Dorcas Rigathi Awarded For Empowering The Boy Child In Kenya

Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, the wife to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, was on Friday, September 8, awarded during the Africa Public Sector Conference Awards (APSCA) 2023 held at a Nairobi hotel.

Dorcas revealed that she took home the ‘Outstanding Catalyst in Vulnerable Empowerment Award’ owing to her work in uplifting the boy child and working with widows, orphans, and people with disabilities in Kenya.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Pastor Dorcas dedicated her latest feat to her husband, DP Gachagua, who supported her throughout the time they have been together and for supporting her as she moved mountains to salvage the boy child from the trials and tribulations stemming from drug abuse.

"I thank God for the honour bestowed on me by the award of the Africa Outstanding Catalyst in Vulnerable Empowerment Award during the Public Sector Conference and Awards 2023.

Pastor Dorcas Rigathi holding her award alongside Environment CS, Soipan Tuya at the Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards (APSCA) gala dinner at a Nairobi Hotel on September 8, 2023. /DORCAS RIGATHI

"I appreciate my husband, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, for 35 years who has always been supportive because I would not have made it, even to those drug dens without his encouragement and support; and together with my boy children," Dorcas Rigathi tweeted.

She also recognised the partnerships she struck which had enhanced her efforts, adding that she helped change the perspective of narratives regarding the public sector which for long has been subjected to criticism.

"I also cannot take this award and say it's mine, the work you've seen is a collaboration of many partners and people who have believed in my vision and have worked hand in hand; with ministries and government departments.

"Many times when you hear stories about the public sector, you only hear the negative but we have public servants who dedicate their time to make sure the world runs better," she added.

The awards are aimed at recognising individuals, departments and ministries in public service that have worked selflessly for the betterment of society.

Others awarded yesterday night included Ghana Library Authority (Most Promising Public Sector Agency of the Year), and Kenya Revenue Authority (Public Sector Brand of the Year), among others.

Another prominent awardee was Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) Peninah Malonza who bagged the 2023 Africa Tourism Woman of the Year Award, attended also by her Environment counterpart, Soipan Tuya.

“Receiving this nomination is unbelievably humbling and a joyous moment in my career path.

"It is a statement of the collective efforts of so many dedicated individuals who have tirelessly worked towards the betterment of our tourism industry. I am both honoured and privileged to be recognized in this esteemed capacity,” the excited Malonza stated.