He Is A Gift From God- Charlene Ruto Emotional After Story Of Employee

President William Ruto’s daughter Charlene Ruto shared how the story of Nathan Kiplangat Kikwai who she introduced as the Executive Director of her foundation SMACHS Foundation, had moved her to tears.

Kiplangat spoke during the commissioning of the 2023 Mashav Agricultural Programme at State House on Tuesday, August 15, where he gave his account of his experience of Israel.

He revealed that he had gone to participate in the Mashav Agricultural Programme which he termed as one of the proudest achievements in his career, as Charlene celebrated him for his exemplary work ethic and commitment to the organisation.

“Late last year, God gave me a gift in Nathan Kikwai, the executive director of my foundation SMACHS, a truly resilient and hardworking young man.

Charlene Ruto with Nathan Kiplangat at State House on August 15, 2023. /TWITTER.CHARLENE RUTO

"Today I shed a tear or two as I heard him share his story and experiences in Israel under the Mashav Agricultural Programme, a programme in which he is a proud alumnus, of which about 200 young Kenyans have been competitively chosen for," she stated.

The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya on the same day commissioned 210 Kenyan trainees for the 2023 Mashav Agricultural Training Program. This is an 11-month practical training at the Arava International Centre for Agricultural Training (AICAT) in Israel. 

Mama Rachel Ruto lauded the successful cooperation between Kenya and Israel, which has resulted in the exchange of Kenyan trainees in key fields such as security, medicine and agriculture.

According to a statement from the First Lady's office seen by Viral Tea, the 2023 Mashav Agricultural Training Program is a product of the strong relationship between these two nations.

The Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) prioritises agriculture as a key sector for economic growth, food security, job creation, and industrialization. The trainees will return to Kenya equipped with skills and fresh perspectives and contribute to the development of our Nation.

Speaking during the event, Drova Dorsman Yarkoni, the Deputy Head of Mission of Israel in Kenya said; "We aspire to have as many AICAT Alumni as possible harness their training to be successful in the Kenyan Agriculture sector.

"The goal is to give these young, educated, and skilled individuals a chance to become successful agripreneurs by providing innovative solutions on food production and food security in Kenya."

Kello Harsama, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Crop Development, said that the Training Centre located in Southern Israel in the Arava desert will be a great inspiration for the trainees to create solutions for agriculture targeting the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) in Kenya, which covers 23 out of the 47 counties in Kenya.

Charlene Ruto with First Lady, Rachel Ruto at State House on August 15, 2023. /OFFICE OF THE FIRST LADY