Kenya’s Second Lady, Dr. Joyce Kithure, has urged leaders and communities to invest more in the welfare and empowerment of mothers, saying women remain central to building stable families and stronger communities.
Speaking during a Mother’s Day celebration held at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi, and attended by over 1,000 mothers, Dr Kithure said many women continue to bear the weight of economic and emotional challenges while raising families and nurturing society.
“Many mothers continue to face economic challenges, health struggles, emotional stress and the responsibility of raising children in a rapidly changing world. That is why as leaders and as a community, we must continue supporting women and creating environments where mothers can thrive,” she said.
The Second Lady used the occasion to honour mothers for their sacrifices and contribution to nation building, describing them as the foundation upon which strong societies are built.
“Behind many successful families, responsible citizens, and great leaders, there is usually a mother who sacrificed quietly, prayed faithfully and worked tirelessly,” she noted.
Dr Kithure said motherhood goes beyond raising children, noting that mothers shape values, nurture discipline and sustain families even during difficult moments.
“A mother is often the first teacher, the first caregiver, the first counsellor and the first source of love a child experiences,” she added.
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In her address, Dr Kithure praised mothers for the invisible labour they carry daily to ensure their families survive and thrive.
“Thank you for waking up early and sleeping late so that your children may have a better future. Thank you for nurturing values of honesty, discipline, kindness and hard work. Thank you for carrying the emotional burden of families with strength and grace even during difficult times,” she stated.
The Second Lady also challenged leaders and communities to create enabling environments that allow women and mothers to flourish socially and economically.
Through the SaVE Communities Initiative, which she spearheads, Dr Kithure said empowering women remains central to transforming communities and improving livelihoods.
“When we empower a mother, we uplift a family. When we educate a woman, we strengthen a generation,” she said.
Dr Kithure noted that women remain at the centre of sustainable development efforts, especially in areas such as environmental conservation, food security, clean water and climate action.
“As we continue championing science, environmental conservation, clean water, food security, climate action and community empowerment, we recognise that women, especially mothers, remain at the centre of sustainable development,” she said.
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She also urged young people to honour their mothers not only through celebrations and gifts, but through discipline, compassion and hard work.
“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.
Dr Kithure encouraged mothers who may feel exhausted or unappreciated to remain hopeful, saying their sacrifices continue to shape the future of 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.
She concluded by calling for unity in families and communities while wishing mothers across
Kenya and beyond a happy Mother’s Day.
“To all mothers here today, those listening to me Countrywide and Worldwide: Happy Mother’s Day! God bless you, God bless your families, and God bless Kenya,” she said.
