Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has called on Kenyans to embrace women’s leadership, including in elective positions, noting that gender equity is essential for building strong, inclusive, and progressive societies.
Speaking over the weekend in Kajiado town, Governor Lenku commended women for their growing participation in leadership and professional spaces, saying they possess the knowledge, resilience, and capability to drive change and development.
“Let us hold the hands of our women and empower them. It is encouraging to see women excelling in fields that were once considered male-dominated, such as medicine, law, and engineering,” Lenku said.
He faulted cultural practices within the Maasai community that continue to sideline women, describing them as retrogressive and detrimental to community progress and development.
“It is unfortunate that no woman was elected into any political office in Kajiado County in the last elections, except the Woman Representative,” he said. “We must give women opportunities to lead because inclusive governance leads to holistic development.”
Lenku emphasized that the lack of women in elective leadership positions has contributed to development gaps in the county and called for deliberate efforts to support women’s political participation.
He further encouraged women to step forward and vie for leadership roles, commending those currently serving in appointed positions for their outstanding performance.
“The women in our government have demonstrated that they can deliver effectively and, in many cases, outperform their male counterparts. This should inspire more women to take leadership roles,” he added.
The Governor also urged communities to prioritize girls’ education, describing it as the foundation of empowerment and sustainable progress.
“No society can prosper when one gender is left behind. We are weaker as a community when we weaken our women. We must strengthen them because they are our partners in development,” he said.
By Diana Meneto
