Dr. Kakenya Ntaiya, a Maasai woman from a small village in Kenya, has dedicated her life to transforming the lives of young girls. As the first woman from her community to attend college in the United States, she overcame numerous challenges, including cultural expectations and the painful practice of female genital mutilation (FGM).

Dr. Ntaiya is the founder of Kakenya’s Dream, a nonprofit organization that uses education to empower girls and uplift rural communities. Through her work, she has created safe spaces for girls to thrive, breaking barriers that once limited their potential.

Many of the girls she has mentored have gone on to pursue careers in fields like cybersecurity, health, and education, which is an incredible achievement for a community where early marriage and FGM were once seen as inevitable.
Despite her global recognition, Dr. Ntaiya remains deeply connected to her roots, emphasizing the importance of respecting cultural traditions while advocating for change. She believes education is the key to unlocking opportunities and creating a more equitable society.

Dr Kakenya’s story is an inspiring example of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education.

Watch her story on #ShangaziPower here: