Women MPs should emulate First Lady Margaret Kenyatta

Unlike her predecessors, First lady Margaret Kenyatta has carved a niche out of her position and made outstanding contribution to the promotion of good governance in Kenya and beyond. She is loved by all and sundry and it was not a surprise to see her rated highest among public figures in a recent opinion poll released by Ipsos Synovate. While some can argue that she is shy and timid, her overall work rating is impressive to say the least.

There are a lot of great things associated with the First Lady two and half years into the Jubilee administration. The office of the First lady in the past was shrouded in mystery with no clear roles to play other than accompanying husbands to public functions. Mrs. Kenyatta has completely reversed this misconception through her humanitarian efforts meant to promote maternal healthcare and improve the general well-being of the society. This among other several projects initiated by Mrs. Kenyatta outweighs those of her predecessors made in the last 50 years or so.

It is important to note that while performing her duties, she has managed to stay clear of the murky politics typical of Kenyan political scene. Unlike her immediate predecessor Lucy Kibaki who was more combative when it came to politics, Mrs. Kenyatta performs her roles quietly leading to admiration by many.

Our female MPs on other side are the exact opposite. Instead of engaging in developmental issues meant to better the life of their electorate, some engage in political bickering and ‘championing’ of their rights at the expense of development. Women empowerment is not just about realizing equality but bringing about change and giving back to the society. There is need for this trend to change if transformation we want is to be achieved.

The first lady beyond zero campaign for instance has helped reduce the number of deaths occurring at child birth due to distribution of mobile clinics across the country. Women in the rural areas who had to travel for long distances to secure maternal services can now deliver safely at the comfort of their vicinities.

Mrs. Kenyatta endeavors have received enormous support countrywide and worldwide with many people appreciating her work.  In October 2014 she was named the UN person of the year for her efforts in the Beyond zero campaign. It is on this note that I urge Kenyan women MPs to emulate the First Lady and initiate their own positive projects in various sectors for the benefit of women and the society at large.