Education Key To Kenya's Future, Says First Lady Rachael Ruto

By Andrew Mbuva.

First Lady Rachel Ruto has called for increased investment in foundational education, describing it as a critical pillar in shaping and transforming Kenya’s future.

Speaking at State House in Nairobi, where she hosted 95 students under a scholarship programme supported by the Ruto Family Foundation and the Merck Foundation, Mrs. Ruto emphasized the enduring role of education in building prosperous societies.

She noted that education has, over the years, played a central role in shaping communities and determining the trajectory of successful nations.

“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to build a stronger and more inclusive Kenya. As a former teacher, I understand the power of the classroom in shaping destinies,” she said.

Under the partnership, the Ruto Family Foundation is sponsoring 48 boys, while the Merck Foundation is supporting 47 girls—each drawn from the country’s 47 counties.

Mrs. Ruto expressed gratitude to the Merck Foundation and its leadership, including Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp and Rasha Kelej, for their commitment to advancing education through initiatives such as the “Educating Linda” programme, which focuses on empowering girls.

“Your commitment is not merely support; it is a vision. You have chosen to invest where it matters most—in the mind of a girl and in the future of a nation,” she said.

At the same time, the First Lady underscored the need for a balanced approach to empowerment, calling for increased attention to the needs of the boy child.

“We must be intentional about restoring balance in our conversations on empowerment by ensuring that boys are equally guided, mentored, and supported,” she stated.

She added that investing in education, values, and wellbeing is key to raising responsible young men, strengthening families, and building a more inclusive society.

“As we celebrate these 47 girls, we must also recognise the silent stories of boys across this country—bright, capable, and full of promise, yet still waiting for an opportunity,” she said.

Mrs. Ruto explained that the inclusion of boys in the programme, under the “Educate Lindo” initiative—‘Lindo’ being Spanish for “handsome boy”—reflects the value and potential seen in every child.

Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, Hannah Cheptumo, said the initiative would significantly improve the prospects of beneficiaries, urging them to remain focused on their academic goals.

Meanwhile, Dr. Stangenberg-Haverkamp noted that the foundation is also expanding its focus to include nutrition and food security programmes across all 47 counties, with 98 scholarships dedicated to food and nutrition studies.

“Our aim is to improve overall wellbeing by strengthening healthcare and education capacity across Africa as key drivers of economic growth,” he said.

Dr. Kelej, who also heads the “More Than a Mother” campaign, commended the First Lady for her continued efforts to uplift communities, particularly in marginalized areas, and reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting girls’ education in Kenya.

The scholarship initiative marks a growing collaboration between the Ruto Family Foundation and the Merck Foundation, aimed at expanding access to education and empowering the next generation of Kenyan leaders.