My name is Lenah and I’m 20 years old. I attended St. Francis Rang’ala Girls High School and graduated in 2019. Currently, I’m at Mount Kenya University pursuing a bachelors in public administration and volunteering at the KEF offices, part-time.

I am from Kenya’s western region. My mother got widowed when I was three months old and she has raised me single-handedly as an only child. I had a happy childhood full of support and encouragement from my mom.

Mother always said, “The world is big,find a spot and make it your heaven.” This catapulted my motivation to grow up and find my purpose in life. Growing up in a family of our nature was very challenging; not only did my mother lack a sustainable source of income, but we also struggled to fit in with our paternal family after my dad passed away. The patriarchal mindset on their end didn’t embrace my being a female. Occasionally, they coerced mum to remarry, but she stood her ground.

All this has firmed up my belief in women’s growth and empowerment. In a very timely manner, KEF came in to salvage my story while I was on the verge of dropping out of high school due to fee arrears. I was sent back home for fees from time to time. Had KEF not stepped in and become my guardian angel, I would have probably dropped out of school, shattering my dream of studying. Not to forget how big a relief this scholarship was to my family financially. In hindsight, I’m thankful to my English teacher,Mr. Nyoiro, who advised me to apply for the scholarship. I felt honoured that KEF saw potential in me to accord me this coveted and hugely sought-after chance. I shall forever be grateful for this life-changing opportunity.

The KEF CREW workshop was a very rejuvenating experience. The mentorship part of the program stood out for me most as I picked up some of the most important life nuggets. My favorite part of the program was the entrepreneurial lessons where we discussed in teams and came up with ideas. I remember drafting ideas and coming up with designs that were practical in the real world. The lesson I carried home is- it takes time, effort, and a united front for great things to actualize.

I am very passionate about social engagements and community service. My hobbies include exploring fashion widely and doing hair makeovers. A resolve of mine is to also grow in my career path.

My cousins and I are part of a program in our village that helps to provide sanitary pads for young girls. We also get to mentor other girls to embrace education as it opens up limitless opportunities. My advice to young girls like me is to set both high personal and academic standards for themselves and live up to them. I appreciate KEF for being such a huge blessing to me and my family, it is indeed a great place to be. Thank you so much for sponsoring and mentoring me. I am who I am today because of you.