Before we mention this week's "Kenya's Women and Men of the Week," we would like to thank The East African magazine for their review of our latest publication, "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights," Conversations with High Achieving Men in Kenya. Follow this link to read more: http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/magazine/Kenyan+men+s+turn+at+the+celebration+table+/-/434746/1260112/-/u27axtz/-/index.html
This week's "Kenya's Women and Men of the Week" are: Entrepreneur, Rose Kimotho; Scientist, Professor Norah Olembo; Professor and Writer, Professor Wanjiku Kabira; Musician and Playwright, Eric Wainaina; Editorial Cartoonist, Gado; and Sports Administrator, Isaiah Kiplagat.
The People, K24, and Kameme FM, are all under the Mediamax Network Limited blanket, and Rose Kimotho is the captain. This Executive Director studied in the prestigious Ivy League Columbia University in the United States. In 2010, she received the ILO Wedge Award - Women's Entrepreneurship Development Award, and she has also been awarded the Presidential, Order of the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS).
"My earliest memory is of my father telling us that there is no difference between boys and girls. He was then an instructor at the Kenya Railways Training School. When I look back, I think he must have been ahead of his time. He would repeat that, "Whatever boys can do, girls can do".
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Our lack of values is what makes us, 'third world'. The rich countries have values. Gold and oil do not make us rich. Values make you function as a human being. Do you value honesty? Do you have a work ethic? Do you steal? Do you glorify theft and other criminal behaviour? Do you respect others? Solid values are the only way to an orderly society. We will remain backward until we learn the values that make a solid citizen - then we will become rich.
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I would like women to believe in themselves and to believe that they are complete as they are as they often make the mistake of thinking they have to be more like men to succeed. We have very different qualities to men: we have the ability to nurture and we are better managers than men, because that is an inherent gift that God gave us. Hillary Clinton is not a man and she has achieved a lot. So remain true to your strengths and be proud of those strengths that are unique to women.
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This Associate Professor of Biochemistry, at the University of Nairobi, has been awarded both The Order of the Moran of the Burning Spear, and The Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW), Presidential awards. Professor Norah Olembo has published over 30 proceedings, abstract reports and research papers in various international scientific journals. A little known fact about her is, she is a Founder Member of the Kenya Women Finance Trust.
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When I was still a young girl, I developed a stomach ailment and was hospitalised in Kaimosi Hospital for a whole year. This experience, coupled with a respect for sciences that I inherited from my father, is what first got me interested in the studies I would pursue.
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Many local women are good models for the younger generation: Eddah Gachukia, Effie Owuor (one of the pioneer women lawyers in the country) and Mary Okelo are just a few. I really appreciate Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch's manner: she is very jovial and unassuming, yet she has been able to get international recognitions for her efforts. Miriam Were has had a positive impact on women on a global scale.
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Love and family are very important in anybody's life and nowadays I enjoy having my family around me and am enjoying spending more time with my relatives.
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Professor Wanjiku Kabira has written many books about women and gender issues some of which include: Our Secret Lives; They have destroyed the temple; Celebrating women's resistance; A letter to Mariama Ba. she is an Associate Professor, Department of Literature, at the University of Nairobi, and she was the Vice Chairperson of the Constitution Review Commission.
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In school, I was the music captain (I love singing and can still sing well). Academically, I was a bright student, which is how I ended up at Loreto High School Limuru and later at Loreto Convent Msongari for my advanced certificate ('A' levels). I studied Literature, History and Scripture and received the 'Best Performing Student' prize in Literature.
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My success and contributions have been driven by many factors which include, determination, hard work and the grounding that I received in school and at the university. I have also learned a great deal from the commitment of those I admire including my daughter Nkatha, who is studying for a doctorate in Law at Harvard University.
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It is essential that all human beings recognize that we are on earth for a specific period. Therefore we should do everything in our power to ensure we leave this place better than we found it. We should also strive to positively influence other people's lives, either through listening or serving in whatever way we can.
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Eric Wainaina is a celebrated international musician whose work speaks of the truths embedded in Kenyan society. He has released three albums to date and has produced several musicals and plays including the tremendously successful musical production “MO FAYA”. The musical opened to a world premier and a week’s performances at the New York Theatre Festival in September 2009.
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After Five Alive disbanded I joined the Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA to pursue a degree in music, majoring in song writing and record engineering. I graduated with honours. I was also honoured with the Jack Maher award for my performance as a songwriter. The annual award is given to students who have been recognized for their potential to become leaders in the international music industry.
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Through my music I try to give a voice to those who do not have one. I also try to educate the people about certain negative trends that include corruption, or positive ones such as patriotism. I was involved in the 2006 launch of Kenya’s National Civic Education Program (NCEP), and Uraia, which aims at fostering a mature political culture in Kenya –a culture in which citizens are able to exercise their rights and responsibilities and participate in the broadening of democracy.
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I am pleased about the current huge wealth of ideas in Kenya. The potential for Kenya is great so we should let the ideas mature. There are also many good people who only need the opportunity to shine and prove themselves. However, corruption and impunity where people get away with crimes that affect the lives of other people, is of great worry.
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Godfrey Mwampembwa is famous for his work as the political cartoonist and illustrator, ‘Gado’. On the staff of the Nation Media Group, he is a regular international contributor to ‘The New African’, UK, ‘Courier International’, France, and the ‘Business Day’ and ‘Sunday Tribune’ in South Africa. His cartoons have been compiled into three highly successful books.
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My first cartoon appeared in ‘The Daily News’ Newspaper when I was fifteen. I drew puzzles and had them published for children’s competitions. By the time I joined form one, my work had been published and I was earning from a couple of magazines. This was a memorable feat at that age. By the end of my advanced certificate (A-levels) my cartoons started appearing in the ‘New African’ in London.
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Inspiration is important and the late Philip Ndunguru is a man who inspired me a lot. He was a talented and brilliant cartoonist and painter. He later came to Kenya and worked on the ‘Kazi Bure’ cartoon column in ‘Kenya Times’ Newspaper. Taking a hard look at life I can say that my mother is an icon in my life. She worked hard as a teacher (now retired) and I have never heard her complain about her work however hard it was. It took me a while to look at life this way.
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I sometimes wish I had four hands so that I could accomplish the many things I want to do. People may think that talent is enough, but I have learned that hard work, struggle and research result in success. Yes, Talent plays a role in what I do but it is not enough, one has to put in a lot of hard work and hope for a bit of luck. In spite of all my hard work, I understand how privileged I am to do what I do, regardless of the frustrations I go through. I am grateful to my family and I hope I can continue doing what I do for as long as I can."
Isaiah Kiplagat is the longest serving athletics administrator in Kenya and the current chair of Athletics Kenya, the body which controls all athletics events in the country. Isaiah is well known in the athletics circle worldwide whose involvement and travels have steered Kenya to international pre-eminence on the track as well as in marathons.
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I dropped out of primary school twice, the first time for two years from 1952 to look after cattle and in standard four when I went to work for a tree cutting company. It was a sad episode because the company did not provide enough food, so we would grind salt until it was fine then eat it with Ugali. However, I later returned to school to sit for my final primary examinations which I passed in-spite of my inconsistence attendance.
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My professional aspiration is to continue making Athletics Kenya a success. My personal aspirations are to make my children and my grand children successful by guiding them along the way. I believe that without successful offspring then all your hard work is almost nullified.
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My advice for young Kenyan men is that they should work hard. They should not be in a hurry to get rich and take shortcuts. I urge them to be patient and take things one step at a time while ensuring that the step leads then to success and not to destruction.
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Read more of these stories and others in "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny,"(Women achievers) and "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights," (Male achievers) two ground breaking coffee-table books that present written vignettes of high-achieving women and men in Kenya.
Each Woman and Man was interviewed by a young and talented Footprints Press collaborator who indulged in the mentoring moment as they sat at the foot of the hero before them. The idea was to evoke a symbolic passing of the baton.
The women and men profiled include writers, musicians, politicians, corporate global players, professors, scientists, sportswomen, judges, artists, actors, clergymen, and more. All are accomplished leading professional in their chosen fields and all have an option on the journey they have travelled and the wisdom they have gathered along the way.
The women and men profiled include writers, musicians, politicians, corporate global players, professors, scientists, sportswomen, judges, artists, actors, clergymen, and more. All are accomplished leading professional in their chosen fields and all have an option on the journey they have travelled and the wisdom they have gathered along the way.
Accompanying each narrative are resonating photographs which tell their own story and complete each vignette.
These books will surprise and inspire.
These books will surprise and inspire.
Both "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny," and "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights" are available at Bookstop in Yaya, Text Book Center in Sarit Centre and Junction, Savanis Bookstore in Westgate, Prestige next to 20th Century, African Book Service off Koinange Street, and Lisa's at Muthaiga Shopping Centre.
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