Surprise Coast tour, finance training gift for mothers

They used the moment to celebrate their achievements in life, honouring themselves and other mothers across the country for their roles in shaping the society.

Ms Edna Ruto took the opportunity to urge the government to recognise the place of women by implementing the two-thirds gender rule.

"We want our government to note that as women, we also need to be recognised and given what is constitutional. We want the 30 percent slots in leadership because we are not seeing it," she said.

Her counterparts also lauded fathers for the roles they have played in ensuring their successful journey during motherhood.

Read: Have you unconsciously turned into your mother?

Some of them could not hide their emotions, revealing that they were in Mombasa for the first time, and the first time also to celebrate Mother's Day.

"We really thank our children for recognising the roles we played, as your mothers, we love you and may God continue blessing you until we meet again," said Ms Peris Tiroch.

International Mother's Day is celebrated every year, providing an opportunity to find ways of positively impacting the lives of mothers.

Elsewhere, a primary school in Mombasa redefined this year’s Mother’s Day celebrations by empowering mothers with knowledge on how to access government and private financial opportunities aimed at uplifting women and youth economically.

Read: Make Mother’s Day meaningful, will you?

In an event held on Saturday at Maya Tots Academy in the VOK area in Nyali Sub-County, mothers were taken through practical sessions on how to apply for various funds dedicated to women, youth, and small businesses.

The school’s director, Ms Mariam Juma, said the programme was inspired by her own experience with financial empowerment.

“I felt there was a gap in accessing the right information from the right personnel in acquiring financial opportunities after I got the empowerment. So I felt it would be generous enough for me to share the idea,” said Ms Juma.

Ms Juma noted that many mothers have the potential to run successful businesses but are unaware of how to access financial support due to a lack of information.

Read: Let us celebrate our mothers

“By giving them the tools and knowledge, we are investing in the future of our school and our community,” she added.
Salama Ismael, the chairlady of Uwezo Fund in Nyali Constituency, took the women through various government funds set aside for women and youth, including Uwezo Fund, Women Enterprise Fund, Youth Fund, Hustler Fund, and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (Ngaaf).

“These funds are available but underutilised because many women don’t know how to access them or what the requirements are. Today, we are not just celebrating mothers, we are equipping them to stand on their own feet,” said Ms Ismael.

For Ms Habiba Idris, a parent and boutique owner, the event came as a turning point.

“I have always wanted to expand my business, but didn’t know where to get the money. Now I know what steps to take and who to talk to. This is the best gift I’ve received as a mother,” she said.

Another parent, Ms Fatuma Hassan, praised the school for choosing empowerment over entertainment.

“Many women are struggling because we don’t have information. When a school does this, it shows they care not just about our children’s education, but also our livelihoods,” she said.

Beyond financial literacy, the mothers also received training on parenting and child protection.

The facilitator guided them on how to communicate effectively with their children, teach them about personal boundaries, and identify signs of abuse.