Welcome to Zuri Awards 2024
It is a platform that recognizes, celebrates, supports and gives a voice to women who are impacting and changing the lives of others in our communities and is part of the annual International Women’s Day Celebration.
The platform has been able to raise KES 46 Million for its nominees through its engagement in the last 7 years.
For International Women’s Day 2024 and beyond, let’s Inspire Inclusion.
When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world.
And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, Relevance and Empowerment.
The aim of the IWD 2024 #InspireInclusion campaign is to collectively forge a more inclusive world for women.
- Being part of IWD 2024 Celebration
- Being part of a project that is ensuring an enabled world.
- Being part of the voice of change.
- Supporting SDG 5 on Gender Equality
- Adopting one of the projects being done by these outstanding women.
- Attending the Zuri Awards 2024 Gala Dinner on 7th March.
- Supporting the celebration of women who are the change makers and role models.
- Participating in the Digital and Traditional media Storytelling
2024 Honorees
Grace Nyokabi Ruiru
The Soil Inventory
AGRICULTURE
Introducing Grace Nyokabi Ruiru, the passionate founder and lead agronomist at The Soil Inventory! With a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Chuka University and a Master of Science in Agronomy finalist at Egerton University, Grace is dedicated to revolutionizing farming practices and promoting food security.
The Soil Inventory, founded in 2017, aims to bridge the gap between research, academics, and practical farming. From farmer education to hosting field days, farming, and offering consultation services, T.S.I. is committed to empowering farmers with knowledge and resources.
Grace’s dream? To establish the leading agri-hub in technology, mechanization, and agro-tourism, not just in Kenya but beyond! #FoodSecurityIsNigh
With physical locations in Nyandarua and Nakuru counties, The Soil Inventory serves as a one-stop shop for farmers, offering everything from agro-inputs to consultation services.
Mission: To lead agricultural production, inspire farmers, and provide beneficial platforms for agricultural development.
Vision: To become the premier agricultural hub, setting the standard for production, technology, and agribusiness, both nationally and internationally.
Business Statement: An informative, practical, and networking enterprise dedicated to empowering farmers and agricultural input manufacturers.
MATRID NYAGAH
Dada Trust/Fearless Films Ltd
ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Matrid Nyagah is a multifaceted creative powerhouse with a rich background in theatre arts and film technology. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Kenyatta University and a Higher Diploma in Film from FilmAkademie Wurttemberg in Germany, Matrid is a visionary storyteller who has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
As the Co-founder and Executive Director of Fearless Films Limited, Matrid has championed groundbreaking projects that push boundaries and spark conversations. Her portfolio boasts a diverse range of work, from producing award-winning short films like “Lauf” to directing impactful virtual reality experiences such as “In My Head,” shedding light on crucial issues like mental health.
In addition to her remarkable achievements in the film industry, Matrid is a fervent advocate for women in the arts. She is the founder of Dada Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering and celebrating women creatives. Through initiatives like the Udada International Women’s Film Festival, Matrid shines a spotlight on African women’s achievements in cinema, inspiring the next generation of storytellers.
With over thirteen years of experience in production, Matrid’s talent and expertise extend far beyond the silver screen. She has lent her skills to projects like the acclaimed documentary “SOFTIE,” which premiered at Sundance in 2020, showcasing her versatility as a production manager.
From her groundbreaking work on films like “Watu Wote,” which received accolades at the Student Academy Awards and earned an Oscar nomination, to her recent international short film “Where The River Divides,” Matrid continues to push creative boundaries and make an impact on audiences worldwide.
Beyond her contributions to the film industry, Matrid is a respected consultant, pastor, author, and hotelier, embodying the spirit of fearlessness and innovation in everything she does. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to social change, Matrid Nyagah is a true force to be reckoned with in the world of cinema and beyond.
NUSRAT MOHAMMED
Pwani Animal Welfare (PAW)
EDUCATION
With a background in psychology and a heart filled with empathy, Nusrat is the founder of Pwani Animal Welfare (PAW), a community-based organization dedicated to promoting animal welfare, climate justice, and environmental sustainability.
Through PAW, Nusrat champions the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human health, animal well-being, and environmental health. Together, we can create healthier communities for both people and animals alike.
WAWIRE ANGELA
GreenFemme
ENVIROMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Meet Angela Wawire, a passionate advocate for women’s health and environmental sustainability, and the proud founder of GreenFemme. At just 20 years old and in her third year of medical school at the University of Nairobi, Angela is already making waves in the field of menstrual health management.
Driven by a deep-rooted passion for improving women’s health and addressing environmental concerns, Angela recognized the urgent need for accessible and eco-friendly menstrual products, particularly in underserved communities. This realization sparked the creation of GreenFemme, an organization dedicated to revolutionizing menstrual health management.
GreenFemme’s innovative approach focuses on producing biodegradable sanitary towels from maize husks, offering an affordable and sustainable alternative to traditional menstrual products. But GreenFemme is more than just a product – it’s a movement. Angela and her team are committed to empowering women and girls through education about menstrual health, breaking longstanding taboos, and fostering a more inclusive society.
Since its inception, GreenFemme has made significant strides, reaching numerous communities and providing them with both sustainable sanitary products and essential education on menstrual health. These efforts have improved the quality of life and health knowledge in these communities, making a tangible impact on the lives of women and girls.
Looking ahead, GreenFemme has ambitious yet achievable goals. Angela plans to introduce their products to more communities and expand the scope of their educational programs, furthering their mission of making menstrual health accessible and sustainable for all. As a nominee for the Zuri Awards, GreenFemme’s alignment with this year’s theme of ‘inclusivity’ demonstrates their commitment to creating a more equitable and environmentally-conscious future in menstrual health management.
CHRISTINE OMBIMA
Stand Out 4 Mental Health
HEALTHCARE
Christine’s personal journey with Bipolar Mood Disorder has ignited her passion for advocating for mental health rights, leading her to establish Stand Out 4 Mental Health. At Stand Out 4 Mental Health, we believe in promoting mental wellness through innovative avenues such as dance, art, sports, and fashion.
Our flagship project, Artvista, brings art therapy sessions to the underserved community of Mukuru Kwa Njenga, offering vital support to those in need. Additionally, we provide virtual psychosocial support groups for families and affordable therapy services, ensuring that help is accessible to all who seek it. Through our presence on social media, we strive to educate and combat stigma surrounding mental health, spreading awareness and fostering understanding.
At Stand Out 4 Mental Health, our mission is clear: to uplift spirits and foster emotional well-being in every individual we reach. Together, let’s stand out for mental health!
DOREEN KAJUJU KIMATHI
Together As One Kithirune
HUMANITARIAN
Doreen Kajuju Kimathi, a certified mediator, author, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for women’s rights and community empowerment. As the founder and director of Together As One Kithirune, I am dedicated to creating positive change at the grassroots level. At Together As One Kithirune, our mission is to empower widows and marginalized women by providing psychosocial support, skills training for sustainable businesses, and strategies to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. We also advocate for the end of harmful cultural practices such as FGM, GBV, and early child marriages.
Our approach is grassroots-oriented, working closely with organized groups and communities to understand their needs and values. We facilitate training sessions, organize events, and seek partnerships and donors to support our activities. We prioritize collaboration with other organizations and ensure transparency by notifying authorities before engaging with communities. By fostering dialogue, training, and monitoring and evaluation, we measure the impact of our initiatives and strive for meaningful change in the lives of women and communities. Together, we can create a more inclusive and empowered society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
MISWALEH ZINGIZI
Kaya Nuts
MANUFACTURING
Meet Miswaleh Zingizi, a passionate social entrepreneur dedicated to making a difference in her community in coastal Kenya through her innovative social enterprise. Her venture, Kaya Nuts, is revolutionizing the cashew nuts value chain by adding value through creative processing methods. At Kaya Nuts, they specialize in crafting a variety of delicious and healthy cashew products, including flavored cashews, cashew butters, and cashew snack bars.
Through innovative manufacturing techniques, Miswaleh and her team at Kaya Nuts are not only creating tasty cashew treats but also empowering their community by providing employment opportunities and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
OLIVE WAMBUI
The Outreach and Resource Base for HIV Awareness
PUBLIC SERVICE
As the Team Leader of Outreach and Resource Base (ORB), Olive Wambui plays a pivotal role in advancing HIV awareness and community support. Here’s how she oversees and coordinates the organization’s initiatives on a day-to-day basis:
Strategic Planning: Olive collaborates with her team to develop and refine strategic plans that align with ORB’s mission and goals.
Team Coordination: She provides leadership and guidance to ensure a collaborative and supportive working environment within the team. Regular meetings are held to discuss projects, share updates, and address challenges.
Program Development: Olive continuously assesses the community’s needs and designs targeted programs to address gaps in HIV awareness and support.
Community Outreach: Olive and her team organize and participate in outreach events, workshops, and educational sessions to engage with local communities.
Resource Management: She oversees the allocation of resources, ensuring that materials, information, and tools required for outreach and awareness campaigns are readily available. Collaborations and
Partnerships: Olive establishes and maintains partnerships with local organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders to enhance the impact of ORB’s initiatives.
Advocacy and Education: Olive actively engages in advocacy efforts, representing ORB in discussions with stakeholders and participating in educational activities such as awareness campaigns and digital outreach.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of ORB’s programs help Olive assess their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
Community Engagement: Olive focuses on building strong connections within the community by participating in events, collaborating with influencers, and maintaining open communication channels.
Adaptation and Innovation: Olive encourages adaptability and innovation within ORB to explore new approaches and technologies for enhancing impact in HIV awareness and support.
Through Olive’s leadership and dedication, ORB strives to make a positive and lasting contribution to HIV awareness, support, and community well-being.
LEAH WAIRIMU WANGUI
Shine On Solar Solutions
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Leah Wairimu Wangui, a devoted mother and wife, pioneering the frontier of renewable energy and championing its cause. Acquiring my expertise at the National Industrial Training Authority College, I co-established Shine On Solar Solutions. Our primary focus is introducing cutting-edge solar technologies to the market.
At Shine On Solar Solutions, we actively engage women in our projects, aiming not only to involve them but also to economically empower them. This is particularly significant in an industry often seen as dominated by men. We are committed to breaking down barriers and fostering gender inclusivity in renewable energy.
My passion lies in advocating for renewable energy’s potential to transform our world. Together with my dedicated team, we tirelessly strive to advance both technological innovation and social progress, creating a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone.
ASHA MAKANA PANYAKO
CodeYetu
STEM
Asha Makana Panyako is a highly self-driven individual passionate about mentoring and teaching coding to young girls in underprivileged communities. Here’s an overview of her initiatives:
CodeYetu: Founded in 2018, CodeYetu is a community-based organization dedicated to teaching children from underserved communities how to code. They conduct coding classes for over 200 students every weekend, reaching children in children’s homes, slums, and rescue centers across four counties in Kenya. Their vision is to empower young girls with digital skills to overcome obstacles brought about by their background. Asha’s aspiration is to scale CodeYetu to reach more children and advocate for digital skills education in underserved communities across Africa.
She believes in the transformative power of community, partnerships, and shared goals to effect positive change in the world.
SHERYL B. KEMUNTO MBOYA
Isisa LTD
YOUNG ACHIEVER
Introducing Sheryl Mboya, a powerhouse of positive change and advocacy! From her roots in Kajiado, Kenya, Sheryl’s journey began at the age of 8, witnessing injustices faced by children, from Female Genital Mutilation to Early Child Brides. As the former Speaker of the Kajiado Children’s Assembly and Secretary to the Cabinet at the Kenya Children Assembly, Sheryl’s early involvement fueled her passion for advocacy. She actively championed for the inclusivity of intersex children and contributed to the development of the Kenya Children Act, 2022.
Six years ago, Sheryl’s commitment to environmentalism merged with her advocacy, leading her to address societal and climatic injustices. As an innovator, she developed transformative initiatives like the Menstrual Hygiene Project, “Period!”, which empowers women and girls with dignity and confidence. Through this project, Sheryl has raised awareness about menstrual health and provided access to eco-friendly menstrual products, making a tangible impact on countless lives. But her advocacy doesn’t stop there. Sheryl’s work extends to education, healthcare, and protecting women and children from exploitation. She believes in the power of education as a catalyst for change and actively promotes initiatives for equal educational opportunities for all.
Nominees
Partnership Opportunities
The Zuri audience is made up of women who are making an impact in their communities; celebrating change-makers within every sphere of influence. Zuri Awards is about empowering women and provides an enabling platform for women to thrive in. Zuri creates a CSR platform, where government, developmental partners and brands come together to support women entrepreneurs in their journey. Impact and Progress 2017 to Date
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