Kenya could enter historical books as the first East Africa nation to produce a female president, President Uhuru Kenyatta 'hopes and believes' so.
At State House on Friday, Uhuru said he will be happy to 'watch' a female president addressing the nation, adding that the jinx can be broken given the enthusiasm by Kenyan people.
“I pray to God and look forward to the day that I shall be sitting and listening to the first female President addressing the people of the Republic of Kenya,” Uhuru said.
He added, “Some of my best ministers are women. Women understand the basis of servant leadership. Women understand that it is a dedication to the family and the country that matters”.
The fourth president who is set to retire in 2022, has made tremendous in terms of women empowerment, becoming the first leader to have more cabinet secretaries in the history of Kenya.
Monica Juma (Foreign Affairs), Raychelle Omamo (Defense), Farida Karoney (Lands), Amina Mohammed (Education), Margaret Kobia (Public Service) and Cecily Kariuki of health all serve in cabinet positions.
It is during Uhuru's tenure that Kenya got the first Major General in the military, Fatuma Ahmed, who was promoted to Assistant Chief of Defense Forces in charge of personnel and logistic. The Deputy Aide-de-camp, Ann Nduta also falls in that category.
Kenya also managed to elect female Governors Charity Ngilu (Kitui), Ann Waiguru (Kirinyaga) and Joyce Laboso of Bomet. Senators Susan Kihika of Nakuru, Fatuma Dulo of Wajir and Margaret Kamar of Uasin Gishu also makes to the list of iron ladies.
The country is, however, struggling to adhere to 2/3 gender rule in all other aspects, with parliament struggling to stamp its authority over the same.