First Lady of The Republic of Kenya, Her Excellency Rachel Ruto, Visits CDU Campus
Her Excellency Rachel Ruto, the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, paid a visit to the CDU campus as part of the university’s Diplomats on Global Health Disparities series, organized by CDU’s Office of International Affairs.
The series aims to create opportunities for the university’s students, staff, faculty, and the community to engage with officials and consulate representatives from different nations, fostering discussions on global health disparities and potential collaborations.
During her two-hour visit, Her Excellency Rachel Ruto was warmly welcomed by CDU President and CEO, David M. Carlisle, along with other members of CDU administration.
The visit commenced with a sit-down meeting with senior CDU administrators, select staff, and faculty in the Cobb Building.
In this meeting, CDU student Njeri Kiambati delivered a welcome message, and Director of Admissions Keonna Coleman provided an overview of the university. Additionally, the discussion delved into CDU’s various projects in Africa, particularly in Zambia and Mali.
The second half of Her Excellency Rachel Ruto’s visit took place in the LSRNE Building lobby and was open to the CDU community, with attendees including the entire first cohort of the CDU MD Program.
The First Lady delivered a powerful address, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in Kenya and around the world, while emphasizing the importance of pursuing health equity globally.
In her remarks, she highlighted the role of women in her country, discussing her advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment. As a thought leader on financial inclusion and women’s economic empowerment, Her Excellency Rachel Ruto has become a champion for various causes, including Faith Diplomacy, Food Systems Innovation, Nutrition, Mental Health and Wellness, Inclusivity, Climate Change, and Entrepreneurship.
Among the noteworthy moments during her visit, Her Excellency Rachel Ruto had the chance to meet several CDU students of Kenyan descent and interact with them in Swahili, the language of Kenya, further strengthening the bond between the university and her home country.
CDU President and CEO, David Carlisle, provided closing remarks at the end of the event before Her Excellency departed. The entire visit served as a remarkable example of CDU’s commitment to providing a unique and comprehensive healthcare education through Global-International Experience, one of the five domains of The CDU Advantage.
Her Excellency Rachel Ruto’s visit not only contributed to the dialogue on global health disparities but also provided a platform for cultural exchange and diplomatic engagement between Kenya and CDU.