Since the early 1960s, the work of first ladies in the country has significantly changed.
Apart from accompanying the Head of State to official functions, their work includes championing social issues and involvement in political campaigns.
Kenyans.co.ke looked at the post-primary learning institutions that shaped the careers of four Kenyan first ladies beginning from the tenure of the second President Daniel Moi.
Rachel Ruto
The current first lady Rachel Chebet Ruto began her academic journey at Likuyani Primary School before proceeding to Butere Girls High School.
She then landed a chance to pursue a bachelors of education (arts) degree at the Kiambu-based Kenyatta University.
After graduating, she taught for a while before abandoning the teaching profession to spend time with her family.
Recently, Rachel, who also engages in evangelical works, expressed her gratitude to Butere Girls for shaping her future.
"The Butere Girls alumni owe a great deal to Butere Girls High School, our alma mater, for educating us and laying the groundwork for our future," she stated.
She continues to champion for women's economic empowerment through the Joyful Women’s Organisation (Joywo).
In September 2022, Rachel also launched the Mama Cycling Initiative to promote healthy living via physical exercise.
Lena Tungo Moi
The late Lena Moi, the wife to the second President of Kenya Daniel Arap Moi, schooled at the Bomet County-based Tenwek Girls Secondary School.
She was also a teacher and later ditched the teaching profession to take care of her family.
Lucy Muthoni Kibaki
The late Lucy Kibaki schooled at the Kikuyu-based Alliance Girls High School between 1953 and 1956.
She was among the first students to gain admission to the national school, which was the only learning institution that admitted girls across the country at the time.
Moreover, unlike most students who completely cut ties with their schools once they are done with their studies, Lucy always took time to pen letters to her former principal.
Lucy, who passed away in 2016, later became a tutor and taught at various institutions including Kamwenja Teachers and Kiambu Colleges.
Margaret Kenyatta
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s wife Margaret Wanjiru schooled at the prestigious St Andrews School, Turi, domiciled in Molo, Nakuru County.
The mother of three children later joined Kenyatta University where she studied a bachelor of education course.
Some of the important initiatives that she spearheaded during her tenure as the first lady include the Beyond Zero Campaign and Johari Beads Initiative.
