First Lady Rachel Ruto has urged young couples to stop delaying parenthood, leveraging the government's health policies to make her case at a high-profile wedding.

Speaking during a colorful ceremony on Saturday, the First Lady did not shy away from the often-sensitive topic of family planning. With a mix of motherly warmth and policy advocacy, she told the newlyweds that the "waiting game" often played by modern career-focused couples was unnecessary, especially with the state underwriting the costs of delivery.

"Don't Keep the Grandparents Waiting"

Dressed in an elegant emerald gown, Mrs. Ruto addressed the couple directly, advising them that children are the "crowning glory" of a marriage. Her comments touched on a growing demographic trend where urban Kenyan millennials are postponing childbirth due to economic uncertainty.

"When you settle down, there is always that hesitation. You want to buy a car first, or a plot," she said. "But I have faith in you. Do not wait too long. Your parents are waiting for grandchildren, and we as a nation need the next generation."

She then dropped the line that lit up social media: "If the President were here, he would tell you the same thing. And he would remind you that under the new Social Health Authority (SHA), maternity is free. Linda Mama is still here, bigger and better. Maternity ni free, so you have no excuse!"

• Policy Meets Pulpit: The First Lady's remarks effectively doubled as a public awareness campaign for the transition from NHIF to SHA. The government has been keen to reassure the public that free maternity services—a legacy Jubilee project—have been seamlessly integrated into the new RutoCare model.
• The Linda Mama Factor: Despite the assurance, critics have pointed to teething problems in the new health scheme, with some expectant mothers reporting hurdles in accessing the "free" services in county referral hospitals.

A Cultural shift

Rachel's advice strikes a chord in a society torn between traditional expectations and modern economic realities. While the "free maternity" pitch makes for a good soundbite, many young couples argue that the cost of raising a child—school fees, housing, food—is the real contraceptive.

Nevertheless, the First Lady's message was clear: The government has paid the hospital bill; the rest is up to you. For the newlyweds, the pressure is now officially on—by executive order.