A Collective Honour as NALSA Kenya Receives the African Achievers Award in London

“The African Achievers Award is a timely recognition of the dedication, passion and purpose of every member of the National Assembly Lady Spouses Association of Kenya (NALSA-K) who are driving community-led empowerment initiatives in Kenya.”

It was a humbling and uplifting moment when the NALSA-K Chairperson, Mrs Electina Wanyonyi was honoured at the 15th African Achievers Awards at the House of Lords, London, where she received the Philanthropy & Social Impact Award. She dedicated it to every Lady Spouse who has walked beside power, not in its shadow, but as its light, with a focus on the people – standing firm with love, loyalty, and commitment to service. All bound by one vision – community empowerment.

Mrs. Electina Wasike Wanyonyi receives the Philanthropy & Social Impact Award from The Worshipful, The Mayor of Southwark, Cllr Dr Sunny Lambert during the 15th African Achievers Awards held in London on 11th July 2025.

“As the wife of a three-time Member of Parliament, I have witnessed firsthand the demands of public service. Over the years, I have also come to appreciate a quiet truth, that is, behind every impactful leader is often a spouse whose insight, resilience, and unwavering support are vital to success. Indeed, I have learned this not only in the hushed corridors of Parliament, but on the footpaths of Westlands Constituency, Kenya walking beside my husband through every campaign and community visit – engaging communities, sharing the vision and winning together,” NALSA-K Chair explained.

“To you my fellow Lady Spouses, this award is not just a personal honour – it is a collective affirmation; it celebrates our daily balancing act: managing family, community & protocol, early morning outreach and late-night reflection, driven always by the belief that no act of service is ever truly invisible,” she added.

Since assuming leadership of NALSA Kenya in 2018, Mrs Wanyonyi has journeyed with fellow Spouses through an era of disruption including global pandemics, shifting economies and rising calls for justice. In the face of these challenges, NALSA Kenya remained steadfast in its mission, to advance economic empowerment, equality, community resilience and justice through grassroots mobilisation and care for its members’ welfare with purpose and passion.

It is progress that has been anchored in one truth: proximity to the people is power. “When our offices are well-resourced and rooted in purpose, we deliver impactful and relevant solutions that resonate from rural homesteads to urban neighbourhoods and peri-urban communities alike,” Mrs Wanyonyi emphasised.

Like many African proverbs, one is aptly captured in Kiswahili “Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa”, meaning one finger alone cannot kill a louse. In other words, progress is never the work of one but a triumph of unity driven by a symphony of shared effort, problem-solving and victories.

“To our national leaders, may this moment serve as a gentle but powerful reminder that behind every policy, public decision and event stands a (Lady) Spouse. She offers counsel at the dinner table, comfort in times of uncertainty and a unique ability to bridge diverse voices. She is a force that steadies the wheel.”

The NALSA Kenya family is thankful to the African Achievers Award organisers for recognising that true success is built on the foundation of service. In accepting this award, all members stand not just as spouses but as stewards of purpose, builders of community and the quiet architects shaping a better tomorrow.

Because even from the margins, we have shaped the centre.

“This award is not a crown—it is a call. A call to reinforce our service. A call to rise higher. A call to keep building communities where every woman’s voice—whether beside power or within it is heard, honoured and held,” NALSA-K Chair concluded.