern sports complex with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, indoor and outdoor games, and training facilities was also unveiled.
An already completed and fully equipped Gender-Based Violence Rescue Centre was also inaugurated.
‘We Exemplify Exceptional Leadership’ – Waiguru Leads Female Governors Advocate For Greater Representation
