"Behind every successful man, there’s a woman", so the tired cliche goes. This saying however rings true for Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta. He has surrounded himself with well positioned powerful women who, in their own way, protect and guide his presidency. They are the most loyal confidants to the head of state. They have his ear and because of that their influence in Kenya’s power games is remarkable.

The list could definitely be longer but here we have the 6 most powerful women around the president.

1. Margaret Kenyatta

It goes without saying that she is the number one woman in the President’s life. With unrestricted access to every space that the Head of state ventures into even beyond state House, no one can pretend to compete with the first lady in terms of her influence. Plus, who can deny the power of pillow talk? Oh yes, she will laugh and smile for the cameras (and it is mostly genuine), but woe unto anyone who imagines they can undermine this iron lady who is the mother of the president’s three children.

2. Anne Waiguru

She runs the one ministry that directly impacts on the developmental agenda of Uhuru Kenyatta’s Government. As CS in charge of Devolution and Planning, Waiguru has to constantly check and consult with the Head of state. The resources she controls by virtue of her position are immense. Sources within government say she is perhaps the most feared person within the corridors of power. She is firm and resolute attracting both admirers and detractors alike. Her recent woes with regard to the NYS procurement scandal are testament to her influence.

3. Naomi Shaban

Now this may come as a surprise to many, but the President, being a politician, maintains a rather tight clique of political advisors. The Taveta MP is one of them. Having worked with Uhuru since the days of KANU, Shaban has remained very close to the President who is said to deeply value her political counsel. She is among the few MPs with unrestricted access to State House.

4. Amina Mohamed

The Foreign Affairs CS is a seasoned diplomat having risen through the ranks through years of public service. She is among the few women who have the President’s ear by virtue of her sensitive docket. She is the head of state’s representative to all foreign missions and is burdened with maintaining and balancing relations with other countries. Uhuru Kenyatta’s foreign image can be directly attributed to Amina Mohamed’s ability to do her job and she has done it well.

5. Monica Juma

The Principal Secretary in the ministry of Interior and National Co-ordination is no longer a stranger to anyone who watches the news. Monica Juma made headlines after MPs rejected her nomination to the cabinet, sighting her “arrogance” and “inability to work with others” as their reasons. Her position in the docket that controls Kenya’s security forces makes her one of the most powerful individuals in government. No wonder the president wanted her even closer to him.

6. Nancy Gitau

Nancy is the President’s political advisor with her office based inside State House. Her role ensures she is in constant contact with the president and his handlers.