Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has launched a nationwide drive to encourage women to participate in leadership and governance.
Waiguru is actively focusing on highlighting the role of women as key drivers of development in Kenya. The initiative, supported by the Daughters of Kenya (DOK) movement, comes amid calls for fair and transparent political processes and increased representation of women across all levels of leadership.
Speaking to over 1,500 women from across the country in a meeting at Kutus organised by DOK, Governor Waiguru emphasised that leadership should be guided by service, competence and commitment to development rather than political affiliation or gender.
She noted that women have historically been under-represented in decision-making spaces, which has limited the nation’s progress in addressing critical issues affecting families and communities.
“The time for women to step forward and claim their space in leadership is now,” Waiguru said. “We have proven that women can multitask, lead with integrity and deliver results that transform communities. Our participation in governance is not optional—it is essential for the nation’s growth,” she added.
The DOK movement, which organised the gathering, urged political parties to guarantee fair and transparent nomination processes while deliberately supporting women candidates seeking elective office.
The movement further called on government institutions to enforce gender equity as provided for in the Constitution and appealed to media and civil society to amplify women’s voices and leadership.
“Kenyans must make electoral choices based on integrity, competence, and service delivery, not merely on gender or political affiliation,” the movement said in a joint statement.
Governor Waiguru also announced a mentorship programme aimed at preparing women for leadership roles across political, private, and civil society sectors.
She said that empowering women to take up decision-making positions is critical in addressing long-standing social challenges, including gender-based violence, teenage pregnancies, and school dropouts.
“Leadership is about service, not self-interest,” Waiguru said. “By mentoring and supporting one another, we can ensure that women are not only participants but also drivers of national development,” added Waiguru.
The movement emphasised that women’s leadership is non-negotiable and that their voices will no longer be silenced. The Daughters of Kenya pledged to organise, mobilise, and lead, committing themselves to transforming political participation into real power and representation into tangible results for the people of Kenya.
The gathering also highlighted the progress women have made in governance, citing successes in counties like Kirinyaga, where women leaders have delivered impactful development programmes in health, education, and infrastructure.
“The evidence is clear: women lead effectively and produce results that touch the lives of all Kenyans,” Waiguru said.
In her address, Waiguru hinted at her future ambitions for national leadership, saying she would vie for the presidency in the coming years. However, she underscored that her immediate focus remains on empowering women and supporting initiatives that strengthen governance and development across the country.
“Our journey as women leaders is not just about holding positions; it is about ensuring that leadership translates into development, opportunity, and improved quality of life for every Kenyan,” she said.
The Daughters of Kenya concluded the event by calling on all Kenyans to support women aspiring for leadership roles and to actively participate in the democratic process to ensure a government that is representative, inclusive, and focused on sustainable development.
By David Wandeto
