By Flora Awinja
Kwale County came to a standstill on Thursday as G7 governors arrived on a high-profile visit, attracting widespread attention.
Their entrance was marked by heavy security presence and a long convoy of luxury vehicles, leaving bystanders both captivated and amused.
The seven governors were in the county to champion women’s empowerment and urged more women to join politics.
The event was graced by Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mlongo and Devolution Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika, who were hosted by Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani.
Other female governors in attendance included Anne Waiguru of Kirinyaga, Cecily Mbarire of Embu, Gladys Wanga of Homabay, Susan Kihika of Nakuru, and Wavinya Ndeti of Machakos.
The governors inaugurated several development projects before gathering at Kwale Teachers Training College for the main event.
Some of the projects launched included the long-awaited Kwale Oncology Centre and the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of Intensive Care and Renal Units at Kinango Sub-County Hospital.
In her speech, Mbarire said that more women can enter politics if they remain united.
She also appreciated the growing influence of women in leadership.
“Things are changing, and thanks to devolution, we now have female governors, which was not the case before,” she said.
Waiguru acknowledged the progress, noting a slight improvement in the number of female governors increasing from three to seven.
She said that the G7 group advocates for the number of women governors to rise to 24 in the future.
Host Governor Achani said that her development record serves as clear evidence that women are fully capable of leadership roles.
Achani said that she excelled as a deputy governor and is now performing exceptionally well as the current governor.
“We aim to increase the number of women in gubernatorial positions in the upcoming election, as my accomplishments demonstrate that this is achievable,” she said.
Wanga praised Achani for being the first Muslim woman governor to lead a county, adding that no woman should feel discouraged from achieving her goals.
She said that Achani’s accomplishment will be remembered in history and that nothing should deter women from pursuing leadership positions.
Governor Kihika remarked that Achani’s journey as the first Muslim female governor of Kwale should inspire others to support and uplift women leaders, including those emerging in the political arena.
She urged women to continue supporting one another and to consider joining politics.
