First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto has lauded women in remote and marginalized communities for their resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of their families through economic empowerment.
Speaking during the Kabichbich Women Empowerment Programme in West Pokot County, Mrs Ruto said women remain the backbone of families and communities, often carrying enormous responsibilities while driving economic growth at the household level.
“Before the sun rises over these hills, long before most of the world begins its day, there is already movement in your homes. A woman is milking her cow. Another is preparing children for school. Another is walking long distances in search of water,” she said.
The First Lady observed that despite the many challenges they face, women across Kenya continue to build businesses, support their families, and make invaluable contributions to local economies.
“Despite counting small earnings and deciding how best to provide for her family, she still rises. She still provides. She still holds families together. And she still dares to hope. That is why today is a celebration and recognition of you,” she said.
Mrs Ruto reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening households by supporting farmers, cooperatives, and women-led economic initiatives, noting that sustainable livelihoods are key to national development.
She commended the people of West Pokot for their spirit of enterprise and unity, describing the county as a region whose greatest resource is the resilience of its people.
“West Pokot has something precious. Not only livestock. Not only land. But people with resilience. And among those people, women are the strongest engine of transformation,” she said.
To strengthen the dairy value chain in the region, the First Lady handed over three bulk milk coolers to Murkwijit Farmers’ Co-operative Society, Lelan Dairy Farmers’ Co-operative Society, and Saramee Farmers’ Co-operative Society.
The equipment is expected to benefit more than 1,200 households by reducing post-harvest losses, preserving milk quality, and increasing farmers’ incomes.
“I urge the cooperatives to safeguard and manage these facilities well so that they become centres of growth, jobs, and opportunity,” she said.
Earlier, Mrs Ruto donated water storage tanks to Kondeger Primary School and 11 neighbouring schools to improve access to clean water for learners. Pupils at Kondeger Primary School also received shoes and assorted food items.
Leaders who accompanied the First Lady welcomed the initiatives, saying they would enhance livelihoods and accelerate socio-economic development across the county.
West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin praised women for their ability to transform limited resources into meaningful economic opportunities for their families and communities. He reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting national development programmes.
West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor commended the First Lady for championing the welfare of women and girls, particularly through initiatives aimed at ending early marriages and female genital mutilation.
Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke said Kenya remains Africa’s leading milk producer, with the dairy sector creating employment and income opportunities for thousands of young people. He assured farmers of the Government’s continued support in strengthening the livestock and dairy value chains.
Other leaders present included Gender Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo, Public Works Principal Secretary Joel Arumonyang, Pokot South MP David Pkosing, Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto, West Pokot Woman Representative Rael Kasiwai Aleutum, Deputy Governor Robert Komolle, and North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency Board Chairperson Prof. John Lonyangapuo, among others.
