Women governors benchmark in Machakos, laud Wavinya Ndeti

Women governors have asked Machakos leaders and residents to support Governor Wavinya Ndeti in her development agenda.

The governors said political goodwill from leaders was critical for any Governor to achieve their vision.

They praised Governor Ndeti as a visionary leader who is fit to ascend to an even higher office.

Speaking when they toured Machakos County on a benchmarking mission on Thursday, governors Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Cecily Mbarire (Embu), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Susan Kihika (Nakuru), and Fatuma Achani (Kwale), said Machakos County was rising above the challenges facing devolution and accomplished a lot in the last two years.

They singled out the Machakos Youth Service which Ms Ndeti says is a programme tailored to uplifting the youth from poverty.

“Ms Ndeti has done a lot in the last two years despite the fact that she took over the reins when counties are not receiving a lot of money. You need to support her to complete her 10 years,” Ms Wanga said.

Ms Ndeti’s administration has recently concluded public participation on a law meant to anchor Machakos Youth Service as it puts final touches on the programme which seeks to empower young people by providing them with training and entrepreneurship opportunities.

“Among the programmes which I have found innovative and the one which I’ll replicate in Nakuru is the Machakos Youth Service. It is a game changer,” said Ms Kihika.

The women governors also expressed their support toward Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza as she awaits the Senate’s verdict on her pending impeachment trial which will be heard by Plenary.

“We at this time also express our sincere support to our sister Ms Mwangaza who wasn’t able to be here today with us because of the impeachment that she is going through right now and she has to prepare for Monday and Tuesday. We hope that she sails through, and that shouldn’t dissuade other women who want to run for the gubernatorial seat,” said Ms Waiguru who is also the Council of Governors chairperson.

Ms Waiguru disclosed that the aim of the G-7 was to encourage women in leadership by encouraging those already elected to come together, visit one another and benchmark on development projects already implemented by their colleagues as they are currently doing in Machakos County.

The visit by the G-7 Caucus ends on Friday (today) with a rally at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

The six women governors also broke ground for the construction of two major hospitals in a ceremony near Machakos town.

The hospitals are expected to transform healthcare provision in Machakos County as well as ease congestion at the Machakos Level 5 Hospital.

Governor Ndeti also broke ground for the construction of Athi-River Level 4 Hospital before proceeding to Machakos where she laid the foundation stone for the construction of the proposed Muindi Mbingu Specialty Hospital in the New Machakos City.

The Governor also opened the Gender-Based Violence Recovery Centre next to the Machakos People's Park.

A newly-built Fire Station and a proposed Machakos Sports Complex are other facilities in the New Machakos City.

Speaking at the site, the Governor said the projects were pivotal for the health and wellness the people.

The GBV Recovery Centre will provide sanctuary for victims of gender-based violence as they are treated and counselled while awaiting to be reunited with their families.

It comprises of 30 rooms which can hold 30 survivors at ago who will be under the watch of doctors and nurses.

The governors were also shown a prototype of the Football Technical Centre complete with a modern stadium at the New Machakos City and whose construction is expected to commence soon.