Women-led counties are exploring areas of strategic partnerships with the Swedish government in an effort to initiate and accelerate development, improve governance, and strengthen environmental resilience.
The counties are leveraging Europe’s fifth-largest country’s expertise in sustainable development, gender equality, and governance reforms to implement respective progressive policies and initiatives.
Governors from the seven counties—Nakuru, Meru, Kirinyaga, Homa Bay, Embu, Kwale, and Machakos—have already identified priorities in waste management, water resource management, disaster response, and anti-corruption measures.
In a meeting, Sweden’s Ambassador to Kenya, Caroline Vicini, while hosting the governors, pledged to provide technical assistance and capacity-building support in the key areas. The development cooperation between Sweden and Kenya goes back more than 50 years.
“The Nordic nation will also help establish a mentorship network to support women leaders, focusing on skill-building and strengthening their roles in governance and community initiatives,” stated Governor Susan Kihika in a Facebook post after the meeting.
Among those in attendance at the ambassador’s residence were Governors Wavinya Ndeti of Machakos, Fatuma Achani of Kwale, Kawira Mwangaza of Meru, and Cecily Mbarire of Embu. Absent were Governors Ann Waiguru of Kirinyaga and Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay.
The G7 group of women-led counties will also identify investment opportunities for potential collaboration with Sweden and its partners, with a focus on women’s economic empowerment and youth engagement through skill development and access to finance.
This effort aligns with the G7 women governors’ strategy, launched earlier this year to support and strengthen women’s leadership within Kenya’s devolved government structures through the creation of a more inclusive political landscape.
At the strategy’s launch, President William Ruto pledged to advance gender equality in leadership by supporting a one-third gender representation goal and emphasized the importance of ensuring women are well-represented in decision-making roles.
Currently, there are 21 female senators out of 67, with three elected and 18 nominated. In the National Assembly, only 80 of the 349 seats are held by women, including 29 elected from constituencies, 47 as County Woman Representatives, and four nominated.
