The sixth edition of the Mara girls summit, an annual empowerment forum championed by the Matasaru Ntoyie Foundation, has successfully concluded after five days of impactful training, dialogue, and mentorship in Narok County.
The summit, held from November 26 to November 30 at Sekenani Primary School, brought together 100 girls aged 10–17 years from Sekenani, Olkoroi, and Losho in Narok West Sub-county.
The initiative, now a flagship program in the region, continues to provide a safe and transformative space for adolescent girls to learn, reflect, and voice their experiences on critical issues affecting them.
This year, Egerton University was represented by Ruth Wanjiru Sipitiek, the Head of Counselling and HIV Testing and Services, who also served as one of the key facilitators during the sessions.
Speaking during the summit, facilitators emphasized the need to empower young girls with accurate information, resilient self-esteem, and strong community support systems to curb the challenges facing the girl child in pastoral communities.
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Discussions centered on ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), combating child marriage, addressing teenage pregnancy, promoting menstrual hygiene, and preventing gender-based violence.
The comprehensive training sessions also covered life skills, adolescent body changes, children’s rights, advocacy techniques, career guidance, moral values, health education, and creative storytelling.
Participants had the opportunity to explore their talents through creative arts and share their personal stories, further strengthening peer support networks.
Since its inception, the Mara Girls Summit has emerged as a transformative force for young girls in Narok County.
Past editions have been held in various locations including Kileleoni (2020), Orboma Sekenani (2021), Lamek Catholic Church (2022), Kileleoni (2023), and St. John’s Aitong (2024). Each summit builds on the foundation’s commitment to ending harmful cultural practices and creating pathways for girls to pursue education and personal growth.
The Matasaru Ntoyie Foundation reaffirmed its dedication to championing the rights and wellbeing of girls across the Mara region, calling on community leaders, parents, and institutions to join hands in the fight against retrogressive practices that hinder girls’ progress.
By Philip Koech
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