African economies continue to bleed billions annually due to systemic gender disparities, a sobering reality that took centre stage at the 2026 Zuri Awards. Marking its 10th anniversary, the Zuri Foundation honoured ten exceptional women actively dismantling social, political, and economic barriers across various sectors, from Artificial Intelligence and STEM to public health and grassroots education.
The awards ceremony, held on the 9th of March, was a milestone of growth and grace, bringing together government officials, development partners, and advocates to amplify the impact of female leadership.
The Economic Cost of Exclusion
While the evening was celebratory, it was anchored in hard data and urgent calls to action. Zuri Foundation Co-founder Muthoni Gitobu highlighted the glaring inequities that continue to stifle global progress.
“Women earn 23 percent less than men globally, face increased vulnerability to sexual violence and exploitation, and shoulder a greater burden of unpaid care and domestic labour,” she stated, urging policymakers to embed gender equality directly into national economic strategies.
Gitobu noted that a woman’s potential for positive change-making is frequently hindered by these structural barriers. “When we started the Zuri Awards, we realised that many stories remain unseen and unheard. Once you are seen, don’t let people unsee you. When you go, be a good ambassador for Zuri and uphold the integrity of the brand,” she encouraged the honourees.
Tech, Agriculture, and Beyond: The 10 Honourees
For platforms like Techish, the intersection of technology, media, and social impact is where the future lies. This year’s honourees strongly reflect that convergence.
The ten women recognised for their exceptional displays of leadership and courage include:
- Caroline Nyagoa (Women in STEAM Initiative) – STEM
- Karen Cherono (Agromind AI) – Agriculture
- Were Apondi (Project Red Lipstick) – Media
- Rose Wambui Thuku (Nafisika Trust) – Public Service
- Liz Njeri Kamau (Beyond The Flow) – Education
- Margaret Wangui Rithari (Protect a Girl Image Organisation) – Education
- Dr. Anisa Mburu (SheFights Cancer Foundation) – Health
- Chebet Birir (Restored Minds Akilicare Kenya & The Standard Media Group) – Mental Health & Media
- Asmai Hamo (Great Vibes Mind) – Mental Health/Wellness
- Lucy Murrey (The Ambitious Girl Initiative CBO) – Community Development
Empowering Leadership for National Development
The recognition of these women is a strategic move toward broader national development. The event’s Chief Guest, Public Health Specialist Dr. Dorothy Onyango, praised platforms like the Zuri Awards for their role in advancing the gender agenda.
“Women are powerful contributors to our nation’s economy, driving growth, innovation, and job creation. Their influence also extends to education and nurturing future generations,” Dr. Onyango noted.
This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Julius Weche, an Adjunct Lecturer at Esami Business School, who underscored the necessity of institutional support: “As we celebrate these honourees, we must focus on empowering women’s leadership.”
Since its inception in 2017, the Zuri Foundation has dedicated itself to spotlighting women who rise against the odds to change lives within their communities. As the 2026 cohort steps into the limelight, their work, spanning from AI-driven agriculture to STEAM advocacy, proves that when women are given access to capital, opportunities, and platforms, the entire society profits.
