Kenyan radio personality Mwalimu Rachel has opened up about her unconventional approach to co-parenting. During a candid interview with Alex Mwakideu, the Kiss 100 FM presenter explained why she chose to let her son live with his father for a full year.
In a move that differs from many traditional setups in Kenya, Rachel was the one to initiate the arrangement. She transitioned into a "weekend parent" role during that period, picking up her son on Fridays and returning him for the school week.
The Need for a Father’s Presence
The veteran broadcaster, now in her 19th year in the industry, believes that male figures play a vital role in a young boy’s development. She noted that while mothers are natural nurturers, there are lessons only a father can provide.
"I’m the one who told him, 'Listen, I’d like for you to take him in for a year. Let me be the one to get him on the weekends,'" she told Mwakideu.
Rachel explained that as her son approached his teenage years, the need for his father became more pronounced. She emphasized that as long as a father is not abusive and is a good parent, his presence is essential.
"He’s a boy. A boy needs his father. We may be the nurturers as women, but I am a strong believer that a man is the only one to raise a boy," she added.
A Mature Co-parenting System
The arrangement required a high level of maturity from both parents. Rachel and her former partner have been separated for approximately eight years.
Despite the split, they have maintained a functional relationship focused on their son’s happiness.
The duo has established a clear financial and logistical system to avoid conflict. Her son’s father handles school fees and occasional groceries. Rachel, meanwhile, covers the rent, fuel for school transport, and provides health insurance through her employer.
Life in the Public Eye
Mwalimu Rachel is widely respected for her discipline and career longevity. She spent a decade at Homeboyz Radio before moving to NRG Radio for eight years. She is now in her third year at Kiss 100 FM.
Beyond the studio, she manages a busy life that includes golfing, socialising with friends, and hosting her "Book Club Brunch" events. These events centre on personal growth and mental health for women. She describes her current life as "full" and "complete," noting that she thrives when her personal systems and routines are in order.
Rachel’s son has since moved back into her primary care, but she maintains that the year spent with his father was a necessary pivot for his growth. She encouraged other parents to put their feelings aside and focus on what is best for the child’s long-term stability.
