First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto on Monday led national celebrations to mark the Day of the African Child at Unoa Primary School in Makueni County. The event brought together pupils, community members, and local leaders to commemorate a day dedicated to promoting and safeguarding children’s rights across the continent.
In her keynote address, Mama Rachel emphasized the importance of investing in the welfare of children. “The Day of the African Child is a reminder of our duty to protect, nurture, and invest in every child,” she stated. “It honors the courage of young people and urges us to build a future where their rights are fully upheld.”
This year’s theme, “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010,” highlights the need for African governments to prioritize children in their national planning processes. The First Lady noted that the theme is a call to action for greater accountability in ensuring the well-being of children.
The Day of the African Child is commemorated annually on June 16. It was first instituted in 1991 by the African Union (then the Organization of African Unity) to honor the memory of the hundreds of students killed during the 1976 Soweto uprising in South Africa. Since then, it has evolved into a continent-wide platform for advocacy, reflection, and renewed commitment to child rights.
Mama Rachel Ruto reminded attendees that the occasion is not only about remembrance but also about inspiring meaningful change. “It is a moment to reflect soberly on the challenges children in Africa face daily and recommit ourselves to building systems that prioritize their needs,” she said.
The event in Makueni mirrored similar celebrations held across Africa, where governments, children’s organizations, civil society, and international partners assess progress made and highlight areas needing improvement in child protection, education, and health.
The First Lady concluded by urging all sectors of society to make children central to development agendas. “We must place children at the heart of our national planning and budgeting to truly secure Africa’s future,” she said.
