First Lady Rachel Ruto’s Mama Kitchen Garden Initiative Boosts Sustainable Urbanization at the Sidelines of UNHA 2.2

On the sidelines of the resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly (UNHA 2.2), the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs in collaboration with UN-Habitat and The Kenya Permanent Mission to UN-Habitat, hosted a high-level event graced by Her Excellency the First Lady, Mrs. Rachel Ruto, CGH, at Farasi Lane Comprehensive School to spotlight the Mama Kitchen Garden Initiative. This program, part of the broader Feed One, End Hunger campaign, aims to enhance the production of nutritious food in both urban and rural settings.

Held under the theme “Towards Achieving a Sustainable Urban Future through Accessible Food and Nutrition,” the event showcased how the Mama Kitchen Garden Initiative is transforming Kenya’s urban spaces in line with UN-Habitat’s mission for sustainable cities. The diplomatic corps, UNHA2.2 delegates and students in attendance gained an understanding of the initiatives impact and achievements through  the testimonies shared by students who have benefited from the program since its inception last year. 

During her visit, the First Lady also planted a fruit tree and established a traditional vegetables vertical kitchen garden, reinforcing the importance of food security, education, and sustainable communities.

H.E. Mrs. Ruto urged UN-Habitat and the global diplomatic community to champion food systems as a cornerstone of development, emphasizing their expertise as vital to creating a greener, healthier Nairobi. “Imagine a city where every rooftop, every school, and every home is aligned with greenery, where children learn by growing food, and families thrive through micro-gardens,” she said.

Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat, Ambassador Grace Okara, praised the initiative as a “simple, local solution to complex urban challenges.” She noted its alignment with UN-Habitat’s new strategic plan and its potential to address malnutrition, poverty, and access to nutritious food.

The First Lady’s vision supports the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda on food security and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those on sustainable cities. 

UN-Habitat Deputy Executive Director Mr. Michal Mlynár commended the Mama Kitchen Garden Initiative for successfully localizing global sustainability efforts. He described it as a vital example of community-driven impact and reaffirmed UN-Habitat’s commitment to supporting such initiatives across Kenya, East Africa, and beyond.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Ruto quoted educator Charlotte Mason: “A well-fed mind is a productive mind,” and emphasized that every child, even in the most crowded urban settlements, deserves access to fresh, homegrown food.

Also in attendance were Mr. Jean Todt, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety; members of the diplomatic corps; the area Member of Parliament, Mr. Timothy Wanyonyi; and local leaders.