Rachel Ruto pushes Kenya–US ties to boost women, youth opportunities

First Lady Rachel Ruto engages with the US Chamber of Commerce/PCS

First Lady Rachel Ruto held talks with the US Chamber of Commerce on strengthening Kenya–United States partnerships aimed at driving sustainable development and expanding opportunities for women and youth.

In a statement shared during her visit to the United States, Mama Rachel Ruto emphasised the importance of partnerships built on shared values of innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth.

She noted that Kenya continues to pursue a people-centred development path.

“In the African spirit of ubuntu, I am because we are, our shared future is shaped not by what we do alone, but by what we build together,” she said.

The First Lady noted that through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the government aims to expand opportunities, empowering youth and women, and unlocking enterprise at the grassroots level.

Additionally, she said that growing Kenya–US cooperation reflects more than trade ties.

“As the partnership between Kenya and the United States continues to grow, it reflects more than trade; it reflects shared values of innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth,” she said.

First Lady Rachel Ruto engages with the US Chamber of Commerce/PCS

The first lady added that deeper collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will help drive sustainable development and create opportunities, especially for women and girls.

Her engagement with the business community comes a day after she attended the 40th annual Women’s History Month event in Prince George’s County, where she celebrated the strength and leadership of women across the world.

During the event, Rachel Ruto highlighted the shared experiences of women globally, noting that women continue to create opportunities, support families, and build communities despite facing numerous challenges.

“Across our different cultures and continents, our stories as women are deeply connected. When women are empowered, families thrive, communities prosper, and nations move forward,” she said.

The First Lady has been in the United States for a series of engagements focused on development, women's empowerment and education, including participation in a global summit hosted at the White House.

She earlier joined fellow First Spouses at the Fostering the Future Together initiative convened by Melania Trump under the Be Best platform, where discussions centered on the role of technology and artificial intelligence in shaping education and the future of work.

Rachel Ruto noted that the future of children depends on bridging the gap between education and technology, adding that digital literacy and innovation are key to unlocking opportunities for the next generation.

She also highlighted Kenya’s progress in embracing digital transformation, saying children in the country are already exploring coding, digital art and innovation through deliberate investments in connectivity and technology.

The First Lady reiterated that global partnerships remain critical in ensuring equitable access to technology and education, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to create a safe and inclusive digital environment for children.