15 Stories for

15 Years

For 15 years, Kakenya’s Dream has stood as a beacon of hope and possibility, challenging harmful social norms, opening doors, and redefining what it means to be a girl in rural Kenya.

This anniversary celebration is not just about the years that have passed but the lives that have been forever changed. Through the voices of those who have walked this journey with us—our students, alumnae, parents, and community members—we’re reflecting on the impact of empowering girls to rise, dream, and lead. Together, these stories tell a powerful tale of resilience, transformation, and a shared commitment to creating a brighter future for generations to come.

Women in my generation never had the chance to pursue our education because of the retrogressive culture in our community that consistently robs girls of their rights and dreams. But we have vowed to ensure that our daughters get an education.

Mary, Parent

I’ve learned that my body is my own, that education is my right, and that I can pursue any career I choose. I can own property and so much more. For the first time, I felt I could shape my destiny and make a difference in my community.

Elizabeth, Alumna

Grassroots organizations like Kakenya’s Dream are part of a movement of organizations on the ground that have proven their ability to change hearts and minds.

Amal Clooney, Melinda French Gates, Michelle Obama

I have two cousins who were cut [subjected to FGM] and married off. The older cousin was cut while studying as a seventh grader, and thereafter married off after completing her primary school education. Her sister was also cut and married off, even before completing her primary education.

Having gone through the Health and Leadership Training at Kakenya’s Dream, I vowed never to allow anyone to subject me to FGM. When my mother brought up the conversation of wanting to subject my younger sister and I to the cut, I was able to confidently stop her. The comprehensive training I received has enabled me to obtain knowledge on the effects of FGM and early marriage, and how to defend myself. My dream is to become a lawyer, so that I can advocate for the rights of women, girls and neglected children in society.

Lorna, Student

Kakenya’s Dream sensitized many parents on gender equality and the importance of educating girls. I am among those who have joined the campaign against FGM, teenage pregnancy, and early marriages. I believe every child, whether a boy or a girl, should be given equal opportunities.

Jane, Parent

In my family, both nuclear and extended, no one has ever attended university. I am the first girl to attend university, and this gives me great pride and motivation to work hard so that I can be a role model not only to my siblings but also to the entire community. I will strive to change many lives.

I believe parents and the general public need to know that it’s such a blessing in the family and the whole society to educate a girl because once they get empowered, they will always go back to their communities and empower not only their families but the whole community.

Mary, Alumna

I never thought of being anyone in life. I knew I was going to be a wife or mother in the next two or three years. I didn’t ever see my life beyond class 6. It’s so amazing that I’m in university now and not only in university, but in Sydney [Australia], so far away from home.

I grew up in a community that has no internet, yet I did a degree in ICT majoring in cyber security. I want to make kids aware in my community, especially the girls, that it’s possible to complete an ICT degree that’s male dominated, and be successful at it.

Linet, Graduate Student

When we train students, we enlighten them and make them leaders of tomorrow. They will be liberated enough to spread the messages we’re teaching them across many generations. In the future, they will become informed parents, and we shall have an informed society, free from FGM and other harmful cultural practices.

George, Health and Leadership Trainer

Joining this program was a dream come true. It became the start of a journey that is changing my and my family's future.

Lilian, University Student

Before the existence of Kakenya’s Dream, we never saw the value of educating girls here in Maasailand. We saw them as an exchange for wealth. Once you marry off a girl in the Maasai community, you are assured of cattle as dowry in exchange for your daughter, and cattle are the livelihood of Maasai people.

The presence of Kakenya's Dream has brought progress to all of Enoosaen. Our girls are now valued in our society, and transformation in this community has been massive. These girls will become great leaders and role models in our country.

Moses, Village Chief & Elder

The Maasai men have changed, and they are now helping us to fight FGM and giving their girls a chance to go to school.

Rose, Parent

What Kakenya’s Dream is doing is actually translating into the national policies of the Kenyan government, especially the Department of Gender, Social Services, and Children Affairs.

Jeremiah, Board Member

Efforts by Kakenya’s Dream to empower girls are being felt. As a community, the organization has enlightened us elders, parents, and children on the need to condemn female genital mutilation and child marriages of our girls, which were common before their intervention. Their trainings have inspired positive change in our community.

Leurich, Indigenous Maasai Elder

We were taught about female genital mutilation (FGM), HIV/AIDS, and early marriage, among other topics. The issue of early marriage is so important to me because it happened to all my sisters. Two of my sisters were married off when they were in grades 5 and 6, while one of my sisters didn’t even attend school. If only I had a chance, I would have taken them back to school. Once a girl is educated, they are able to create a bright future for themselves, so I plan to support and stand with other girls in my community to make sure we all have the same opportunities.

Ledama, Health & Leadership Training Participant

We’ve been taught so many things about FGM and child marriage at Kakenya’s Dream. I believe it’s my responsibility to teach my future daughters the way Kakenya’s Dream has taught me, about the disadvantages of these harmful traditional practices. And to my future sons, I will tell them the importance of protecting and advocating for girls’ rights.