Anne Mumbi Waiguru is a renowned technocrat, public policy expert, and the first of only seven women governors in Kenya. She is recognized globally as one of the most competent female leaders in Kenya and a thought leader in public-sector reforms. Her 15 years of wealth of experience, in both the private and public sectors, are witness to this. Her achievements are on the public record and in both is an embodiment of a stateswoman in Africa.
Education
Anne Waiguru attended Nairobi River Primary School and later Precious Blood Girls Secondary School for her O-Level exams in 1987. She then joined Moi Forces Academy for her A-Level exams in 1989. The Egerton University alumni graduated with a bachelor’s in agriculture and home economics.
She worked for Transparency International as an intern and research assistant. She then joined the Kenya Leadership Institute.
Waiguru holds a master’s in Economics from the University of Nairobi and has specialized experience in public finance, financial management systems, public service reform, capacity building, and governance.
Career in Public Service
Her career in public service started when she acted as a consultant (providing technical assistance) to the Public Service Reform Secretariat.
She was then promoted to head the directorate of Integrated Financial Management and Information Systems (IFMIS), and Head of Governance and the Economic Stimulus Programme at the National Treasury.
President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed her Cabinet Secretary in charge of Devolution after he ascended to president in 2013. She served until 2016 when she resigned under the weight of corruption allegations at the National Youth Service.
One of the major accomplishments under her watch was the restructuring of the National Youth Service (NYS). Changes felt by the organization include expanding the number of recruits from 2,000 to 21,870.
Ann Waiguru’s Political Life
Running under the Jubilee coalition, she won the March 2017 general elections and took over as the Kirinyaga governor. A tally indicated that she had won with 161,343 votes against Martha Karua who managed 122, 091 votes.
Martha Karua, her archrival, challenged the election results. The High Court upheld her election as the Kirinyaga Governor, drumming up even more support for her. The Narc-Kenya party leader, Martha Karua was thrown under the bus. Judges argued that she had weak evidence insufficient to nullify the election.
Fun Facts
- In 2011, she was nominated as one of the Top 40 under 40 women in the country, the only nominee at the time from the Public Service.
- Ms Waiguru was elected governor of Kirinyaga County after her first attempt at elective politics.
- She has also served in the past, voluntarily, as an associate board member of an HIV/AIDs home in Kenya and for the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank (PNoWB) East African Chapter.
- The former president, Mwai Kibaki awarded her with an Order Grand Warrior award for her commendable role in the implementation of Integrated Financial Management and Information System (IFMIS).
- She has also served as the vice chair of the Council of Governors.
Ann Waiguru Family
Ann Waiguru married city lawyer Kamotho Waiganjo in a traditional ceremony held at Kiamugumo Primary School in Gichugu.
Her father was a police officer while her mother was a business lady. The governor has three siblings; two sisters and a brother. Unfortunately, she lost her dad at the age of 18.
Anne is a proud mother to three sons. Her sons are Ian Waiguru, Don Waiguru and Wabu Waiguru. The eldest son, Ian schooled at Brookhouse School and St.Mary’s. The young Turk is already a Founder and CEO of an IT company, Something Inc. He is proud of himself for starting the company without any input from his mother.
