First Lady Rachel Ruto Tuesday offered pupils a rare, intimate glimpse into her childhood aspirations and early academic journey, recounting how her first-ever trip to Nairobi was the day she left home to join university.
Speaking to learners from Kachochoroni Primary School and Gandini Comprehensive School in Kilifi county, who were on an educational tour of the First family’s Kosachei farm in Uasin Gishu, Rachel encouraged them to dream boldly and refuse to be confined by their circumstances.
Born in Likuyani in Kakamega county, Rachel told the young learners that her upbringing was humble and her world geographically small, so much so that even Eldoret, the county’s capital where she now resides, was once unfamiliar territory to her.
“The first time I went to Nairobi, I was going to school. I was born in Likuyani, went to Butere Girls... Even Eldoret, I had not been to that place,” she said.
She narrated the moment she had to select her preferred universities, saying she was determined to break out of the familiar and carve a different path.
“When it reached the time to select universities of choice, I picked Kenyatta University. I did not pick Moi University,” she said.
“Nilisema siwezi chagua Moi University, siwezi toka Eldoret and niende Eldoret. First choice, I picked Kenyatta for teaching. Second choice, Kenyatta University for teaching. Third choice, Kenyatta University, teaching.”
Her determination, she told the learners, stemmed from a youthful desire to explore new spaces and push her boundaries.
“Sikuwa nataka mtu aniambie niende another university. I wanted to go to the capital city,” she said. “Lakini sijui mbona sikutaka kuenda Nairobi University; I just said I want to go to Kenyatta to go and pursue teaching. That was the first time I left home for Nairobi.”
Rachel contrasted her experience with that of the pupils standing before her, noting that they were far more exposed to the world at a young age.
Their journey from Kilifi to Uasin Gishu, she said, had already taken them through multiple major towns, a privilege she did not enjoy as a child.
“You are lucky you passed through four cities,” she told them, adding that such exposure should fuel even bigger dreams, including the ambition to study abroad.
Her message was clear, background should never limit a child’s aspirations.
The First Lady first met the same group of learners earlier this year in Kilifi during the launch of school kitchen gardens, a project aimed at promoting food security, nutrition education and agricultural skills among pupils.
Their curiosity, she said, left a lasting impression on her.
“Nurturing young minds and guiding them toward their passions is one of the greatest investments we can make,” she said. “When children are supported early and exposed to practical experiences, they grow with confidence and purpose.”
She added that watching the learners at Kosachei, engaging with the farm systems, asking questions and displaying a genuine interest in agriculture, reaffirmed her belief that the country’s future was safe in the hands of a generation ready to embrace innovation.
“Seeing them today, engaged, inquisitive, and eager to learn, reaffirmed my belief that our future is bright,” she said.
“These children represent a generation ready to embrace sustainability and agriculture not just as a school subject, but as a dignified and impactful career path.”
The pupils spent the day learning about modern farming methods, soil health, irrigation, value addition and climate-smart agriculture initiatives practiced at the farm.
The tour is part of a broader mentorship and agricultural education programme that the First Lady has championed, emphasising self-reliance and entrepreneurship for young people.
Rachel urged the pupils not to fear aiming high.
“Dream big,” she urged them. “Your journey can take you anywhere, even beyond our borders,” she said.
