Seven women governors – the highest number since the advent of devolution – were sworn in yesterday.

They are more than double those elected in 2017 (three) and a massive improvement from the 2013 elections when none were elected.

Besides Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who is the first woman to win a second term, Susan Kihika (Nakuru), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Fatuma Achani (Kwale), Cecily Mbarire (Embu), Kawira Mwangaza (Meru) and Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos) took the oath of office yesterday.

The seven were among 45 governors who formally took over leadership of the counties. Governor elections were postponed in Mombasa and Kakamega. The voting will take place on Monday.

Historic decision

In 2017, Waiguru, Joyce Laboso (Bomet) and Charity Ngilu (Kitui) became the first women governors to be elected. Laboso died in 2019 while Ngilu did not defend her seat in this year’s election.

During the swearing-in of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, President-elect William Ruto congratulated the women governors.

“In this election, the people made a historic decision. From the three women governors, we now have seven. Congratulations to the women of Kenya and all those elected as governors,” Ruto said.

Speaking in Meru after her swearing-in, Kawira who floored veteran politician Kiraitu Murungi, sent a warning that the corrupt in the county government will face the full force of the law.

Achani became the first woman to ascend to the coveted seat in the Coast region. She has been the  Kwale deputy governor since 2013.

Speaking to People Daily Achani said that it was not an easy race and the campaign became rougher and tougher in the home stretch.

“It wasn’t an easy journey. The campaign was tough battling men and others even started demeaning me as a woman and got too personal,” she said.