Machakos County Government recently showcased various projects across the devolved unit as Governor Wavinya Ndeti hosted female governors. The event, known as the G7, featured seven female governors who conducted a series of meetings in Machakos County over two days as part of their tour across their jurisdictions.
The grand finale at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Friday drew over 10,000 aspiring female leaders. During the event, the governors observed Wavinya’s extensive empowerment program aimed at supporting the less privileged in society.
They also praised her effective collaboration with her deputy, Francis Mwangangi, highlighting their successful working relationship, especially in contrast to the common power struggles seen between other governors and their deputies, which often hinder service delivery.
The empowerment program on Friday included the distribution of various equipment to residents, such as 6-kg gas cylinders, water tanks, car wash machines, and modern cookstoves. Ndeti explained that these items were intended to economically empower the underprivileged across the eight sub-counties.
“I’m proud to give out empowerment equipment to groups of youth, women and even individuals. These equipment include solar lanterns, environment-friendly Jikos, and chainsaws for traders, water tanks, car wash machines, tents, seats and catering equipment,” Ndeti said.
The event in Machakos County saw a notable attendance of women leaders, including Ida Odinga, spouse of ODM chief Raila Odinga, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, and others. The leaders encouraged Kenyans to elect more women governors in the 2027 general elections.
During their visit, the female governors toured various projects led by Governor Wavinya Ndeti. They inspected the Kaviani-Kathalani road in Kathiani sub-county, a County Government-funded project expected to boost the local economy by improving trade in the grassroots area.
The group also visited the Machakos Modern Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, which will feature an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a basketball court, a football pitch, and an athletics track. This facility aims to nurture and commercialize young talent. Additionally, Machakos County plans to establish a football academy in partnership with FIFA International to further support this initiative.
The governors also observed the equipping of the county’s emergency response center, which will enhance coordination of emergency operations. The Machakos Gender-Based Violence Rescue Centre was also inaugurated, providing a safe space for survivors to receive care, services, and support for their recovery.
Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi highlighted that these initiatives mark a transformative step for the residents of Machakos County.
“This project is part of the county government’s deliberate plan to empower the people of Machakos with a clear social-economic intervention campaign,” he said.
Mwangangi lauded the Council of Governors Women caucus, saying it offers a platform to share ideas and partner on initiatives that uplift the lives of people.
Mwangangi said the equipment given to the residents includes clean energy cookstoves also known as Jikokoa to promote the Kenyan government’s campaign campaign against global warming.
“Transition to clean cookstoves (Jikokoa) promotes clean cooking energy crucial for sustainable environmental conservation,” he said.
Mwangangi said the country must strive to solve climate change by exploring available mechanisms as part of national and global efforts to combat its effects.
Most households rely on traditional cooking methods that harm the environment and pose serious health risks to the people, he said.
