“Girls Excel Initiative Will Be a Milestone Moment for Kenya’s Future”Dr. Jennifer Riria

By Bruno Aero

Kenya gears up for the official launch of the Girls Excel Initiative on Wednesday, 30th July, Dr. Jennifer Riria, PhD, ICON, Goodwill Ambassador, and President & CEO of Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF), has reaffirmed her organization's steadfast commitment to transforming the lives of girls through education, empowerment, and equity.

Dr. Riria declared the upcoming launch a “milestone moment” in the fight for the rights of girls in Kenya, especially in advancing their participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Jane Bundi team lead for special Initiative at Econet emphasize

This initiative is not just a program—it is a movement. A movement to ensure that every girl in Kenya is free from the chains of harmful practices and equipped with the tools, resources, and confidence to pursue excellence in STEM,” said Dr. Riria.

Echo Network Africa is championing the Girls Excel Initiative to tackle the critical issues holding back young girls, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), period poverty, early pregnancy, and child marriage—all of which continue to rob girls of their future.

As part of this groundbreaking campaign, ENAF unveiled its first-ever research on the state of STEM education for girls in Kenya. This data-driven report aims to provide actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and community leaders to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.

ENAF’s Vision: An inclusive society where girls and women enjoy full rights and participate fully in the life of society.

ENAF’s Mission: A Pan-African organization that works with like-minded partners to catalyze development towards positioning, empowering, and advocating for the rights of girls and women to attain their potential and enjoy their full rights.

Dr. Riria emphasized that ENAF will continue forging partnerships across the continent to amplify the voices of girls and unlock their limitless potential—starting with ensuring they have equal access to STEM education and a life free from violence, discrimination, and poverty.

The Girls Excel Initiative marks a new chapter in the journey toward a Kenya where no girl is left behind.