Kenya’s First Lady Rachel Ruto has joined global First Ladies at a major summit in the United States focused on technology and education.

Rachel Ruto attended the Fostering the Future Together summit in Washington, DC, following an invitation from US First Lady Melania Trump. The meeting brought together First Spouses, government officials and technology leaders to discuss how digital tools are shaping children’s learning and future jobs.

In a post shared on her X account on Thursday, March 26, 2026, Rachel Ruto said the world is at a critical point where technology is influencing how children grow and learn.

“Across the world today, a child is opening a screen, not just to learn, but to discover who they can become,” she wrote. “In that moment, confidence is built or broken, and possibilities are expanded or limited.”

She added that Kenya is already seeing young people engage with digital tools, including coding and digital art. She noted that with the right investment, technology can help children grow in a safe and fair way.

“In Kenya, children are already embracing the digital age, exploring coding, digital art, and innovation with remarkable creativity,” she said. “Through deliberate investments in digital literacy, AI, and connectivity, technology can empower every child safely, equitably, and meaningfully.”

The summit, held at the White House and the US State Department, forms part of a global coalition launched in 2025. It aims to expand access to education technology while also protecting children online.

Rachel Ruto said she was honoured to join other First Spouses at the event, which was convened under the Be Best platform led by Melania Trump.

“It was an honour to join my fellow First Spouses at the ‘Fostering the Future Together’ initiative,” she said. “The summit focused on the ways in which technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is reshaping education and the future of work.”

She stressed the need to connect education systems with modern technology to prepare children for the future.

“The future of our children depends on our ability to bridge the gap between education and technology,” she added.

Global leaders unite for children

During the summit, Melania Trump called for global cooperation to support children through education and digital access. She urged leaders to work together beyond political and geographical differences.

The meeting also drew participation from First Ladies and representatives from dozens of countries, including Ukraine, Israel and several African nations. Technology companies such as Google, Microsoft and OpenAI also took part in the discussions.

Sessions at the summit focused on key areas such as artificial intelligence in education, digital literacy, online safety and access to learning tools. Organisers said partnerships between governments and private firms will play a key role in delivering results.