Image: STANLEY NJENGA
Kiambu Governor James Nyoro has told women to fight for elective seats and not wait to be nominated.
“In Kiambu we have 32 nominated women in the county assembly and it is high time women come out and fight for positions,” he said.
Nyoro spoke during International Women's Day on Tuesday.
The county head said he will support women in Kiambu so they get their rightful position in society.
“My government has been keen on empowering women at different levels and even creating opportunities. This is in line with this year’s campaign theme: Breaking the Bias. I urge women to form groups and saccos so they may benefit from county subsidised loans for their businesses,” Nyoro said.
The governor launched the Kiambu County SGBV Directory to boost response to violence and offer psychosocial support and counselling to survivors of gender-based violence.
The directory contains contacts and information on how to deal with such cases.
“Kiambu is not just an ordinary county as we are businesspeople and Nairobi is near us. We have to think about how Nairobi is going to be useful to us," Nyoro said.
Nyoro said women who have the most votes should help shape the future of their children.
“This is a transition election and women should vote wisely as it will determine the future of their children,” he said.
Nyoro urged leaders to respect each other and respect President Uhuru Kenyatta.
"Some leaders have resorted to calling President Kenyatta ‘Huyu Mjamaa’ as if they are age mates. If only we could respect each other, we would be far," the governor said.
“Let’s not play politics for the sake of it. Empty debes make the most noise. Let's look at development as politics can be played all the time.”
He advised Kiambu residents that before boarding any political bus, they should verify where the bus is going and not be quick to take political sides without knowing what is in it for them.
“In Kiambu people entered political buses a long time ago before knowing where the bus was headed. We need to ask ourselves where the bus is going and what we want," Nyoro said.
Edited by A.N
Image: STANLEY NJENGA