Ann Kananu has officially taken over as the third Governor of Nairobi City County.
This is after she was sworn in on Tuesday in a brief ceremony officiated by Lady Justice Lilian Mutende at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC).
She takes over as the first female governor of the Capital Nairobi. In her oath of office, Kanani vowed to deliver quality services to the millions of Nairobi residents and uphold the constitution of Kenya.
“I shall strive to uphold the constitutional provisions, notably: Chapter 6 on leadership and integrity; Article 10 on National Values and Principles of Governance; and Article 232 on Values and Principles of Public Service. I can confidently state that with your support, I am up to the task and I will serve you to the very best of my ability,” stated Kananu.
Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office at COMESA grounds within KICC, Kananu also promised to cushion Nairobi residents and businesses from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said, “My tenure comes at a time when the City, like the rest of the country, is reeling from the social and economic impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic. Individuals, households, communities and businesses have suffered immensely through loss of lives, livelihoods and freedom,”
“As your Governor and as a mother, I feel your pain! And it is for this reason that during my tenure in the office, I have focused on cushioning Nairobi residents and businesses from the impact of the pandemic.”
The new Governor further urged City residents to take advantage of the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive and ensure their families and friends are vaccinated.
Kananu is now the first female Governor of Nairobi City and the fourth woman Governor in Kenya since the onset of devolution in 2013.
“I am privileged to join governors Charity Ngilu and Anne Waiguru as the country’s first female Governors. Today marks yet another milestone for women and girls in Kenya. It’s, therefore, our hope that this day serves as an important mark to encourage more women to come forward to participate in the governing of this great nation and provide leadership,” she said.
Kananu has been in office since January 2021 as acting Governor and deputy Governor following the removal of Mike Sonko from office in December 2020.
Kananu had been nominated as Deputy Governor by her predecessor Mike Sonko.
Among those who attended the functions included Cabinet Secretary- Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Ms Margret Kobia and Chief Administrative Secretary-Ministry Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Ms Rachel Shebesh.
Others were Chairman Council of Governors Martin Wambora, NMS boss General Lieutenant Mohamed Badi, Nairobi City County Assembly Speaker Hon. Benson Mutura, Deputy Governor Nyeri County Ms Caroline Karugu, Nairobi Assembly leadership, Members of Parliament among other guests.