Tessie Mudavadi, the spouse of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, has called for stronger cooperation between the government, private sector, and civil society to improve the lives of vulnerable and street-connected children across Kenya.
Speaking during the annual Wemathon event held in Mombasa and organised by the Wema Centre, Tessie said no single institution can handle the challenges facing vulnerable children alone. She urged organisations and communities to work together to provide healthcare, education, protection, and rehabilitation support.
The charity event brought together hundreds of participants who took part in activities such as running, cycling, walking, and Zumba competitions to raise funds for a new clinic that will support street-connected children and needy families.
During her speech, Tessie praised the Wema Centre for helping rescue, educate, rehabilitate, and reintegrate vulnerable children back into society. She said the organisation’s work reflects the importance of compassion and collective responsibility in protecting children.
She also highlighted Kenya’s constitutional protections for children under Article 53 of the Bill of Rights and applauded recent government efforts aimed at strengthening child welfare systems through new regulations supporting the Children Welfare Fund.
Tessie further noted that protecting children should not be left to the government alone, insisting that families, communities, institutions, and development partners all have a role to play in safeguarding children’s future.
The event also featured a partnership between Ushiriki Wema, the government, Equity Afya, and the Wema Centre, which helped children and surrounding communities access healthcare and Huduma Centre services.
Overall, Tessie Mudavadi’s message highlighted the urgent need for unity and long-term support systems to give vulnerable children hope, dignity, and a better future.