Tessie Mudavadi, the spouse of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, has urged the removal of legal and structural obstacles that impede gender equality.
While addressing the International Women’s Day 2026 festivities in Tharaka Nithi county, Tessie highlighted the importance of eliminating barriers to justice and rights for women and girls as essential for national advancement.
The event included the Ushiriki Wema Foundation’s donation of infant incubators to the Okoa Malaika Programme, which aids neonatal care in the area.
“Every investment we make in women and girls yields multiplied returns in healthier families, more robust communities, and a more prosperous nation,” Tessie stated.
She emphasized, “On this International Women’s Day, let us recognize that by dedicating our time, resources, and support to a cause, we foster healthier communities, empower women, and Kenya will acquire generations of strength, resilience, and potential.”
Tessie urged the government, private sector, civil society, and development partners to enhance access to quality neonatal care nationwide.
She emphasized the significance of prolonged maternity leave for mothers of pre-term infants, presenting it not as an act of generosity, but as a strategic investment in healthier children, more robust families, and a more efficient nation.
“I thus urge our lawmakers at both the national and county levels to seize this moment.” “They possess the ability to establish a suitable timeframe for both mother and child,” she insisted.
She referenced instances from various African countries. “Tanzania has implemented longer maternity leave policies for mothers of premature infants.” “The Gambia and Djibouti offer extended maternity leave of up to six months for mothers,” she stated, encouraging Kenya to adopt a similar approach.
Njoki Mambo, ambassador for the Okoa Malaika Programme, commended the strength of mothers and healthcare professionals in neonatal units.
