This July, Rise Up convened 27 local leaders from Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, and Machakos counties for an intensive 6-day Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator in Nairobi, Kenya. Through a rigorous application process, we identify the most promising leaders who are driving change for gender equity and justice in health, education, and economic opportunity. Our selected leaders in Kenya deepened their leadership, organizing, advocacy, and technical skills, equipping them to create large-scale impact in their communities and beyond.
“My knowledge on advocacy was basic before I joined Rise Up’s program. My knowledge has increased significantly, and I am going to pass it on to my team members. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this workshop. I have grown so much, and I will never forget the impact Rise Up has made on me as a person and on my organization as well.” — Rise Up Leader Daisy Kosgey
Our newest cohort in Kenya joins Rise Up’s global network of more than 800 leaders across Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and the United States, multiplying their impact through cross-geography collaboration and a shared vision for a more gender-just world. In Kenya, participants had a particular focus on advancing education, addressing the structural inequities that hold back millions from realizing their full potential.
Over the course of the week, Rise Up Kenya Leaders engaged in rigorous sessions on:
- Leadership and team building
- Strategic advocacy planning and messaging
- Policy analysis and political mapping
- Proposal development and budgeting
- Media engagement for advocacy impact
- And more
“I sincerely appreciate getting this opportunity, as it demystified my understanding of advocacy and made me more aware and prepared to educate decision makers on the most impactful way of bringing change.” — Rise Up Leader Kelvin Thuku Ndung’u
By the end of the Accelerator, leaders had clear advocacy goals, identified key decision-makers, and developed actionable strategies tailored to the needs of the communities they aim to serve. Each also set personal leadership goals, reinforcing their long-term commitment to advancing gender equity and justice in their communities.
Equally powerful was the spirit of collaboration that emerged. Leaders built bonds across counties and sectors, creating a strong network of peers who will continue to support and amplify one another well beyond the Accelerator’s end. These connections form the foundation for collective advocacy and a stronger, unified movement for gender justice across Kenya.
Graduation is not the end, but the beginning. This cohort is now eligible to apply for Rise Up’s competitive seed funding to launch their advocacy initiatives. Rise Up funds leaders and organizations who develop strategies that have the greatest potential for impact, with the possibility of continued renewal funds. With the skills, strategies, and solidarity forged during the Accelerator, these leaders are now positioned to create meaningful change for women and girls across Kenya.
We are proud to stand alongside these remarkable leaders as they take bold, strategic action to advance gender equity, together.
