Former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta has been honoured for championing the inclusion of women in security services during the tenure of the late President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
The recognition was presented during the Ushiriki Wema Initiative’s annual sporting event, Staara ya Wazee, held at the Ulinzi Complex grounds in Lang’ata, Nairobi, yesterday.
And in a speech delivered on her behalf by her daughter Kristina Pratt Kenyatta, Mama Ngina praised women for breaking gender barriers in Kenya’s traditionally male-dominated security forces.
She hailed retired Armed Forces women for proving to be pillars of national security, recognising their vital role in upholding peace and stability.
Mama Ngina also recalled the challenges women faced in the 1970s and 80s in the army, including limited recruitment opportunities and barriers related to marriage or raising young families while pursuing careers in the disciplined services.
Pratt noted that Mama Ngina’s advocacy extended beyond recruitment, playing a critical role in championing social policies for women security forces, including welfare support, protection from unfair dismissal, and opportunities for career progression.
“You are the pioneers and should be looked after well. Many of you served at a time when women had to leave the forces if you wanted to start a family,” she noted, adding, “Her vision ensured that women could serve their country without having to choose between family and career.
Expectant officers were no longer forced to leave the service, and policies began to take shape, allowing women to continue contributing to national security while raising families,” Pratt explained.
She described Mama Ngina’s pivotal role in influencing a historic decision that opened the doors for women to be recruited into the Army in 1971, praising retirees for emerging as trailblazers in Kenya’s security sector.
“It all began as a simple but powerful conversation between Mama Ngina and Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, aimed at ensuring that women, too, could be included in the army,” Pratt narrated.
“From that moment, the first women were recruited into the Armed Forces, and over the years, many more have become trailblazers in Kenya’s security sector,” she added, noting that many were later able to raise families and lead successful lives.
She said, “You are veterans. Pioneers are called Mashujaa, and you are the Mashujaa of the Army, treasures who must be well cared for.”
According to Pratt, Mama Ngina believed that pregnancy should never be a reason for dismissal. “She stood for the dignity of women, ensuring they could serve in the army, raise families, and continue contributing to the nation.
“Her advocacy helped shift perceptions and laid the foundation for the maternity and welfare policies that protect Army women officers today,” Pratt went on.
The event, organised by Tessie Musalia, Chairperson of the Ushiriki Wema Foundation and spouse of Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, honoured retired women from the security sector for their dedicated service to the nation.
“Many of you served diligently until retirement, yet your contributions often went unrecognised. Platforms like the Ushiriki Wema Foundation play a vital role in recognising the efforts of ‘the unsung heroes of Kenya’, she said, calling on more organisations to join in supporting this cause.
She urged the government to establish mechanisms to recognise and protect veterans, including fast-tracking pension and medical schemes immediately upon retirement, noting that many have to wait long periods to receive their benefits. “They deserve recognition and respect as part of Kenya’s true Mashujaa,” she added.
Ms Pratt further encouraged veterans to form savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs) to enhance their economic independence. “Even after retirement, you have the strength and skills to rebuild,” she said. “With a little seed capital, you can sustain yourselves and your families,” she advised.
The event also underscored the importance of preserving their legacy as role models for younger officers.
In her remarks, Tessie Musalia commended former First Lady Mama Ngina for championing the rights of women in the disciplined forces.
Mrs Musalia at the same time congratulated veteran uniformed women for their resilience and distinguished service, noting that their courage and leadership paved the way for more inclusion.
“Your actions did more than open doors; they broke barriers and lit a path for future generations, rooted in the belief in the strength, capability, and potential of women,” she said.
She highlighted the steady progress in gender inclusion, pointing out women who have risen to senior command positions, including Major General Fatuma Ahmed, the first woman Air Force Commander, and former Deputy Inspector-General of Police Grace Kahindi.
She added that women have also led key roles in the Defence Ministry, including Ambassador Raychelle Omamo, Monica Juma, and the current Cabinet Secretary, Soipan Tuya.
“Leadership knows no gender, and the path of service is open to all who walk it with courage,” Tessie Mudavadi added, commending President William Ruto’s administration for appointing women to key security roles.
Through their testimonies, they expressed gratitude to the late founding father President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, who authorised the recruitment of women into the armed forces in 1971, describing it as a turning point that changed many lives.
“We are grateful to Mama Ngina Kenyatta and her family for championing the inclusion of women in the armed forces. Because of that decision, we stand here today as proud veterans,” they said.
Tessie urged Parliament to expedite the Older Persons Bill, 2024, which seeks to safeguard the rights of senior citizens against exploitation, abuse, and neglect. “The Bill seeks to protect senior citizens from neglect and abuse and ensure their access to health and social support,” she said.
Former Deputy Inspector General of Police Grace Kahindi commended the stakeholders for recognising veteran officers. “We have contributed immensely to this nation and helped move it forward, and in the history of this country, a chapter will be written about us,” she said.
Major General Fatuma Ahmed challenged retired officers to use their wealth of experience to uplift their communities. She praised Ushiriki Wema for “rejuvenating the sense of belonging and dignity among female veterans” and urged participants to continue giving back through mentorship and community service.
The Stara ya Wazee celebrations, held under the theme “Women in Security”, brought together retired officers, government representatives, and members of the public to honour the legacy of women who served in uniformed security dockets.
By Ian Chepkuto
