Spouse to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Ushiriki Wema patron Tessie Musalia, and Wema Centre Trustee Lucy Yinda flag off cyclists during this year's Wemathon in Mombasa/HANDOUTTessie Musalia, the spouse of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, has called for enhanced partnerships between the government, private sector and civil society to improve the lives of vulnerable children.
Speaking in Mombasa during the annual Wemathon at the Butterfly Pavilion Forest Trail, Tessie said protecting and empowering children should remain a shared responsibility among all sectors of society.
The event, organised by Wema Centre, brought together hundreds of participants who took part in running, walking, cycling and Zumba competitions aimed at raising funds for healthcare services for street-connected children.
Proceeds from the event will support the establishment of a clinic at the centre to provide medical care for vulnerable children.
Tessie noted that the rights of children in Kenya are safeguarded under the constitution, particularly Article 53 of the Bill of Rights, which guarantees every child protection, dignity and access to basic freedoms.
She said the government has continued strengthening child protection systems, including the introduction of the Public Finance Management Fund Child Welfare Regulations meant to operationalise the Children Welfare Fund.
“It is encouraging to see institutions such as the Wema Centre putting these principles into action through programmes focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, educating and reintegrating children into society,” she said.
She praised the centre for restoring hope and dignity to children living in difficult circumstances, adding that its work extends beyond offering services to giving children an opportunity to dream and thrive.
Tessie emphasised that the responsibility of protecting children cannot be left to the government alone, but requires the active involvement of families, communities and institutions.
On Friday, her Ushiriki Wema initiative partnered with government agencies, Equity Afya and the Wema Centre to offer Huduma Centre and healthcare services to children at the centre and members of the surrounding communities.
“At the heart of this partnership is the understanding that no single organisation can meet all the needs of vulnerable children alone. By working together, we serve more effectively and restore dignity where it is needed most,” she said.
She added that collaboration between the government, civil society and the private sector remains key to improving the welfare of children and building sustainable support systems for vulnerable communities.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The remarks by Tessie Musalia highlight the growing emphasis on multi-sector collaboration in addressing child vulnerability in Kenya’s urban areas, such as Mombasa. Her participation in the Wemathon underscores how public figures are increasingly using advocacy events to draw attention to the welfare of street-connected children. Organised by Wema Centre, the initiative demonstrates the role of non-state actors in complementing government efforts.
