The First Ladies’ Offices at the Centre of Women and Community Empowerment

During the First Ladies of Africa (FLAIR) Forum and Expo held at the University of Nairobi, Her Excellency First Lady Mama Rachael Ruto presided over a high-level convening focused on advancing women’s empowerment and grassroots development across the continent. Among the distinguished speakers was Mrs. Electina Wasike Wanyonyi, who served as a panelist on a timely and strategic discussion.

Speaking under the theme “Leveraging the Office of County First Ladies to Accelerate the Impact of Devolution,” Mrs. Wanyonyi highlighted the untapped potential of County First Ladies’ offices in championing inclusive development and advancing the spirit of devolution in Kenya.

“While these offices may not yet be formally entrenched in law, they serve as an important bridge between county leadership and communities,” she said.” Adding that, “It is often easier for County First Ladies to reach grassroots populations in their spaces. With the right structure and support, they can effectively drive social advocacy, mobilize partnerships and influence policy priorities.”

Mrs. Wanyonyi emphasized the critical role these offices can play in championing locally-driven initiatives, especially in areas such as maternal health, gender equality, child protection, and economic empowerment. She noted that with sufficient resourcing, County First Ladies can tailor development efforts to the specific needs of rural, urban, and peri-urban populations, thus accelerating transformative change at the grassroots.

“From translating evidence-based research into practical community programs to initiating inclusive economic models for women and youth, County First Ladies are well-positioned to deliver measurable impact,” she added. She went on to propose the establishment of strong monitoring and evaluation systems that can ensure accountability and the sustainability of these initiatives.

She further called for greater recognition and institutional support for the offices, stressing that their proximity to communities gives them a unique advantage in advocating for marginalized voices, particularly women and children.

She went on to affirm that, empowering these offices is essential for reducing the daily struggles of women across Kenya. The offices work complements formal governance systems and enhances the reach and impact of devolved government.

Mrs. Wanyonyi’s remarks were a powerful reminder that the success of devolution cannot rely solely on formal structures and policies, it also requires the active engagement of leaders who are deeply connected to their communities.