Second Lady Joyce Kithure calls for protection and empowerment of mothers

Kenya’s Second Lady Joyce Kithure carries a child during Mother’s Day celebrations held in Karen on May 10, 2026/DPCS

Kenya’s Second Lady Joyce Kithure has called for greater support and empowerment of mothers, saying women remain central to the country’s social and economic development.

Speaking during Mother’s Day celebrations held in Karen on Sunday, Kithure paid tribute to mothers across the country for their sacrifices, resilience and role in shaping families and communities.

Addressing guests, leaders and families gathered for the event, the Second Lady described mothers as the foundation of society, saying their contributions often go unnoticed despite the critical role they play in raising responsible citizens and future leaders.

“It is with great honor and joy for me to join you on this special occasion as we celebrate Mother’s Day, a day set aside to recognise, appreciate, and honour the incredible role mothers play in our families, communities and our nation,” Kithure said.

She noted that motherhood extends beyond caregiving, describing mothers as teachers, counsellors and the first source of love and guidance for children.

“A mother is often the first teacher, the first caregiver, the first counsellor and the first source of love a child experiences,” she said.

“Behind many successful families, responsible citizens, and great leaders, there is usually a mother who sacrificed quietly, prayed faithfully and worked tirelessly.”

The Second Lady thanked mothers for their commitment to raising families despite economic and social pressures, saying many women continue to shoulder enormous responsibilities while maintaining stability in homes and communities.

“Thank you for waking up early and sleeping late so that your children may have a better future,” she said.

“Thank you for nurturing values of honesty, discipline, kindness and hard work.”

She also acknowledged the challenges facing mothers in modern society, including financial hardship, health concerns and emotional strain associated with raising children in an increasingly demanding environment.

“As we celebrate today, we must also remember that motherhood is not always easy,” Dr. Kithure said.

“Many mothers continue to face economic challenges, health struggles, emotional stress and the responsibility of raising children in a rapidly changing world.”

She urged leaders, institutions and communities to create supportive environments that allow women and mothers to thrive socially and economically.

According to the Second Lady, empowering women is critical to transforming communities and securing long-term development goals.

“At the SaVE Communities Initiative, we believe that empowering women and mothers is key to transforming communities,” she said.

“When we empower a mother, we uplift a family. When we educate a woman, we strengthen a generation.”

Kithure linked women’s empowerment to broader national development priorities, including environmental conservation, food security, climate action and community development.

She said women, particularly mothers, remain at the centre of sustainable development efforts and should therefore be included in programs aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening communities.

“As we continue championing science, environmental conservation, clean water, food security, climate action and community empowerment, we recognize that women, especially mothers, remain at the centre of sustainable development,” she said.

The Second Lady also used the occasion to encourage young people to honour and respect their mothers beyond ceremonial celebrations.

“Celebrate them not only with gifts and words today, but through your character, your discipline, your hard work and your compassion every day,” she said.

In an emotional appeal, Kithure encouraged mothers who may feel exhausted, discouraged or unappreciated, reminding them that their sacrifices have lasting impact on society.

“To the mothers who may feel tired, discouraged or unappreciated, please remember this: your work matters. Your love matters. Your sacrifice matters,” she said.

“Even when nobody notices, your impact is shaping the future of our society.”

She further called for unity within families and communities, urging Kenyans to promote peace, hope and mutual support.

“As we celebrate this beautiful day, let us continue to promote unity in families, peace in our communities and hope for future generations,” Kithure said.

“Let’s continue building a society where every mother is valued, respected, protected and empowered.”

The Mother’s Day event brought together community leaders, women’s groups and families in celebration of mothers and their contribution to society.