Embu County Governor Cecily Mbarire has called for an increase in the number of women governors in Kenya, aiming to raise the total to 24 by 2027.

Currently, out of 47 counties, only seven are led by women, a number Mbarire describes as insufficient.

Mbarire’s vision

Speaking in Machakos during the second edition of the Women Governors’ Convergence, part of the G7 Initiative, Mbarire expressed her vision of seeing the number of women governors rise to the 20s.

She insists that women in leadership contribute positively to governance and management.

“Our goal is to increase the number of women governors to 24 by 2027. We have observed that when women lead, operations are smooth and effective.

“We want to make a difference and encourage more women to pursue leadership roles,” Mbarire said.

The two-day event featured tours of county facilities, including health centres and daycare, and concluded with the groundbreaking of a Level 6 Hospital. Additionally, the governors engaged with over 5,000 women at Kenyatta Stadium in an interactive session focused on empowerment and leadership.

Attendees included host Governor Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos), Council of Governors Chairperson and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Susan Kihika (Nakuru), Fatuma Achani (Kwale), Kawira Mwangaza (Meru), and Mbarire.

Women Governors launch

Earlier this year, the seven women governors launched the G7 Strategy to strengthen governance and promote women’s leadership at the county level.

The initiative aims to empower women leaders and foster transformative governance, addressing the need for greater gender equality in leadership and economic participation.

Various governmental and non-governmental organizations have partnered in this initiative to support the empowerment of women leaders.