Statement on transition of leadership in the Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA)

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 
𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Senator Hamida Kibwana today made a statement on the transition of leadership in the Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA).

The Senator, who formerly served as Chairperson of KEWOSA, extended her heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected leadership, Chairperson Sen. Veronica Maina, Vice Chairperson Sen. Hezena Lemaletian and the entire leadership team. She noted that their election is a reflection of the confidence and trust their colleagues have placed in their ability to lead the Association into the future.

“As the outgoing Chairperson, it has been my singular honour and privilege to lead KEWOSA during a season of purposeful engagement, bold advocacy and impactful service,” she stated. “During my tenure, we championed initiatives that placed the lived realities of women and girls at the heart of our legislative and policy agenda.”

Senator Hamida reflected on the work done under her leadership, highlighting how KEWOSA launched a programme to support women petty offenders many of whom were held in remand facilities simply for being unable to pay bail or fines. Through partnerships with civil society organizations and legal aid providers, the Association facilitated their release and reintegration into society with dignity. She also underscored KEWOSA’s commitment to nurturing women leaders, particularly Women Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) through leadership development forums and capacity building engagements that strengthened their ability to represent their constituents effectively.

She noted the Association’s consistent advocacy for gender sensitive legislation and equitable budget allocations, which ensured that the voices of women, especially at the grassroots level, were considered in national discourse around health, economic empowerment and social justice.

Additionally, Sen. Hamida acknowledged the strong partnerships KEWOSA built with institutions such as the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX), Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD), Kenya Red Cross, Tetra Tech International Development and the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), particularly through the REINVENT programme. These collaborations enabled the implementation of meaningful capacity building efforts, community outreach initiatives and dialogues aimed at advancing gender equity and inclusive governance.

“While I now serve as Chairperson Emeritus, my commitment to the ideals and aspirations of KEWOSA remains steadfast,” she said. “I pledge to support the new leadership and to continue championing the cause of gender equality, women’s empowerment and inclusive governance.”

She called for continued solidarity among women Senators, “To my sisters in the Senate, let us remain united. Let us continue to speak with one voice in defence of all women across the country.”