Governor Waiguru to Persuade More Women to Enter Politics

By Robert Mutasi 

Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru has assured women her solid support to ensure more women are joining the political arena.

Waiguru vowed to increase the scope of political leadership positions for women in Kenya by persuading women who have potential in politics. 

While addressing female governors during the G7 Summit at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Friday, August 16, 2024, Waiguru highlighted strategies they will use to make the two-thirds gender rule effective.

"I am confident that with all our support and collective determination of the G7 we will achieve remarkable progress in advancing gender equality and fostering inclusive growth," said Waiguru. 

"Let us work together to build a future, where women's voices are not only heard but are integral in decision makings that shape our nation," she added. 

Kenya being a democratic country, it has managed to effect the principle of two-thirds in public and private sectors but still dormant in the political arena. For this reason, sensitization has been put in place to convince women to embrace politics for development and prosperity.

President William Ruto has been in the forefront of sensitization for women to vie for political positions across the two-third target as demanded by the Constitution of Kenya.

The Head of State backed the launch of strategies of the G7 Summit that was held in Homa Bay on March 7, 2024, as a tool of approaching more women to join politics in the upcoming general elections.

President Ruto is working closely with the G7 in running the campaign of asking Kenyans to consider voting for female leaders starting 2027.

To achieve this principle, Ruto drafted a bill that had some amendments on the two-thirds gender rule and implemented it.

The Bill that is expected to be tabled in parliament, one of its amendments is that male political candidates will be forced to appoint females as running mates.

In the 2022 general elections, seven female aspirants were elected as governors designing new outlook in the political arena.

Women who were elected in various political seats have shown their efforts in delivering to Kenyans by implementing major development projects. 

The G7 Summit aimed at increasing the number of female governors from 7 to 16 in the upcoming 2027 general elections.