The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Mrs. Rachel Ruto, wife of the President of Kenya, visited the Ministry of Social Solidarity in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital. She was warmly received by Margret Sarofim, Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Deputy Minister extended a warm welcome to Mrs. Rachel Ruto and her accompanying delegation, highlighting the strong and friendly relations between the two countries.
Eng. Sarofim provided an overview of the Ministry’s diverse initiatives in sectors such as social protection, social care, economic empowerment, and their integration with social services for persons with disabilities. She also highlighted Egypt’s largest cash transfer program, “Takaful and Karama,” which aims to support vulnerable families, improve their living conditions, and includes health and educational conditionalities.
The Deputy Minister further presented the Ministry’s vision for the social protection system and its efforts to economically empower women. She also discussed the “Tawheesha” digital savings and lending program, a collaboration with the National Council for Women and the Central Bank of Egypt, encouraging Takaful and Karama families to benefit from it.
Additionally, the role of Egyptian civil society as a key partner in achieving development goals was discussed, particularly in the areas of volunteering, handicrafts, and traditional industries. These efforts are supported by the political leadership in Egypt.
Following the meeting, the First Lady of Kenya toured the Ministry’s “Productive Families” exhibition, where she viewed a variety of handcrafted traditional products. These included copper, khayamiya (traditional tent-making), pottery, embroidered garments, mother-of-pearl, wicker, handwoven textiles, and Sinai-style carpets. She was impressed by the craftsmanship and quality of the Egyptian handicrafts on display.
The visit concluded with the Deputy Minister expressing her gratitude to the First Lady of Kenya for visiting the Ministry, taking the time to learn about its activities and services, and reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to fostering further cooperation and exchange between the two countries.
