Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States, spent a day learning about different programs aimed at empowering women and young people during her five-day visit to Kenya. These programs focused on safe sex, banking, and connecting tractor owners with farmers. The First Lady highlighted the need for people to talk openly about issues related to safe sex and contraception, as avoiding these topics can have dire consequences. She interacted with young adults at the Shujaaz Konnect Festival, where she praised them for learning about safe sex and dating practices.
Biden also attended a meeting of women who created their own banking system to promote women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion. These women participate in the Joyful Women program, which enables them to pool their resources and lend each other money. Biden appreciated the ingenuity of these women, who found a way to support each other and increase economic prosperity for their families.
In addition, Biden interacted with local entrepreneurs, small farmers, and others who have been helped by Hello Tractor, which connects tractor owners and farmers who need the machinery. She also paid her respects by laying a wreath at August 7th Memorial Park, in memory of the people killed in the 1998 bombings of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.
The First Lady’s visit is part of President Biden’s commitment to deepen U.S. engagement with the nations of Africa, which have often felt overlooked by the United States. Her trip also aims to counter China’s growing influence on the continent through increased trade and spending on public works projects. On her final day, Biden traveled to an area near Kenya’s border with Tanzania to raise awareness about a severe drought that is endangering lives and livelihoods.