This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
On August 16, 2019, the Kenyan government announced the renaming of its inaugural women leadership award in honour of the late Bomet Governor Dr Joyce Laboso.
The award, previously known as the Purple Ribbon Award, will now be called the Joyce Laboso Award for Women Leaders.
The award is given to women leaders who demonstrate courage, perseverance, and resilience while promoting national values of peace, human rights, and social equity.
According to Cabinet Secretary Prof. Margaret Kobia, Dr Laboso's leadership was an inspiration to many, and the award is a testament to her exemplary leadership.
"The late Laboso demonstrated that true heroism is not achieved by focusing on ourselves but by moving beyond the self and doing well for all humanity," Prof. Kobia said.
The inaugural award last year witnessed the conferment of National Honours to 30 eminent women leaders by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Prof. Kobia also challenged women in leadership to take the younger women under their wings and mentor them to develop their leadership skills.
"Through mentorship, we can mold a capable generation from the youthful population that looks up to us for guidance to whom we can pass the leadership baton," she said.
