Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has been recognized as the political trailblazer of the year at the East African Women of Excellence Awards.
At a gala dinner held in Nairobi, Waiguru was honored for her exceptional leadership achievements and for being a woman of many firsts.
Acknowledged for her outstanding contributions in the political arena, Waiguru was celebrated for her efforts to bring about positive change in the country and for her dedication to inspiring and empowering women to ascend to leadership positions.
Among the nominees for the award were Governors Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) and Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos), as well as Members of Parliament Neisula Lesuuda, Gladys Boss, Esther Passaris, and Beatrice Elachi.
Expressing her gratitude after receiving the award, Waiguru thanked the organizers and the people of Kenya for their belief in her.
She interpreted the recognition as an invitation to continue her support for, upliftment of, and empowerment of women across the globe.
“Let me emphasise 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,” Waiguru said.
“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.
She added that more needs to be done in addressing the ongoing challenges hindering women’s progress in the society among them reproductive health issues.
Waiguru noted that the death of Njambi Koikai, an endometriosis warrior, should serve as a wake-up call to 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.”
The East African Women of Excellence Awards, according to CITAM Deputy Bishop Rev. Justus Mugambi, aims to recognize outstanding women in the corporate and business sectors across East Africa who have shown remarkable leadership, innovation, and influence in their respective industries.
Rev. Mugambi emphasized that these inaugural awards set a precedent for future generations, highlighting the importance of acknowledging women’s achievements and fostering a culture where their contributions are valued. He expressed hope that this recognition would inspire more women to strive for excellence in their endeavors.
He also pledged ongoing support for women, affirming CITAM’s commitment to promoting, acknowledging, and empowering women to take up leadership positions and engage in activities that contribute to building a better world.
Among the notable winners at the awards ceremony were Cabinet Secretary for Trade and Investment Rebecca Miano, who was honored as the Public Service leader of the year for her contributions to public administration.
Njeri Njomo was recognized as CEO of the Year, Pastor Esther Obasi-Ike received the Woman of Impact award, and Sarah Kabu was named Entrepreneur of the Year, among other deserving recipients.
