A teacher does more than teach. A teacher shapes a life. Behind every child who discovers their potential, learns to believe in themselves and grows into a responsible citizen, there is often a teacher who cared enough to make a difference. On World Teachers’ Day, we honour every teacher who continues to inspire, guide and shape the next generation of Kenyans. Happy World Teachers’ Day!

Children deserve to grow up in safe, nurturing environments where they are loved, protected and given every opportunity to reach their full potential. I joined the Annual Prayer Service for Children, organised by World Vision, to pray for children in Kenya and around the world and reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard their wellbeing. Let us continue to work together to protect their rights, nurture their potential and create a future where every child can thrive.

At the Lalla Asmaa Centre for Deaf Youth in Tangier, I witnessed an inspiring approach to empowering young people with hearing disabilities through education, technology and practical skills. From the kindergarten to the computer lab, pastry, tailoring and salon training, the Centre is creating opportunities for young people to learn skills that can help them build independent and fulfilling futures. It was encouraging to see talent, creativity and determination thriving in an inclusive environment.

We must move beyond silence and conversation to action and accountability. Gender-based violence, femicide, trafficking and online exploitation are interconnected challenges that require a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response.

Arrived in New York accompanying President William Ruto for the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Over the coming days, I will join global leaders, partners and advocates in advancing conversations on issues that affect women and children. We look forward to representing Kenya and sharing our experiences, priorities and solutions on the global stage.

I joined fellow First Ladies from Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe virtually for the 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary. Our shared commitment remains clear: to strengthen healthcare systems, educate and empower girls, uphold the dignity of women, and create opportunities for every child to fulfil their potential. The partnership between the Office of the First Lady of Kenya and the Merck Foundation has enabled healthcare professionals to receive specialised medical training and supported vulnerable girls through the Educating Linda programme, helping transform lives and build a healthier, more equitable society.

I had a productive tête-à-tête with the First Lady of Brazil, Rosângela Lula da Silva, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, where we discussed strengthening the School Meals Coalition and our shared commitment to ensuring every child has access to nutritious meals at school. Through partnerships and collective action, we can transform the lives of millions of children and build a healthier future.

Children deserve to grow, learn, and thrive in a digital world that is safe, inclusive, and designed with their best interests at heart.

Accessible knowledge centres have the power to empower citizens, foster lifelong learning, and create opportunities for young people to thrive. Alongside the First Lady of Finland, I visited the Oodi Helsinki Central Library during our State Visit to Finland. More than a library, Oodi is a remarkable public space that brings together learning, creativity, innovation, and community engagement under one roof. As Kenya continues to advance its education and community development agenda, such experiences reaffirm the important role that inclusive public institutions play in building informed, resilient, and prosperous societies.

Met with Sari Essayah, Finland’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, during our State Visit to Finland and held insightful discussions on agriculture and food security. Strengthening partnerships and sharing innovative solutions will be key to advancing sustainable agriculture, empowering farmers, and building resilient food systems for future generations.

Technology is shaping the future, and it is important that women and girls are not only participants, but leaders, in driving innovation and creativity. I visited Supercell in Helsinki, alongside Her Excellency, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, for a brief engagement on advancing opportunities for women and girls in technology and the gaming industry. Our discussions highlighted the importance of creating inclusive pathways that equip girls with digital skills, nurture creativity, and empower more women to pursue careers in technology, innovation, and game development.

Women’s health is central to the wellbeing of families and communities. During the State Visit to Finland, I visited the Women’s Health Hub Finland and gained valuable insights into innovative approaches to advancing women’s health, wellbeing, and access to quality healthcare. The visit reinforced the strong link between healthy women and thriving children, an important pillar of both the Joyful Women Organization and The Voice of Children. Investing in women’s health strengthens families, empowers communities, and creates a better future for the next generation. I was pleased to undertake this visit alongside our gracious host, First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb.

Early diagnosis can make the difference between a lifetime of health challenges and a healthy start to life. During the State Visit to Finland, we visited Revvity to learn more about advancements in newborn screening and diagnostic technologies that help identify serious health conditions shortly after birth, enabling timely intervention and treatment.

Today at State House, Nairobi, I had the honour of hosting a High-Level Side Event during the Africa Forward Summit focused on Building Safer Digital Spaces for Children in an AI-Driven World.

A promise made, a promise fulfilled.