First Lady Rachel Ruto has affirmed that County First Ladies are not ceremonial figures but strategic partners in Kenya’s development, deeply rooted in the communities they serve.
Speaking in Nairobi during the launch of the County First Ladies Association (CFLA) Strategic Plan 2025–2028, Mrs. Ruto underscored the critical and often underappreciated role County First Ladies play in shaping lives at the grassroots.
“When you partner with them, you are partnering with 47 counties at once. You are connecting with communities that trust them, and with a network that can mobilize faster, deeper, and more personally than any single program,” she said.
Mrs. Ruto noted that women are increasingly and rightfully stepping into leadership spaces that influence Kenya’s development agenda.
“Through this Strategic Plan, you are declaring to Kenya and to the world: We are ready to lead boldly, strategically, and sustainably,” she added.
She highlighted the Association’s achievements since its establishment in 2014, including:
- Establishing EMPOWER Clinics in 18 counties, expanding access to cancer screening and saving lives through early detection.
- Strengthening early childhood development by equipping ECD centres, mentoring girls, and restoring hope in vulnerable communities.
- Transforming schools through kitchen gardens, school milk programmes, and menstrual hygiene initiatives across the counties.
“You have demonstrated that leadership rooted in community is the most powerful leadership of all,” Mrs. Ruto said.
She emphasized that the new Strategic Plan will further advance efforts to build healthy, educated, and economically empowered communities, complementing Kenya’s national development priorities.
“Let this Strategic Plan be more than a document. Let it be a national promise—one that ensures every child, every woman, every family, and every community is seen, supported, and empowered,” she urged.
The event brought together County First Ladies and women leaders, including PS for Gender and Affirmative Action Ann Wang’ombe, PS for Correctional Services Dr. Salome Biago, Dr. Aurelia Rono from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, NGEC Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa, and various development partners.
CFLA Chairperson Ms. Alamitu Jattani commended the First Lady for her transformative leadership.
“Through Mama Doing Good—from kitchen gardens and climate-smart agriculture to school feeding programmes and women’s financial empowerment through table banking—you have translated national policy aspirations into tangible improvements in the daily lives of families,” she said.
She added that the Strategic Plan represents a shared commitment to women, children, youth, and vulnerable groups across all 47 counties.
Spouse of the Nairobi Governor, Mrs. Beatrice Sakaja, described CFLA as a “quiet yet sustainable strength”—an apolitical platform where First Ladies support one another sincerely, fund their initiatives independently, and deliver meaningful impact, often away from the spotlight.
PS Wang’ombe said the Strategic Plan aligns closely with the national agenda on health, education, youth empowerment, and gender equality.
“It builds the crucial bridge between national policy and tangible impact in the counties. We are committed to being your steadfast partners,” she said.
She also acknowledged the First Lady’s role in advancing women’s economic empowerment, reaffirming her department’s commitment to expanding financial access and skills development at the grassroots.
The event concluded with County First Ladies celebrating Mrs. Ruto’s birthday in a brief cake-cutting ceremony, marking both a strategic milestone and a personal celebration.
