Mama Ngina Kenyatta Receives Macky Sall Prize for Dialogue in Africa

Former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta has received the 2019 Macky Sall Prize for Dialogue in Africa.

The prize was awarded to Mama Ngina on December 11th, 2020, at the Museum of Black Civilization in Dakar, Senegal by President Macky Sall, but due to the COVID-19 outbreak, she could not travel to the West Africa nation to receive it.

Defense Cabinet Secretary Amb. Monica Juma received the award on Mama Ngina’s behalf and handed it to her during a ceremony held at State House on Sunday.  

The prize is usually awarded on an annual basis to recognize personalities who use dialogue to avert conflict in Africa. It is named after Senegalese President Macky Sall—a celebrated African mediator.

Mama Ngina was awarded for continuously and silently using dialogue to diffuse tension in the country and the region over the years. She was particularly recognized for her leading role in ending the political tension experienced in the wake of the 2017 general election.

"I didn't know that there are people who know where we've come from as a country and how they settled on me as the recipient of the award. I am grateful," Mama Ngina said. 

The award ceremony was attended by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, and Foreign Affairs PS Amb. Macharia Kamau.