First Lady Mama Rukia Abdinasir

05/09/2026

Today, I joined students, teachers, parents and the wider Senior Chief Adano girls secondary school's community in celebrating Hafsa Ibrahim Adan,Asha Harun Yarow and Sabrina Adan, winners at the 9th National Young Scientist Kenya Exhibition and Awards.

Their project, “An AI-Based Environmental Monitoring and Drought Risk Prediction System for Wajir and Northern Kenya,”is a powerful example of how science, technology and innovation can be harnessed to address real challenges facing our communities.

As drought continues to impact livelihoods, food security, livestock and the environment across Northern Kenya, it is inspiring to see our young people developing innovative, locally relevant solutions to these challenges.

Hafsa,Asha and Sabrina deserve our heartfelt commendation for their creativity, dedication and commitment to innovation. I also commend their teachers and parents for the guidance, encouragement, and support that have contributed to their success.

I was equally pleased to distribute sanitary pads to the girls of Adano Girls Senior Chief and Ileys Secondary School, with the generous support of Dextron Enterprises Ltd.

I sincerely appreciate Dextron Enterprises Ltd. for their partnership and commitment to promoting the dignity, well being, and continued education of our girls.

Congratulations once again to Hafsa ,Asha and Sabrina and to everyone who continues to invest in the potential and future of our young people. Our girls are capable of achieving great things when given the opportunity, support and platforms to shine.

31/08/2026

I had the privilege of attending the End FGM Fashion Show; “Fashion for Change” at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), a powerful survivor-led advocacy event held under the Justice for Girls Campaign.

The “Fashion for Change” platform demonstrated the power of storytelling to challenge harmful norms and put survivors—not their suffering—at the centre of the conversation.

I was honoured to join leaders and partners including the Chairperson of the Anti-FGM Board of Kenya, Mrs. Surum Ipato, the Chair CFLA & County First Lady of Marsabit County Mama Kayo, representatives of the Office of the First Lady, ambassadors, civil society organisations and other partners committed to this cause.

FGM is not a tradition that a child should have to carry. It is a harmful practice that can leave lasting consequences on a girl’s health, dignity, confidence and future.

Every girl deserves the freedom to grow up with her dignity intact, to make decisions about her own body, to dream without fear, and to determine the course of her own life.

Ending FGM can succeed when communities change, when conversations change, when leaders listen, and when girls themselves are given the voice and agency to shape the future.

For Wajir, this conversation is deeply personal. Like other counties affected by FGM, we know that the challenge is complex and that harmful practices can be deeply rooted in social norms and community expectations. But we also know something equally important: Change is possible.

Our responsibility as leaders is not merely to speak about the problem, but to stand with communities, listen to survivors, protect our girls, support those leading change from within, and turn commitments into action.

16/08/2026

I had the honour of joining leaders, professionals, friends and well-wishers at a fundraising event in support of the establishment of the proposed Wajir Peace University an important initiative that seeks to promote knowledge, peace and transformation in our community and beyond.

The event was graced by H.E. Hon. Gladys Wanga, Governor of Homa Bay County, as the Chief Guest whose presence and support added great significance to the occasion.

Education remains one of the most powerful investments we can make in the future of our people. A university in Wajir will create opportunities for our young people, strengthen access to higher education and contribute to peace, innovation and socio-economic transformation across Northern Kenya.

I commend the Board of Trustees, organisers, contributors, peace champions and everyone who has supported this vision. Today’s contribution is not just about raising funds; it is about building a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Together, let us continue supporting the vision of Wajir Peace University Knowledge, Peace, Transformation.

13/08/2026

Nothing has filled my heart with greater pride than spending time with our brilliant daughters from Senior Chief Adano Girls, national champions now preparing to represent Kenya in Ireland.

As a mother and a parent from Wajir, meeting Hafsa Ibrahim Adan and Asha Harun Yarow was deeply moving. I listened to their stories, their dreams and the journey behind their success, and I left with an even stronger belief in the extraordinary potential of our daughters.

Under the leadership of Principal Mr Ismail Abdirashid, Mwalimu Ali and the entire academic team, Senior Chief Adano Girls emerged 'Best Overall at the 9th National Young Scientists Kenya Exhibition'. This is not simply a trophy for the school; it is a celebration of what happens when girls are given knowledge, encouragement, discipline and the confidence to dream.

What touched me most was the girls’ AI-based Environmental Monitoring and Drought Risk Prediction System. For Wajir and Northern Kenya, this is not just an academic project. It speaks directly to the challenges our families and communities face. These young women looked at drought and environmental uncertainty and asked: How can we use science and technology to help our people?

That is the education I want for our daughters; an education that gives them knowledge, but also the courage to use that knowledge to solve real problems.

Hafsa and Asha reminded me that our girls from pastoralist communities can become scientists, engineers, innovators, AI developers and technology leaders. They do not have to wait for someone else to create solutions for Wajir. They can create those solutions themselves.

To their parents, teachers and mentors, may Allah reward you abundantly. The hours you have spent teaching, encouraging and believing in these girls have produced something far greater than a competition victory. You have helped them discover their own capacity to lead and create.

And to our daughters, Hafsa and Asha: I want you to know how proud we are of you. As you travel to Ireland, carry Wajir with you. Go with confidence, remain curious, ask bold questions and never be afraid to dream beyond what you can currently see.

Your success should inspire every young girl who is watching you today. Let her know that her circumstances do not have to define the size of her dreams. You have challenged me, too, as a mother and as a leader, to do more — to seek more support, create more opportunities and open more doors for girls to pursue science, mathematics, technology and innovation.

I believe deeply that Wajir can become a hub of technology and innovation for the pastoralist region, and I believe our daughters can be among the women who build that future.

When we educate a girl, we do more than change her life. We give a community another problem-solver, another leader and another reason to hope.

Hafsa and Asha, keep learning. Keep building. Keep believing.

10/07/2026

10/07/2026

National Reading Day reminds us that reading is more than an academic skill. It is the foundation of lifelong learning, critical thinking and opportunity. By nurturing a culture of reading, we equip our children with the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to shape their own future.

Today, I joined learners, teachers, parents and education stakeholders at Ileys Mixed Day Secondary School to commemorate National Reading Day under the theme Our Stories, Our Future: Empowering Minds Through Reading. I was pleased to be accompanied by Mr. Abdullahi Mire, Founder of the Refugee Youth Education Hub, as we reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing literacy in Wajir County.

To mark this important day, we launched the distribution of approximately 12,000 books through the County Department of Education. The books will be distributed to constituency headquarters libraries, as well as ECDE centres, primary schools and secondary schools across Wajir County. By strengthening both school and community libraries, we are expanding access to quality reading materials and creating more opportunities for learners to develop a lifelong reading culture.

As we mark National Reading Day, I encourage parents, teachers and community leaders to make reading a daily habit in our homes and schools. Every child who discovers the joy of reading gains a stronger foundation for learning and a greater opportunity to succeed in life.

I sincerely thank the County Executive Committee Member for Education, Hon. Mohamud Abdirahman, together with the officers from the County Department of Education, for their leadership in making this initiative a success. I also appreciate the Kenya Literature Bureau, Mr. Abdullahi Mire, Mama Nuria Abdullahi Abdi (HSC), and all our partners for their generous support.

Finally, I thank the administration, teachers, students and the entire community of Ileys Mixed Day Secondary School for warmly hosting this year’s National Reading Day celebrations. I also appreciate the learners, teachers and school communities from Wajir Full Primary School, God-Ade Primary School and Wajir Deaf Primary School for joining us and contributing to the success of this important celebration.

26/05/2026

Eid Mubarak

May the blessings of Eid ul-Adha fill our hearts with faith, peace, and gratitude. May Allah (SWT) accept our sacrifices, forgive our shortcomings, and bless us with good health, happiness, and prosperity.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and joyous Eid ul-Adha.

26/05/2026

On this blessed Day of Arafah, may Allah accept our duas, forgive our shortcomings, and shower us with His mercy and blessings.

“The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah.”

May every prayer be answered, every burden be eased, and every heart be drawn closer to Allah. Ameen.

19/05/2026

It was an honour to serve as the Chief Guest during the close-out meeting and dissemination of results for the Adolescent Girls Initiative–Kenya (AGI-K) Programme, an initiative that strongly aligns with my continued advocacy for the education, empowerment and wellbeing of the girl child.

I sincerely commend and appreciate the remarkable efforts of Population Council, the County Government of Wajir and all partners whose dedication, collaboration and commitment have contributed immensely to the success and lasting impact of this important programme over the years.

I also applaud the unwavering support demonstrated by schools, teachers, parents, Community Health Assistants, Community Health Promoters, chiefs, religious leaders and members of the community for their collective role in ensuring that girls remain in school and are provided with opportunities to thrive and succeed.

Girls’ education remains one of the greatest investments any society can make. When girls stay in school, they gain knowledge, confidence and opportunities that not only transform their own lives, but also strengthen families, uplift communities and shape a more prosperous future for generations to come.

As we move forward, let us continue working together to support our girls, strengthen community engagement and create safe, inclusive and enabling environments where every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow and realise her full potential.

19/03/2026

As the blessed month of Ramadan comes to a close, I extend my warmest wishes to the people of Wajir County and all Muslims around the world.

May this joyous occasion of Eid bring peace, happiness, and renewed hope to every home. Let us cherish the spirit of compassion, generosity, and unity that Ramadan has instilled in us, and continue to uplift and support one another, especially the less fortunate among us.

I am deeply grateful for the resilience, strength, and togetherness that defines our community. May Allah (SWT) accept our prayers, fasting, and good deeds, and bless our county with continued prosperity and harmony.

Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones.