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| Governor Anne Waiguru (left) and DP Rigathi Gachagua (right). |
As the political landscape in Kenya continues to evolve, Anne Waiguru, the second-term governor of Kirinyaga County, has emerged as one of the most influential figures on the national stage. What pundits say about Anne Waiguru replacing Gachagua With Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s possible impeachment, many political pundits are speculating that Waiguru may be the likely candidate to fill the second-highest seat in the land. President William Ruto is said to have a “soft spot” for Waiguru due to her impeccable career, and it seems her time to shine may be coming sooner than expected. “Waiguru is not just a politician; she is a technocrat with a proven track record in public administration.
That’s why she’s respected not only by the political class but also by international development partners,” a source privy to the behind-the-scenes lobbying says. Waiguru’s journey in politics has been nothing short of revolutionary. Her career began long before she entered the political arena, marked by her pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s public service. With over 20 years of experience in Economic Policy and government affairs, Waiguru is widely respected as an expert in governance. Anne Waiguru’s excellent track record Under President Mwai Kibaki’s administration, she served as a Technical Advisor for Public Sector Reforms, on secondment from both the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme. Her work during this period laid the foundation for modernising Kenya’s public service.
Waiguru spearheaded key reforms such as implementing the Integrated Financial Management and Information System (IFMIS), which streamlined government procurement processes, and Huduma Centers, which revolutionized access to public services by providing a one-stop shop for citizens seeking government services. She also played a critical role in the Economic Stimulus Programme and supported informal sector development through her work with the National Youth Service (NYS). In 2013, Waiguru made history as Kenya’s first Devolution Cabinet Secretary. Tasked with overseeing the effective decentralization of key government services, she was instrumental in transferring both resources and capacity to the county governments, a key pillar of the new constitution. Her work in devolution not only transformed service delivery but also empowered local governments to take charge of their own development agendas.
“She played a key role in the rollout of devolution, ensuring that counties were not only funded but also equipped with the necessary capacity to deliver on their mandates,” Governance expert Meshack Mayende says. Governor Anne Waiguru speaking at a past event. Breaking Barriers: Governor of Kirinyaga County Waiguru’s political journey reached new heights in 2017 when she was elected as the Governor of Kirinyaga County, becoming one of Kenya’s first three female governors. Her victory marked a significant moment in the fight for gender equality in Kenya’s political landscape, where women have historically been underrepresented in leadership positions. In 2022, she made even more history by becoming the first and only woman to secure consecutive gubernatorial terms, a testament to her popularity and effectiveness as a leader.
Under Waiguru’s leadership, Kirinyaga County has seen significant developments in infrastructure, healthcare, and economic empowerment programs. One of her flagship projects is the construction of the ultra-modern Kerugoya Level Five Hospital, which has transformed healthcare access for thousands of residents. Additionally, her Agriculture Stimulus program, “Wezesha,” has supported thousands of households in Kirinyaga, providing them with the resources needed to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the county’s economic growth. Waiguru has also been a strong advocate for gender equality. As a champion of the Embrace movement and the 2/3 Gender Principle, she has worked tirelessly to increase the representation of women in public offices.
Her efforts have helped to attract more women to leadership positions in politics and various sectors of the economy. The road to deputy presidency In recent months, Waiguru’s name has been floated as a potential replacement for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is facing the possibility of impeachment. While the political dynamics behind Gachagua’s troubles are complex, what is clear is that Waiguru has positioned herself as a credible and capable successor. President Ruto, who has hinted at the possibility of appointing a female Deputy President, is said to be considering Waiguru for the role.
With her extensive experience in governance, her ability to deliver on key government initiatives, and her reputation as a champion for gender equality, Waiguru is a strong contender for the position.The prospect of having a female Deputy President ahead of the 2027 General Elections could prove to be a strategic move for Ruto, who will be seeking re-election for his second and final term. Waiguru’s appointment would not only break another glass ceiling in Kenyan politics but also strengthen Ruto’s appeal to female voters, who have long been underrepresented in leadership roles. As the Council of Governors Chairperson, Waiguru demonstrated her ability to navigate the complexities of Kenya’s political landscape.
Her tenure was marked by improved relations between the national government and county governments, fostering a spirit of cooperation that has been critical for the success of devolution. Waiguru’s leadership at the Council of Governors has also allowed her to champion issues that are close to her heart, including gender equality and the empowerment of marginalized communities. Her strategic vision, encapsulated in her G7 Strategy, aims to increase the number of elected female governors and further the promise of devolution in Kenya.
by Amos Khaemba