KAPENGURIA, West Pokot – First Lady Rachel Ruto has commended women in remote and marginalized regions for their resilience, hard work, and determination to achieve financial independence and improve their families.

Speaking during the Kabichbich Women Empowerment Programme in West Pokot County, Mrs. Ruto said women remain the backbone of households and local economies, often carrying immense responsibilities while driving social and economic transformation in their communities.

Addressing hundreds of women and local leaders, the First Lady painted a vivid picture of the daily realities faced by women in rural Kenya.

“Before the sun rises over these hills, long before most of the world begins its day, there is already movement in your homes. A woman is milking her cow. Another is preparing children for school. Another is walking long distances in search of water,” she said.

Mrs. Ruto noted that despite facing numerous challenges, women across the country continue to demonstrate remarkable strength by supporting their families, building businesses, and contributing significantly to local economic growth.

“Despite counting small earnings and deciding how best to provide for her family, she still rises. She still provides. She still holds families together. And she still dares to hope. That is why today is a celebration and recognition of you,” she added.

The First Lady reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening households through targeted support for farmers, cooperatives, and women-led economic initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and creating sustainable opportunities.

She praised the people of West Pokot for embracing unity, enterprise, and community development, describing the county as a region endowed with both natural resources and resilient people.

“West Pokot has something precious. Not only livestock. Not only land. But people with resilience. And among those people, women are the strongest engine of transformation,” she said.

As part of efforts to boost dairy farming in the county, Mrs. Ruto handed over three bulk milk coolers to the Murkwijit Farmers’ Co-operative Society, Lelan Dairy Farmers’ Co-operative Society, and Saramee Farmers’ Co-operative Society.

The equipment is expected to benefit more than 1,200 households by reducing post-harvest losses, preserving milk quality, and increasing farmers’ incomes through improved market access.

“I urge the cooperatives to protect and manage these facilities well so that they become centres of growth, jobs, and opportunity,” she said.

In a separate intervention aimed at improving learning conditions, the First Lady donated water storage tanks to Kondeger Primary School and 11 neighbouring schools. Learners at Kondeger Primary School also received shoes and assorted food supplies.

Local leaders welcomed the empowerment programme, saying it would contribute significantly to improving livelihoods and accelerating socio-economic development in the county.

West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin praised women for their ability to transform limited resources into meaningful economic gains for their families and communities. He reiterated the county government’s commitment to supporting national development programmes.

West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor lauded the First Lady for championing the welfare of women and girls, particularly through advocacy campaigns against early marriages and female genital mutilation.

Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke highlighted the importance of the dairy sector, noting that Kenya remains Africa’s leading milk producer and that the industry continues to provide employment and income opportunities for thousands of young people.

He assured farmers of continued government support to strengthen livestock production and dairy value chains across the country.

Other leaders present included Gender Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo, Public Works Principal Secretary Joel Arumonyang, Pokot South MP David Pkosing, Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto, West Pokot Woman Representative Rael Kasiwai Aleutum, Deputy Governor Robert Komolle, and former Governor John Lonyangapuo.

The empowerment programme underscored the critical role women play in driving economic growth, strengthening communities, and shaping a more prosperous future for Kenya, with leaders calling for continued investment in women-focused initiatives across the country.