First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto has donated school shoes to more than 1,650 learners at Karen C Comprehensive School through the Voice of Children Initiative, reaffirming her commitment to promoting dignity, inclusion and equal access to education.
While handing over the donation, Mrs Ruto underscored the importance of ensuring that every child is able to attend school with confidence and self-respect, saying even simple necessities can make a significant difference in a learner’s educational journey.
“For many grandparents, shoes were a luxury, often reserved for special occasions or later stages of education. Today, we sometimes take them for granted. This moment reminds us how far we have come and the importance of ensuring every child walks into their future with dignity,” she said.
The First Lady said the donation was made under the Provision pillar of the Voice of Children initiative, which supports learners across the country by addressing practical needs that enable them to remain in school and thrive.
“Today’s donation falls under our Provision pillar. It reflects our commitment to responding to practical needs that help children learn, grow and thrive. When we invest in children, we invest in Kenya’s future,” she said.
Mrs Ruto reaffirmed President William Ruto’s commitment to strengthening education and child welfare programmes, noting that investing in children is central to building a prosperous nation.
Addressing the learners, she encouraged them to embrace discipline, integrity and hard work as they pursue their education.
“When you put on these shoes tomorrow morning, let them remind you of responsibility. Walk into school ready to learn with discipline, honesty, integrity and hard work. Let your school motto, ‘Study to Ascend,’ guide you,” she said.
The Voice of Children initiative is anchored on three pillars—Provision, Protection and Participation—through which children are supported with essential services, safeguarded from harm and empowered to participate in decisions that affect their lives.
Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services Hannah Cheptumo called for greater protection of children, particularly during periods of public demonstrations, emphasizing that every child has the right to learn in a safe environment.
“Even as citizens exercise their right to picket, we must ensure children and women are protected. Children should go to school and return home safely,” she said.
The Cabinet Secretary added that the Government continues to prioritize education, noting that the sector has been allocated KSh 781 billion in the current budget.
Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor (Jalang’o) commended the First Lady for the initiative, saying the donation would restore dignity and boost learners’ confidence.
“This goes beyond shoes; it is about restoring dignity and giving children confidence,” he said.
Education Principal Secretary Dr John Ololtuaa said the donation would contribute to improving teaching and learning by removing barriers that prevent children from fully participating in school.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Education’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted learning and pledged continued collaboration with the First Lady’s initiatives to improve the welfare of learners across the country.
