Two Cities, One Mission: Reimagining Education for Women and Girls in Kenya.
- Hariet Mwangi
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 12
It started with a simple idea: that every girl deserves a chance — not just to survive, but to thrive.
On June 3rd in New York and again on June 10th in London, that idea was brought to life in rooms filled with people who care deeply — 70+ in New York and 50+ in London — each one a stakeholder in the future we are building for women and girls in Kenya.
The events, hosted by Kianda Foundation in partnership with Levisky Legado and Limmat Stiftung, were not ordinary gatherings. They were moments of convergence — of hearts, intellects, and shared conviction — that education is not just a tool; it is a lifeline, a lever, and a legacy.
Conversations That Move Mountains for Education
In both cities, we witnessed something profound: people from across the globe leaning into difficult, honest, and hopeful conversations about equity, sustainability, and leadership.
Our Chief Sustainability Officer, Lynda Kasina, told the story of Kianda — how it began with a group of visionaries in 1961 and has since evolved into a network of institutions that has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of Kenyan women. Her message echoed in every heart: we are not just educating women — we are unlocking nations.
In New York, we were honoured to hear from two powerful voices:
🟠 Ambassador Martin Kimani, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN, reminded us of the critical link between peace, leadership, and education. His call to invest in women as agents of stability and progress set the tone for urgent, global action.
🟠 Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking, brought clarity and conviction to the conversation, sharing insights on how economic empowerment through education can change the trajectory of entire communities.
In London, the dialogue continued with more brilliant minds who deepened that message:
🟣 Tom Hall – on investing in education that lasts
🟣 Alice Gugelev – on why women’s leadership is non-negotiable
🟣 Ricardo Blay Levisky – on building for the long term
🟣 Ana Campos von Bock – on the trust and strength of The Endowment Fund & Limmat Stiftung
These weren’t just talks — they were sparks. The kind that ignite long-term change.
Why These Moments Matter
What happened in those rooms was more than symbolic. It was strategic. These weren’t just attendees; they were stakeholders, allies, and architects of change — investors, thought leaders, philanthropists, educators, and global citizens who see the bigger picture.
They understand that:
When a girl is educated, her family eats better, her children live longer, her community grows stronger.
When a woman is empowered, cycles of poverty begin to break.
When education is made sustainable, the impact doesn’t end — it multiplies.
The conversations sparked in New York and London hold the potential to reshape the educational landscape in Kenya. Ideas were exchanged. Commitments were made. Partnerships were born. Most importantly, hope was renewed.
A Future Worth Fighting For
We left those cities not just with contact lists or promises, but with momentum — real, growing, and urgent. We left knowing that change is not only possible; it is already happening.
But we are not finished.
There are still too many girls waiting.Waiting for a school that understands her dreams.Waiting for a mentor who believes in her voice.Waiting for a chance that should have been hers from the beginning.
At Kianda Foundation, we carry her story with us in every conversation, every boardroom, every handshake. And we will keep showing up — in Nairobi, in New York, in London, and beyond — until every girl has a seat at the table and a future worth fighting for.
Thank you to every person who joined us in New York and London. Your presence, your passion, and your belief in our mission are lighting the path forward.
If you’d like to walk this journey with us — as a donor, partner, or advocate — we welcome you.
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