Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has been named as the political trailblazer of the year for her exceptional achievements in leadership.
Waiguru was recognized as a woman of many firsts during the East African Women of Excellence Awards gala dinner held in a Nairobi hotel on Friday evening.
Organizers of the awards BH Media Agency said Waiguru emerged the top among seven women leaders who had been nominated for the award. Other nominees in the same category were; Governors Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) and Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos), MPs; Neisula Lesuuda, Gladys Boss, Esther Passaris and Beatrice Elachi.
In particular, Waiguru was honored for excelling in the political field, her effort to bring change in the country and also work to inspire and empower women to rise to leadership positions.
During the awards, Cabinet Secretary for Trade and Investment Rebecca Miano was named as the Public Service leader of the year in recognition to her public administration work.
She emerged winner among other nominees who included Chief Justice Martha Koome, Auditor General Nancy Gathungu, CS Soipan Tuya and Susan Nakhumicha, national security advisor Monica Juma and Salaries and Remuneration Commission Chairperson Lynn Mengich.
Njeri Njomo won the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the year award, Woman of Impact award went to Pastor Esther Obasi-Ike while Sarah Kabu bagged the Entrepreneur of the Year award among other winners.
Christ Is the Answer Ministries (CITAM) Deputy Bishop Rev. Justus Mugambi said the award seeks to honor top women in corporate and business across East Africa who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact on their respective industries.
Rev Mugambi said the inaugural awards sets precedence for future generation where accomplishment of women are valued and will create a ripple effect that inspires more women to pursue excellence.
“We will continue to support, recognize and empower women so that they can increasingly take up leadership roles and other activities that will help create a better world,” he said.
Governor Waiguru thanked the organizers of the awards and Kenyans for recognizing and having faith in her, terming the honor as an “invitation for her to continue supporting, uplifting and empowering women in every corner of the globe.”
“Let me emphasize to everyone present here that each of us holds a responsibility. Whether big or small, in our own little spaces, our contributions matter in addressing the challenges we face. It is through collective effort and individual commitment that we can truly make a difference. Let us not underestimate the power of our actions and let us stand together in pursuit of progress and equality,” Waiguru said.
The Council of Governors (COG) Chair said more need to be done in addressing the ongoing challenges hindering women’s progress in the society among them reproductive health.
Recent loss of Njambi Koikai, a renowned media personality, should serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgency of implementing concrete measures to improve women’s access to quality reproductive healthcare.
“This includes advocating for better healthcare policies, increasing funding for women’s health initiatives, and ensuring that women have the necessary support and resources to make informed decisions about their bodies,” she added.
Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage Aisha Jumwa who was the Chief Guest during the event said the country has had enough of stereotyping and segregation of women and has deliberately rolled out programs targeting to improve lives of women and youths.
She said the Kenya Kwanza government has embraced inclusion of women in all spheres of the society to ensure no one is left behind.
“We are committed to breaking down gender barriers, challenge stereotypes, and encourage a more inclusive society where women have equal opportunities and representation,” the CS said.
