In 2013, Kenya witnessed a historic moment as President Uhuru Kenyatta assumed office, marking a new era for the nation. 

Amidst the expectations and challenges, President Kenyatta made a significant stride by appointing a cadre of accomplished and trailblazing women to serve as Cabinet Secretaries (CS).

This article delves into the inspiring stories of the first women handpicked by President Kenyatta, unraveling their accomplishments, challenges, and the pivotal roles they played in shaping Kenya’s political landscape. 

Let us explore the groundbreaking appointments that shattered glass ceilings.

Amina Mohamed: The Diplomatic Dynamo

One of the first names written in the historic books of President Uhuru’s 2013 Cabinet is Amina Mohamed, a seasoned diplomat with an impressive track record. 

Additionally, appointed as the CS for Foreign Affairs, Mohamed brought a wealth of experience to the crucial docket. 

Her tenure was marked by deft diplomacy, fostering international relations, and steering Kenya through complex global issues. 

Amina Mohamed’s appointment was not just a personal triumph but a beacon of hope for aspiring female leaders across the nation.

Amina held this position between May 2013 and February 2018 when she was moved to the Education Ministry after Uhuru’s reelection.

She took over from Rashid Echesa as Sports CS in March 2019 a position she held until President William Ruto named his cabinet.

On February 15, 2023, the International University of East Africa (IUEA) installed Amina as its new Vice Chancellor (VC). 

Anne Waiguru: Uhuru Eye in Devolution

Waiguru joined President Uhuru’s first cabinet as the first CS for Devolution and Planning.

During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in the implementation of devolved governance, aiming to bring government services closer to the people.

This saw her implement the establishment of Huduma Centres where Kenyans can now get government services at a single spot within their respective counties.

Further, she won fifteen awards including the 2015 United Nations Public Service Award for her introduction of Huduma Centres.

Also Read: 7 Former Uhuru CSs Holding Powerful Positions in Ruto Govt

Her strategic vision and commitment to transparency left an indelible mark on the nation’s governance structure, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in Kenyan politics.

However, in November 2015, Waiguru asked President Uhuru to relieve her of her duties in compliance with her doctor’s advice.

The resignation followed criticism from the opposition led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga over her alleged involvement in the multi-million-shilling National Youth Service (NYS) scandal.

Waiguru went ahead to win the Kirinyanga gubernatorial seat in 2017 and defended it in 2022.

Currently she is the chairperson of the Council of Governors (COG) and serving her second and final term as governor.

Charity Ngilu: Championing Land Reforms

As the first woman to hold the position of CS for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Charity Ngilu embarked on a mission to reform Kenya’s land policies.

Ngilu’s tenure was characterized by bold initiatives aimed at addressing land-related challenges, fostering equitable land distribution, and empowering communities. 

Her unwavering dedication to social justice and land reform made her a symbol of resilience and determination.

However, she resigned from her post in 2015 following corruption allegations.

In 2017, Ngilu won the Kitui gubernatorial election, however, she did not defend her seat in the last general elections.

Rachel Omamo: Defence & Diplomacy

Breaking gender stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated spheres, Senior Counsel Raychelle Omamo took on the role of CS for Defense. 

Omamo’s appointment not only showcased President Kenyatta’s commitment to gender diversity but also emphasized the importance of women in leadership roles, even in fields conventionally dominated by men. 

Additionally, she held this position for seven years, from May 2013 to January 2020 when she was moved to the Foreign Affairs docket. 

Omamo is an accomplished Advocate of the High Court and served as the President of the Law Society of Kenya in her prime days as a legal practitioner.

Phyllis Kandie: CS Labor

President Uhuru picked Phyllis Kandie to serve as the CS for East African Affairs and Labor in his first cabinet.

Kandie survived all the cabinet reshuffles and held her position until 27 January 2018 after Uhuru won her second term.

In the same month, Uhuru appointed Kandie as Kenya’s ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union.

Currently, she is President Ruto’s advisor for commodities market development under the president’s Council of Economic Advisors chaired by Economist David Ndii.

She has a bachelor’s degree in commerce, majoring in economics from St Mary’s University, Canada, as well as two post-graduate degrees (Master of Arts, Middlesex University, and MBA Finance, Durham University, United Kingdom).

In addition, she has experience in the financial sector, having worked with the Capital Markets Authority, Crescent Standard Investment Bank, and the Kenya Revenue Authority, KRA.

Also Read: Ruto Appoints Another Uhuru CS as Advisor

Uhuru 2013 Cabinet Appointment Impact

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s 2013 Cabinet appointments marked a transformative chapter in Kenya’s political history. 

The inclusion of these remarkable women shattered stereotypes, challenged gender norms, and paved the way for greater gender diversity in leadership roles. 

As we reflect on these groundbreaking appointments, it becomes evident that the legacy of these trailblazing women extends far beyond their individual tenures, leaving an enduring impact on the landscape of Kenyan politics.

The stories of Amina Mohamed, Anne Waiguru, Charity Ngilu, Phyllis Kandie, and Raychelle Omamo inspire a new generation of leaders, emphasizing that leadership knows no gender and that diversity is key to the nation’s progress.