May 2, 2026 Rosa Mystica Spiritual Centre, Nairobi. This was our 21st conference and we noted how we have evolved due in large part to our Fanz Foundation grant which started in 2017 with the aim to mentor young girls in secondary school. It was particularly exciting to note that a total of 20 girls have so far benefited from full scholarships to do a one-year certificate programme and several others benefiting from partial scholarship. Girls shared the about the businesses that they were undertaking through the grants from the Foundation. We are grateful for the activities we have been able to conduct through the Fanz Foundation support.
In attendance were our two senior current PATHWAYS scholars (Robert Baaru and Moses Nyambura), two of our Girl Study scholars (Freshia Evans and Ziporah Ezekiel) and girls from the Fanz Foundation-funded Girl Study [Ashley Odiwo, Huldah Akinyi, Sharifa Abdulkarim, (Nairobi), Serah Wanjiru, Pamela Chelegat and Jane Mukuria (Nakuru), Camila Tracy (Kisumu), Faith Onsando (Tranzoia), Cynthia Auma (Busia), Jemima Hamisi (Kakamega), Whitney Erusa (Vihiga), and Weddy Kibaara (Tharaka Nithi )]. Special recognition goes to Janet Nyaga, a lecturer at Chuka University who is instrumental in mentoring girls studying at the institution.
The day started with an opening note from our senior scholar Moses Nyambura and a welcome remark from our Student and Volunteer coordinator, Prof. Catherine Kaimenyi followed by an interactive creative session of introductions where members randomly introduced each other. Senior scholar Robert Baaru gave an overview of 2025 conference. Thereafter, Zippy made a presentation on goal setting using the vision board model. This was followed by discussions with participants identifying strategic areas where they could keep the boards as constant reminders of goals. Freshia covered the topic ‘Empathy” and took time to differentiate it from sympathy. Group discussions and presentations (see photos below) followed with testimonies of cases where empathy was experienced or what they did to portray empathy.
This year, we gave girls direct small grants to conceptualize and implement a business idea while in school. Seven girls doing their certificate in the Business Management program presented their businesses. Among them were Cynthia, who was doing a footwear business, and had actually brought several samples of the shoes that she sells. She indicated that her main customers were her neighbors and fellow students at college, and her competitive strategy was to sell the brands that meet the needs of her low-income customers. Serah Wanjiru presented her washing detergent business that seemed to do well and hoped that she would continue expanding it at home. Her clients were university students and staff. Other businesses included chicken rearing business (Hulda), beauty accessories (Pamela), baking of wheat products (Faith), female sandals (Weddy) and clothing (Shariffa). All the businesses had reported some profits.
Later in the afternoon, Robert Baaru gave a presentation on Economic Empowerment and stressed that it was not the amount of money but how good your idea is and the strategies adopted that made a difference. Through group discussions, each group presented a business idea that they could do with Kenya shillings 1000. Two groups discussed how they could get into egg selling while the other two settled on clothing and soap. Robert impressed on participants to start with goal setting already presented, identify a gap in the market, strategize on how they can fill the gap and financing should be the last aspect. Where there is a good idea that is well organised, finances would follow!
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Moses presented on leadership and responsibility stressing the importance of integrity and accountability as a leader. He linked the topic to Artificial Intelligence (AI) where through assignments and group discussions participants appreciated they were also current leaders and not just leaders of the future. Prof. Kaimenyi gave examples of how AI was getting misused in institutions of learning and urged students to “use their minds” because critical thinking would determine how successful they are in whatever careers they are in. AI is good, but overreliance is bad since it leads to brain rot.
Later, Deb Gust led the group in a discussion of a case scenario where a community opposed government fertilizer due to negative information about the fertilizer circulating in the social media. The discussion centered around the need to verify and think through information before making a decision.
Towards the end of the day, Prof. Kaimenyi reiterated the need to be guided by PATHWAYS values in whatever we do and thanked all, especially for arriving for the meeting on time. On behalf of PATHWAYS, Monica presented a token of appreciation to Cynthia in recognition of her dedicated leadership to her fellow students at the university.
The next day, Sunday May 3rd, the group visited New Life Trust Children’s Home in Kilimani which was about three kilometers from the conference venue. The group decided to walk as a way of bonding. The Children’s Home was started in 1994 by a couple from UK who wanted to give hope to babies condemned/abandoned by their HIVAIDS parents. They take babies from 0-6 months and then help to arrange families/adoption. These children come from hospitals, streets and police. The centre has branches in Kisumu, Nakuru and Nyeri. It was a fulfilling with the young children, playing, feeding, arranging their clothes in wardrobes and even doing some clean up. We presented some needed gifts for the children before we departed.
The day started with an opening prayer and welcome from our Student and Volunteer coordinator, Dr. Catherine Kaimenyi. Next, all attendees introduced themselves, i.e. offering concise descriptions of their background, professional roles, career dreams and their greatest achievements in the year 2025.
A powerful presentation from the girls from Chuka University was singing the song “Believe” by Fearless Soul which echoed inspiring words to the girl child society. In addition, Chuka University student Christine Otieno read a poem based on her own girl-child experiences. The poem served as a powerful testament to the resilience and aspirations of young girls striving for education.
The day was a huge success! All PATHWAYS leaders, Deb Gust, Prof. Catherine Kaimenyi and Monicah Nyambura expressed their deep appreciation for every PATHWAYS member who made the conference such a success. The following day we enjoyed an outing to Lake Victoria and to the Kisumu Wildlife Park.
In attendance were our four senior current PATHWAYS scholars (Dennis Murimi, Robert Baaru, Denis James, and Moses Nyambura), four of our Girl Study scholars (Charity Adhiambo, Freshia Evans, Ziporah Mudeiz, and Deborah Nyabuto) and girls from the Fanz Foundation-funded Girl Study [Jacinata and Rhonis (Bomet), Joan and Mercy (Homa Bay), Mary and Lucy (Kisumu), and Eunice, Mary, Joyce, Viola, and Sara (Nakuru/Subukia)]. Special recognition goes to our volunteers in attendance: Lily Chepkosgei Too (Bomet), Lencer (Homa Bay), Gladys Chepkurui Moi (Nakuru), Everlyn Ochieng (from Kisumu) and also mother Eunice Wambui Mwangi (from Nakuru), who help mentor and organize the girls.
The day started with an opening and welcome from our Student and Volunteer coordinator, Dr. Catherine Kaimenyi followed by the PATHWAYS girl scholars singing the motivational song BELIEVE by Fearless Soul – “You have to believe in yourself, you have to believe in your ability, you are capable of anything, you can achieve any dream….”. Senior scholar Moses Nyambura gave an overview of 2023 conference. Thereafter, the girls went on to tell the group about their experiences in the Girl Study Program (younger girls) and their experiences on campus (older girls). For instance, Zipporah noted that it is most important to be discerning with friends because some friends may lead you in a negative direction. Jacinta noted that PATHWAYS helped her identify and internalize core values. Many of the younger girls reported that the PATHWAYS program, Dr, Patrick in particular, helped them become more empowered and courageous in their social interactions.
Later in the afternoon, Deb Gust gave a presentation on parenting and society which can be summed up by this quote by Llyod de Mause “Every abandonment, every betrayal, every hateful act towards children returns tenfold a few decades later upon the historical stage…”. Next, we were so blessed to then hear from Dr. Patrick Nyagah who talked about the Law of Attraction. The Law of Attraction is the belief that the energy of our thoughts and emotions can draw similar energies from the Universe, influencing our experiences and outcomes. He encouraged the girls to regularly visualize their dreams and goals. In fact he suggested being very detailed in your visualizations and importantly, imagine that your goal is already achieved. Some other techniques associated with the Law of Attraction are keeping a gratitude journal, meditation, affirmations, making a vision board and setting intentions.
Girls who had graduated from secondary school received a PATHWAYS award- an orange scarf and a bracelet engraved with “I am a PATHWAYS leader”. It was so fun to see each girl do a congratulations dance on their way up to receive their award- even more so that they were accompanied by two of their friends. It was a very bonding activity with everyone wearing their orange scarfs.
Lastly, our Transition Small Business Trainer and alumnus, Noah Kanda, was in attendance to discuss updates on the girls’ efforts in starting a small business. With Noah’s help, several communities have girls who are interested and have made plans to start a small business. For instance Kitale, Kisii and Kilifi have begun to start small organic farms. In addition, Noah and James presented on period underwear as an alternative to both disposable and reusable sanitary towels. Period underwear has an absorbable area that is leak proof. Importantly Noah and James talked about the need to embrace periods as totally normal and in no way shameful. Making period underwear for oneself and for sale was suggested as an income generating activity.
It was fun exploring down the caldera and posing with friends for beautiful photos. (see last two photos)
We are grateful to all of those who traveled to be at the conference especially those who traveled the farthest –this time it was Dr. Patrick Nyagah. And as usual, we missed our PATHWAYS scholar, Ken Koome who is studying in Hungary.
Special recognition goes to our volunteer moms Lister Anyango, Josephine Kbogi, Monicah Akinyi, Gladys Moi and Everlyn Ochieng (from Kakamega, Vihiga, TransNzoai (Kitale), Kisii and Kisumu communities respectively) who help mentor and organize the girls.
An important part of the program was discussions with the girls and volunteer moms (pictured right) about how the study and program was going from their perspectives. Some of the themes we heard were: 1) mentor and transformative thinking expert Dr. Patrick Nyagah helped the girls learn to take care of themselves in a way that protected them from pregnancy and HIV infection as well as imparting the desire to do well in school and finish their education, 2) the mentoring has made the girls self-confident and better equipped to express themselves. 3) the Kenyan health insurance that moms received for their families as part of the study reimbursement has been helpful, and 4) some of the moms are not repaying their loans which is holding up other moms from benefitting from loans. This was valuable feedback that will serve to guide program decisions.
Next, alumnus Eunita Akinyi gave an excellent talk on wellness and mental health. This topic was welcomed and appreciated by all in attendance. Gloria Mudeizi, a Girl Study participant from Vihiga (pictured left), gave a moving testimonial about how the mentoring intervention by Dr. Nyagah had helped the study girls avoid pregnancy. She contrasted the number of pregnancies among the Girl Study participants and among the girls not in the study.
Robert Baaru was presented with the Biodigester Award which came with a cash prize (pictured right).
We ended with fun dancing that represented all of the cultures of those in attendance.
