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Former First Lady of Kenya & Health Advocate
Born
1964(62 yrs)
County
Nairobi
Public Views
Experience
Documented career positions
Margaret Gakuo Kenyatta (born 8 April 1964) served as Kenya’s First Lady from 2013 to 2022 and is best known for founding the Beyond Zero initiative to improve maternal and child health. Launched in January 2014, Beyond Zero raised funds through the First Lady’s Half Marathon and delivered fully equipped mobile clinics to every county; official communications recorded the 47th handover to Nairobi and, by 2019, at least 52 clinics had been donated nationwide. She was named the United Nations in Kenya Person of the Year in 2014 for this work. Her advocacy also targeted mother-to-child HIV transmission, fistula treatment, cancer screening, and expanded access to routine services, with the marathon platform highlighted by UNAIDS and local media. Since leaving State House, she has continued to champion health outcomes and share the Beyond Zero model on global stages, including the Global First Ladies Academy in 2024.
Founded the Beyond Zero Campaign
Delivered fully-equipped mobile clinics to all 47 counties
Named UN Person of the Year (Kenya) in 2014 for her work on maternal health
The Beyond Zero campaign faced some criticism regarding its funding model and long-term sustainability, though it was widely praised for its impact.
News articles featuring Margaret Kenyatta
Advocated for wildlife conservation, particularly the protection of elephants