Anne Waiguru facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anne Mumbi Waiguru
EGH
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| Chairperson, Council of Governors (COG) Emeritus, 2022–October 2024(CoG) | |
| Second-term Governor of Kirinyaga County | |
| Assumed office 22 August 2017 |
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| Deputy | David Githanda |
| Cabinet Secretary for Devolution | |
| In office 15 May 2013 – 21 November 2015 |
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| President | William Ruto |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Anne Mumbi
16 April 1971 |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Political party | United Democratic Alliance (Kenya) |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | Egerton University University of Nairobi |
Anne Mumbi Waiguru, born on April 16, 1971, is a well-known leader in Kenya. She is currently the Governor of Kirinyaga County, a position she has held since August 22, 2017. She made history in 2017 when she became one of the first women to be elected as a governor in Kenya.
She was re-elected for her second five-year term as Governor in the elections held on August 9, 2022. Before becoming a governor, she served as the first Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Devolution and Planning. This was a very important role in the Kenyan government.
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Anne Waiguru's Journey
Her Education
Anne Waiguru went to Nairobi River Primary School. She then attended Precious Blood Girls' Secondary School, Riruta. After that, she studied at Moi Forces Academy, Nairobi. She focused on mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
She earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture and home economics from Egerton University. Later, she received a master's degree in economics from the University of Nairobi. Her studies helped her become an expert in managing public money and improving government services.
Starting Her Career
Anne Waiguru began her work in public service by helping to improve government operations. She worked at the National Treasury, focusing on how the government spends money. She was also involved in programs that helped the economy grow.
In 2011, she was recognized as one of the top 40 women under 40 in Kenya. This showed her strong leadership skills early in her career. She also worked as a director for a system called IFMIS, which helps manage government finances.
Leading as Governor
Becoming Kirinyaga's Governor
In 2017, Anne Waiguru was elected as the Governor of Kirinyaga County. She was one of only three women governors elected that year. She worked to create a long-term plan for Kirinyaga County called the Mountain Cities Blueprint. This plan helps guide the county's development for 15 years.
As governor, she has improved healthcare services. She also worked on upgrading roads and other important structures. She is developing an industrial park to help local businesses make products from their farm produce.
Helping Communities Grow
Governor Waiguru started a program called Wezesha Kirinyaga. This program helps people in the county improve their lives. It focuses on farming projects like poultry, dairy, avocados, and tomatoes. For example, many groups are supported to produce millions of eggs each month. This helps families earn more money.
The program also aims to build factories to process farm products. This adds value to what farmers grow. Another project is an apparel factory where women make hospital linens and school uniforms.
Re-election and Continued Leadership
In the 2022 general election, Anne Waiguru was re-elected as Kirinyaga County Governor. She won a closely contested race. This marked her second term leading the county.
She was also elected as the chairperson of the Council of Governors (COG) in September 2022. This made her the first woman to lead this important council in Kenya. In 2023, she was re-elected for a second term as the COG chair. Her goal is to make sure that county governments receive all the necessary resources and responsibilities.
Women in Leadership
Anne Waiguru is part of a group of seven women governors elected in the August 9, 2022, Kenyan general election. This group is sometimes called the G-7 governors. This is the highest number of women elected to this position since Kenya started its devolved system of government in 2013. In 2017, only three women were elected as governors.
The other female governors elected in 2022 include Susan Kihika of Nakuru County, Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay County, Cecily Mutitu Mbarire of Embu County, Wavinya Ndeti of Machakos County, Fatuma Achani of Kwale County, and Kawira Mwangaza of Meru County. These women leaders are inspiring many young people in Kenya.
