SPEECH BY H.E.

MARGARET KENYATTA, THE FIRST LADY OF

THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA, DURING THE LAUNCH OF THE
COUNTY FIRST LADIES ASSOCIATIONS STRATEGIC PLAN
2015 2020 AT THE SAFARI PARK HOTEL ON 31ST JULY,
2015
County First Ladies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to join you here today to launch the
premier County First Ladies Associations Strategic Plan.
I am happy to be associated with this development, which in my
view marks the birth of a national entity that can be used to spur
development at the grassroots.
Congratulations for developing this comprehensive framework
that will guide the association for the next 3 - 5 years; you all
deserve a pat on the back for your vision.
I laud the collaborative efforts between the Beyond Zero
campaign, and you County First Ladies who have been an integral
part of this initiative. Kenya is proud of your tireless work and
selfless efforts.
The Strategic Plan we are launching today outlines specific
actions and activities that have the potential of transforming the
lives of many Kenyans.
I pledge my support as you embark on this very important journey
of translating this Strategic Plan into action.
In recent years, women in Kenya have become more empowered.
We also constitute 51% of the total population, according to the
last National census.
Consequently, we must play our rightful role as key stakeholders
at all levels of decision-making both in the National and Devolved
functions.

Let us use our numbers and our God-given intellect to promote

and actively participate in the leadership of our country, both
directly and in supportive roles to our male partners.
I commend you, County First Ladies, for not only taking the bold
and transformative step to promote the economic status of
women, but also for improving the social, health and cultural
rights of Kenyans in your respective counties.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, The best way to find
yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
I am happy that the overall goal of this initiative is sustainable
wealth creation for our people.
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.
Your efforts are in line with the spirit of our Constitution which
stipulates that every Kenyan has a right to decent livelihood and
opportunities.
Finally, I wish to request that, in whatever you do, let your
activities and interventions be motivated by the agenda to protect
and promote the rights of women, children and the elderly in our
society.
Your collective actions should raise the profiles of your counties by
pushing for initiatives that will benefit both present and future
generations.
It is now my singular honour to officially launch the County First
Ladies Associations Strategic Plan.
God bless you.