Former President Uhuru Kenyatta sister Kristine Kenyatta - Pratt (third left) and spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Tessie Musalia (left) with retired women in Security during "Stara ya Wazee" event organised by Ushiriki Wema at Ulizi Sports Complex grounds in Langata in Nairobi/HANDOUTFormer First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta has been honoured for her trailblazing role in championing the inclusion of women in Kenya’s security services.
The honour was bestowed during the annual “Staara ya Wazee” sporting event held at the Ulinzi Complex grounds in Lang’ata, Nairobi, and organised by Ushiriki Wema, an economic empowerment initiative founded by Tessie Musalia, wife of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Mama Ngina was celebrated for her pivotal role in the early 1970s during the administration of the late President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, when she is said to have influenced the landmark decision that opened the door for women to join the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service.
Representing her mother as chief guest, Kristina Pratt received the recognition on Mama Ngina’s behalf.
In her remarks, Pratt reflected on her mother’s advocacy and its profound impact on Kenya’s security landscape.
“It all began as a simple but powerful conversation between Mama Ngina and Mzee Jomo Kenyatta — an understanding that women, too, could defend their country,” Pratt said. “From that moment, the first women were recruited into the armed forces and the police. They became the trailblazers of women in Kenya’s security sector.”
Spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Tessie Musalia and former President Uhuru Kenyatta sister Kristine Kenyatta - Pratt tour medical tent during "Stara ya Wazee" event organised by Ushiriki Wema at Ulizi Sports Complex grounds in Langata in Nairobi/HANDOUTThis year’s Staara ya Wazee event, themed “Women in Security,” celebrated retired female officers for their resilience, service, and leadership, which paved the way for future generations of women in uniform.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Major General Fatuma Ahmed, Kenya’s first woman to attain the rank of Major General, and Grace Kahindi, former Deputy Inspector General of Police, who both shared reflections on their experiences and milestones.
“Our service may have ended, but our mission to build and inspire continues,” said Major General Ahmed, commending Ushiriki Wema for recognising the contributions of women veterans.
Kahindi, recalling the early years of service, noted that while the environment was often challenging, women’s determination to serve with distinction reshaped the nation’s security forces.
“We have moved this nation forward, and history will remember the women who first wore the uniform,” she said.
Tessie emphasised that the initiative seeks not only to celebrate the contributions of senior citizens but also to advocate for their welfare.
She expressed concern over delays in enacting the Older Persons Bill, 2024, legislation aimed at protecting elderly citizens from neglect and ensuring their access to healthcare and social services.
“We urge Parliament to prioritise this legislation and ensure our elders live in dignity,” Musalia said.
She added that the annual Staara ya Wazee celebration embodies the spirit of respect, gratitude, and inclusion, values she said are vital to building a compassionate and equitable society.
The event featured sporting activities and tributes to pioneering women who broke barriers in Kenya’s disciplined forces, symbolising a shared commitment to honouring the past while inspiring future generations.
