The Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK) held its 3rd Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 17th May 2025, at the Moran Centre in Karen. The meeting brought together military wives from across Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) formations to celebrate shared achievements, reflect on progress, and reaffirm the Association’s commitment to uplifting military families.
The AGM was presided by MWAK Chairlady, Mrs. Grace Kahariri, who welcomed members and guests with warmth and purpose. She opened the session by inviting Mrs. Aileen Ogolla, the immediate former chairlady and a founding member of MWAK, whose address was both moving and inspirational. Mrs. Ogolla reflected on the vision that led to MWAK’s formation—a vision rooted in community, support, and empowerment of women and KDF families.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Kahariri highlighted the AGM’s theme, “We Are Enough,” noting its reflection of MWAK’s journey and collective identity. She emphasized that MWAK continues to be a safe and inclusive space where every member’s voice matters. She reminded the members that collective strength lies at the heart of progress. She recognized the work done by her predecessors and pledged to sustain their efforts.
Mrs. Kahariri brought to the fore one of her key agenda of “Raising the next generation of leaders, working closely with individuals, professionals, business owners, organizations and institutions to develop effective leadership strategies which promote personal growth and inspire positive change to all our families in the KDF, those serving, retired, widows and special needs children”.
Among the milestones she highlighted were partnerships with Safaricom Foundation and BethanyKids Kenya, which have enabled MWAK to expand support to children with special needs and persons living with disabilities. Notable projects such as the refurbishment of the Kahawa Garrison Special Needs Unit in collaboration with KISE were applauded as efforts towards inclusive education.
Mrs. Kahariri also shared her vision for sustainability, especially regarding the diaper and sanitary pad donation program. The vision is geared towards setting up a diaper and sanitary pads production factory that will make the programme sustainable.
She extended appreciation to the KDF leadership for their unwavering support, the MWAK Executive Committee (ExCom) for their commitment, and all members for their active participation. She concluded her remarks with a powerful affirmation: “Without you, there is no me, without me, there is no us but with all of us, we are enough to together walk far.”
Gracing the AGM Kenya Air Force Commander Major General Fatuma Ahmed Mohammed, delivered a stirring address. She described MWAK as a vital pillar within the military community, one that complements the welfare efforts of KDF and reinforces the fighting spirit of the forces by strengthening the families behind them. She commended the Association’s focus on supporting vulnerable groups, promoting inclusive education, and nurturing the potential of future generations. “Through your programs, a child with special needs, a grieving family, or a struggling youth can rise with dignity,” she remarked. She concluded by thanking MWAK leadership and ExCom members for their role as change agents within KDF.
Service leads from the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force and Kenya Navy, gave comprehensive reports on regional activities. Army Service lead noted that over 400 widows participated in regional events such as World Widows Day and she highlighted various welfare initiatives that the Army had undertaken in supporting military families in collaboration with MWAK. Navy service lead highlighted community mobilization efforts and support for pillar initiatives, especially Tufuzu Vocational Training program, which benefitted 100 students.The Kenya Air Force service lead reported on medical outreach for non-communicable diseases, youth mentorship programs, and beautification program. She also highlighted widows’ empowerment seminars and successful commemorations for fallen heroes.
The pillar presentations offered a structured overview of MWAK’s impact in 2024–2025. In education, improved performance across several KDF Sponsored Schools was reported following donations and mentorship to candidates. Conduct of a successful and a well-attended teachers’ seminar.
Widows Programs, under the mentorship pillar, has now reached over 1,000 widows and orphans nationwide. Key activities included bereavement care, counselling, vocational training, empowerment programs, and successful KDF job placements for widows and orphans. The program also resolved several pension payment issues in partnership with the Compensation and welfare department.
Health Pillar reported medical outreaches in three bases, commemorated World Diabetes Day and World Kidney Day with awareness activities taking place. Psychosocial support services continued to grow, with 34 new cases reported.
Special Needs coordinator emphasized registration for government disability certification and shared the impact of the recently passed Disability Act, which enhances access and inclusion for persons living with disabilities.
Housing and Recreation & Wellbeing pillars, notable achievements included the Green Park renovation at MAB, a renovated football pitch, and upcoming plans for a children’s festival.
Veteran Pillar head encouraged increased member engagement to unlock future support.
Partnership & Collaboration and Funding reported collaborations with several institutions, including Kingdom Bank, Safaricom Foundation, BethanyKids, Family Bank, and KCB. These partnerships continue to enable funding, resource support, and benchmarking opportunities.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Pillar head shared highlights from the 2024–2025 mid-year review, including the ongoing development of MWAK’s new strategic plan (2025–2029), adjustments to the organizational structure, and mentorship rollouts through regional buddy systems.
The AGM also featured two guest speakers. Mrs. Rose Kamene, Head of Women Banking at Family Bank, gave a powerful talk on financial empowerment, themed “Follow Your Shilling,” emphasizing personal responsibility, goal setting, and resilience. She encouraged women to start small, stay focused, and build long-term financial stability.
Ms. Ann Maingi, Area Director of Suntory East and West Africa, urged members to plan for life’s different seasons and build networks that sustain growth.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Kahariri quoted Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. Reminding members that their lasting impact lies in how they make others feel.
The 2025 MWAK AGM was a celebration of commitment, collective action, and unwavering purpose. It reaffirmed MWAK’s role as a cornerstone of support within the KDF community and a model of resilient, impactful women-led leadership.
