The University of Nairobi played host to the inaugural First Ladies of Africa Impact and
Resilience (FLAIR) High-Level Forum & EXPO, bringing together a powerful assembly of
leaders to propel women's transformative leadership across the continent. Under the theme
"Impact and Innovation with Africa’s Visionary Women: Catalyzing Women’s Transformative
Leadership for Accelerated Impact of the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN SDGs 2030." the event
underscored the critical role of women in shaping Africas future.
Her Excellency Mrs. Rachel Ruto, the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, officially opened the
forum, delivering a compelling keynote address that urged enhanced collaboration between
public and private sectors to unlock the full potential of African women. "We laud the conveners
of the First Ladies of Africa Impact and Resilience (FLAIR) Forum & Expo for providing a
platform where African women across generations and borders can connect, mentor, and inspire
one another,” stated Mrs. Ruto. She further emphasized the deeply personal connection she felt
to the forums theme, calling it an invitation to the best of my essence and to the purpose of my
being as the First Lady of Kenya." Mrs. Ruto highlighted the immense, yet unrealized, potential
that resides within every single woman on our diverse country and continent, and stressed the
importance of recognizing the architects of our tomorrow and empowering them to build it.”
The forum convened a diverse group of participants, including First Ladies, representatives from
County Governments, the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), Civil Society
Organizations, industry leaders, academia, media, students, and policymakers. Their collective
aim was to explore strategies for enhancing women’s leadership, promoting innovative financing
models, and scaling grassroots solutions.
Distinguished speakers included H.E. Dr. Joyce Kithure, PhD, Second Lady of the Republic of
Kenya, who highlighted the crucial need for empowering women in STEM fields and presented
real-world case studies. H.E. Canon Dr. Ida Odinga, EGH, a Pan African Visionary, emphasized
the indispensable role of women's leadership in achieving Kenya's Vision 2030, the AU Agenda
2063, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Professor Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, the University of Nairobi's first female Vice Chancellor
since its establishment in 1970, delivered welcoming remarks, affirming the institution's
commitment to transformative leadership and innovation. She noted that the forum's theme was
deeply connected with the core mandate of University, emphasizing their role as incubators of
talent, laboratories of innovation, and crucibles where future leaders are forged.
The FLAIR Nairobi Forum Expo also featured dynamic panel discussions, fostering in-depth
conversations on critical topics:
Innovative Financing for Women-Led Initiatives: This session showcased
sustainable funding models for long-term impactful partnerships, featuring
experts such as Ms. Natalie Mukudane, former Executive Chairperson of the
African Youth Commission (AYC), and Ms. Everlyn Kimanthi, Founder of
Scientists of Kenya Association (SCOKA).
Gender Dynamics and Innovation for Impact: Panelists, including Agnes
Leina, Founder and Executive Director of, laramatak Community Concerns and
an indigenous rights defender, Lilian Ngala, Human Resource Director at
Diamond Trust Bank, and Prof. Pamela Raburu, Psychologist and Gender Expert
from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST),
delved into the crucial aspects of gender equality in driving impactful initiatives.
Leveraging the Office of County First Ladies to Accelerate Impact of
Devolution: This panel spotlighted the strategic role of County First Ladies in
accelerating devolution through localized initiatives that prioritize women and
girls. Key panelists included Mrs. Electina Wasike Wanyonyi, Chairperson of the
National Assembly Lady Spouses Association (NALSA-Kenya), Ms. Irene
Tangus, Executive Assistant to the Acting CEO of National Youth Council Kenya,
and Ms. Muthoni Kinyua, a PR and communications consultant.
These discussions collectively underscored the vital role of women in driving innovation,
fostering inclusive growth, and catalyzing transformative leadership across various sectors in
Africa.
The FLAIR platform serves as a crucial avenue for visionary women to share their expertise and
inspire future generations of leaders. The program also included powerful reflections from youth
leaders, such as UNSA Vice-President Purity Mutua and President of the Women Students
Welfare Association (WOSWA) Ann Thinji. The event was further enriched by cultural
performances, networking opportunities, and exhibitions showcasing women-led innovations
from Kenya and beyond. Key partners for the event included TEKI, PEPSI, WOSWA, UNES,
EABL, and the African Women Studies Centre (AWSC).
In her closing remarks, Professor Susan Chepkonga, Chairperson of the Department of
Educational Management and Curriculum Studies and FLAIR Coordinator, emphasized the
importance of institutionalizing women’s leadership and building resilient ecosystems to support
sustainable impact. “This gathering represents more than just celebration; it is a bold step
forward in harmonizing leadership, policy and innovation to elevate women as architects of
Africa’s future,” she concluded.
FLAIR is a continental platform dedicated to building a pan-African movement for
transformative impact, mobilizing the leadership of African First Ladies to promote gender
equality, community resilience, and sustainable development.
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