Rachel Chebet Ruto (born 20 November 1969) is a Kenyan educator, entrepreneur, and the current First Lady of the Republic of Kenya. She assumed the role on September 13, 2022, following the inauguration of her husband, William Ruto, as the fifth President of Kenya. Known for her advocacy in women's economic empowerment, environmental conservation, and social welfare, she has established several high-profile initiatives that focus on grassroots development and community resilience. Born in Likuyani, located in Kakamega County, Kenya, Rachel Ruto’s early life was rooted in the Western region of the country. She attended Likuyani Primary School before proceeding to Butere Girls High School for her secondary education, where she completed both her O-levels and A-levels. Following her secondary studies, she enrolled at Kenyatta University, where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree. She later pursued further academic advancement, graduating with a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in 2011. Although trained as a teacher, Rachel Ruto transitioned into entrepreneurship early in her career. Following her marriage to William Ruto in 1991—a partnership formed during their university years—she stepped away from the teaching profession to focus on managing family enterprises, including a venture in the tours and travel industry. Rachel Ruto’s public profile grew significantly during her tenure as the Second Lady of Kenya (2013–2022). During this period, she became increasingly involved in philanthropy and social advocacy. Her most notable contribution to grassroots development is the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO), which she founded in 2009. The organization pioneered the "table banking" model in Kenya, a microfinance system that allows women to save and borrow money collectively within small groups without requiring traditional collateral. The initiative aimed to provide financial inclusion for women excluded from the formal banking sector. Since its inception, JOYWO has expanded significantly, supporting hundreds of thousands of women across all 47 counties of Kenya and fostering economic self-reliance. Upon becoming First Lady, Rachel Ruto consolidated her philanthropic efforts under the umbrella of "MaMa Doing Good," an organization that advances her vision for socio-economic transformation. The initiative encompasses three core pillars: the Joyful Women Organization, which continues its focus on financial inclusion; "Voice of Children," which advocates for the rights, protection, and participation of children; and "Tuombeni Kenya," which promotes environmental and social welfare programs. Her initiatives frequently intersect with climate action, most notably through the promotion of clean cooking solutions and the "Mama Kitchen Garden" initiative, which encourages sustainable urban and rural agriculture to improve food security. Beyond her domestic work, Rachel Ruto is a member of the Steering Committee of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), where she contributes to continental strategies regarding health, education, and women’s leadership. She is also recognized for her active advocacy in physical health, particularly her support for cycling as a method to promote wellness and sustainable mobility, often launching and participating in local cycling initiatives. Throughout her public life, Rachel Ruto has maintained a reputation for being deeply religious, frequently citing her faith as the foundation of her service. She and President William Ruto have six children. Her tenure as First Lady has been characterized by a blend of grassroots mobilization and high-level policy advocacy, focusing on bridging the gap between national development agendas and the day-to-day needs of marginalized communities.