The First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, joined the members of the Professional Association of Nyanza (PANY) Women to launch their strategic plan in Nairobi today. Professionals have a significant influence and responsibility within communities to effect positive change and promote empowerment.

The First Lady praised the initiative for affirming the critical role of women in accelerating development and paving the way for others to follow in addressing the social, economic, cultural and political factors that hinder development in the region.

Hon. Eliud Owalo, Patron of the Professional Association of Nyanza (PANY) and Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, appreciated the members of the association for taking a step to lead from the front in the social and economic empowerment of the nation. “By bringing all stakeholders together to support Nyanza’s tangible development, members of the association will be agents of inclusivity, women’s economic empowerment, and the development of the Nyanza Region,” he added.

Speaking during the event, H.E. Pastor. Dorcas Rigathi, the spouse of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, promised to work with the association to rescue our youth from the bonds of alcoholism and drug abuse, while leveraging our collective strength towards a drug-free society.

H.E. Ann Waiguru, the chairperson of the Council of Governors and Governor of Kirinyaga County, confirmed the Council’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to our nation’s progress.

Hon. Aisha Jumwa, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage urged the association to partner with the Government to create awareness and appetite amongst the members of the various empowerment programs and initiatives currently being rolled out across the nation.

Mama Rachel Ruto further described the Strategic Plan launched today as a pathway to address the pressing issues facing our women so as to create a more inclusive and equitable future. She described the association as one with the power to create a roadmap on how to profitably and sustainably use the resources and talents available in the Nyanza region.

Other leaders present included Hon. Ezekiel Machogu, Cabinet Secretary for Education; Florence Bore, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection; Gladys Boss Shollei, deputy speaker and member of parliament for Uasin Gishu Constituency; and Lady Justices Joyce Aluoch and Effie Owuor, among other leading women professionals from the six counties of the Nyanza region.