[PHOTOS] Ruto joins First Lady Rachel for Joyful Women 14th anniversary celebration

In Summary

The initiative was formed to empower women economically through financial inclusion, skills development, market access.
Currently, it has 188,000 active members and 15,000 groups from 44 counties across the country.

23 November 2023 - 17:12

President William Ruto address the gathering during the 14 anniversary of Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on November 23, 2023.
Image: PCS

President William Ruto was the chief guest during a ceremony to mark the 14 anniversary of the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on Thursday.

A group of women entertain guests during the 14th anniversary of Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on November 23, 2023.
Image: PCS

JOYWO, an initiative of First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto, was founded in 2009.

Its main aim is to empower women economically through financial inclusion, skills development, market access and linkages to meet their basic needs and fulfill their potential.

First lady Mama Rachel Ruto during the 14th anniversary of Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on November 23, 2023.
Image: PCS

Currently, it has 188,000 active members and 15,000 groups from 44 counties across the country.

It has a revolving fund of $21 million (Sh3.1 billion).

It operates a table-banking model where groups of between 10 to 30 members gather every month to save and borrow.

Visiting First Ladies from Namibia (Monica Geingos), Ghana (Rebecca Akufo-Addo) and Burundi (Angeline Ndayishimiye) also graced the event.

Nairobi Deputy Governor James Muchiri (second right) during the 14th anniversary of Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on November 23, 2023.
Image: PCS

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's spouse pastor Dorcas during the ceremony to mark the 14th anniversary of Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on November 23, 2023.
Image: PCS

Prime cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi (right) and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja with his spouse follow proceedings alongside other cabinet secretaries during the 14th anniversary of Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on November 23, 2023.
Image: PCS

President William Ruto with First lady mama Rachel Ruto during the 14th anniversary of Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on November 23, 2023.
Image: PCS

Prime cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi's spouse Tessie Mudavadi during the 14th anniversary of Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on November 23, 2023.
Image: PCS

Burundi's First lady Angeline Ndayishimiye during the 14th anniversary of Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on November 23, 2023.
Image: PCS

Namibia's First lady Monica Geingos during the 14 anniversary of Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on November 23, 2023.
Image: PCS

Ghana's First lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo during a ceremony to mark the 14th anniversary of Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on November 23, 2023.
Image: PCS

Gender, Culture and Arts Cabinet secretary Aisha Jumwa speaks during the ceremony to mark the 14th anniversary of Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on November 23, 2023.
Image: PCS