Unlike her siblings Uhuru Kenyatta, Nyokabi Kenyatta Muthama and Muhoho Kenyatta, Kristina is not popularly referred by her prominent family name.
Kristina Wambui Pratt has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kenya and beyond.
Born in 1955, Wambui's journey as a disability advocate began in 1977 when she was appointed as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) ambassador for the visually impaired in Africa, a position that allowed her to raise awareness and advocate for the needs of visually impaired individuals across the continent.
In 1979, Wambui's remarkable contributions and efforts toward the mentally handicapped in Kenya were recognized by the Kenya Society for the Mentally Handicapped, and she was awarded their prestigious award.
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Her dedication and service to PWDs did not go unnoticed internationally, as in 1980, she was honoured by then-US President Jimmy Carter for her outstanding service to persons with disabilities.
Currently, Wambui serves as the Chairperson of the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya, where she continues to work tirelessly to promote inclusivity, empowerment, and equal opportunities for PWDs in Kenya.
Her leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in driving policy and legislative reforms, increasing budgetary allocations for disability-related programs, and raising awareness about the rights and capabilities of persons with disabilities in the country.
Wambui's exceptional contributions and achievements have earned her prestigious recognitions, including the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) and Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS), bestowed upon her for her unwavering dedication to the disability community in Kenya.
Meeting President Ruto in 2023
President William Ruto met Kristina-Pratt at State House on Monday, April 24, 2023.
President Ruto hosted Kristina Pratt and her team from the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya.
“The Government will support people living with disabilities and the institutions that work to empower them. We will keep our promises to this community and ensure it is a full part of the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” Ruto said after the meeting at State House.
Other prominent members included former Aide de Camp Major (Rtd) Marsden Madoka, Julia Ojiambo among others.
In July 2022, Kristina was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Kenyatta University for her contribution to improving the lives of people living with disabilities.
“Her dedicated service to people living with disability began when she joined the Ministry of Education in 1975 and became the founding Director of the Department of Special Education," KU said in a notice published in local dailies at the time.
She was instrumental in establishing the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) to train teachers in special needs education and also carry out research, perform functional assessments, and rehabilitation.