Kajiado: Governor Joseph Ole Lenku of Kajiado has called on Kenyans to embrace women’s leadership, including in elective positions, noting that gender equity is essential for building strong, inclusive, and progressive societies. Speaking over the weekend in Kajiado town, Governor Lenku commended women for their growing participation in leadership and professional spaces, saying they possess the knowledge, resilience, and capability to drive change and development.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Lenku emphasized the need to empower women and encourage their participation in fields traditionally dominated by men, such as medicine, law, and engineering. He criticized cultural practices within the Maasai community that continue to marginalize women, describing them as retrogressive and harmful to community progress and development.
Governor Lenku expressed disappointment over the lack of women elected to political office in Kajiado County, with the exception of the Woman Representative, in the last elections. He stressed the importance of inclusive governance for holistic development and urged for deliberate efforts to support women’s political participation.
Governor Lenku also encouraged women to pursue leadership roles and praised those currently serving in appointed positions for their exceptional performance. He highlighted the effectiveness of women in government roles, noting that they often outperform their male counterparts, and urged more women to step forward and assume leadership positions.
Additionally, the Governor called on communities to prioritize girls’ education, describing it as the foundation of empowerment and sustainable progress. He emphasized that no society can prosper when one gender is marginalized and urged for the strengthening of women as partners in development.
