First Lady Margaret Kenyatta launches Association for Governors' spouses

NAIROBI, Kenya — First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has challenged governors' spouses to raise the profiles of counties by pushing for initiatives that will benefit both present and future generations.

She called on the governors' spouses to ensure their activities and interventions were motivated by the agenda of protecting and promoting the rights of women, children and the elderly in the society.

The First Lady was speaking today at Safari Park Hotel, when she launched the premier County First Ladies Association and its Strategic Plan.

The First Lady commended governors’ spouses for their bold and transformative steps in promoting the economic status of women, as well as improving the social, health and cultural rights of Kenyans in their respective counties.

“As the inaugural holders of your offices, I am happy to note that you are keen to address the economic, social, health and cultural challenges that affect our society,” said the First Lady.

She also expressed gratitude that that the overall goal of the association is informed by the desire for sustainable wealth creation for wananchi.

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She urged women leaders to use their numbers and God-given intellect to promote and actively participate in the leadership of the country, both directly and in supportive roles to their male partners.

“Your efforts are in line with the spirit of our Constitution which stipulates that every Kenyan has a right to decent livelihood and opportunities,” she said.

She said according to the last National census, women constitute 51 % of the nation's population, and that in recent years women in Kenya have become more empowered.

Consequently, the First Lady urged women leaders to play their rightful role as key stakeholders at all levels of decision-making both in the National and Devolved functions.

She lauded governors’ spouses for collaborating with her ‘Beyond Zero’ campaign, saying the County First Ladies have been an integral part of her initiative.

“Kenya is proud of your tireless work and selfless efforts,” added the First Lady.

She pledged to support Governors' Spouses in their work and commended them for coming up with a good framework that would guide their association for the next 3 - 5 years.

“The Strategic Plan we are launching today outlines specific actions and activities that have the potential of transforming the lives of many Kenyans,” the First Lady said.

The First Lady thanked them for forming an association saying it is a national entity that can be used to spur development at the grassroots.

The Meru County Governor, who is also chairman of the council of governors, Peter Munya, thanked the First Lady for her beyond Zero campaign saying it had transformed maternal health services in the countries.

“Your Excellency the National First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, you are the national symbol of the motherhood spirit of compassion, love and empathy,” said Governor Munya.

He challenged County First Ladies to execute their tasks with commitment, passion and inclusivity. He said governors' spouses contributed immensely not only to national development but national healing, reconciliation and cohesion.

“Your excellence’s County First Ladies you also carry the diverse motherhood dreams of social cohesion and inclusivity. These are the dreams of 47 county governments, together you fulfil our clarion call of 48 governments, one nation,” he added.

Other speakers during the launch were the chairperson of County First Ladies Association, Esther Ruto; Maendeleo ya Wanawake chairperson, Rahab Mwikali; and Director of Medical Services, Dr. Nicholas Muraguri.