Welcoming Susan Nkubitu: New Senior Coordinator – Programs

Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) is proud to welcome Susan Nkubitu as the Senior Coordinator – Programs, joining the Senior Management Team in April 2026. Susan brings over two decades of expertise in program quality, management and development, with a strong track record of leading high-impact, inclusive initiatives. Her professional background is set to be one of the cornerstones in ENAF’s mission to catalyze the creation of an inclusive society where girls and women, particularly those with disabilities and from marginalized communities, can enjoy their full rights and participate actively in society.

As the 52nd member of our dedicated team, Susan will provide strategic leadership across ENAF’s diverse Programme Centres. In this role, she will be instrumental in shaping program direction and strengthening delivery approaches to ensure sustainable change.

Double Victory for ENAF and Dr. Jennifer Riria at the 8th Edition DIAR Awards

Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) and President and CEO, Dr. Jennifer Riria, have been accorded top national honors at the 8th Edition of the National Diversity and Inclusion Awards & Recognition (DIAR Awards) held at the KICC.

In a standout recognition, Dr. Jennifer Riria was honored with the prestigious DIAR Board Leadership Taifa Patron rank, placing Number 1 out of Top 30 Executives. This marks the second time the DIAR Awards have recognized Dr. Riria for her transformative leadership, following her previous recognition for National Diversity and Inclusion. This distinguished honor is reserved for executive leaders who have demonstrated exceptional governance and visionary leadership in shaping Kenya’s future through inclusion, equity, and sustainability.

Further cementing its impact, ENAF was ranked 13th among the DIAR Top 100 Taifa Organizations. This high-level national ranking validates ENAF’s journey as a catalyst for development and its relentless work in dismantling systemic barriers for marginalized groups across all 47 counties.

This dual recognition at the DIAR Awards 8th Edition reinforces ENAF’s position as a national leader in social transformation. With a presence in every county, the foundation remains committed to creating sustainable impact. For Dr. Riria and the entire ENAF team, these awards celebrate a legacy of ensuring that marginalized voices are leading Kenya’s development agenda.

Dr Jennifer Riria Joins Global Champions to Advocate for Zero Tolerance to FGM

On 13th March 2026, the President and CEO of Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF), Dr Jennifer Riria, was privileged to join anti-FGM champions from across the globe under the UNFPA-UNICEF initiative that advocates for zero tolerance to FGM and promotes the protection of FGM survivors. Among the keynote speakers were H.E. Giorgio Marrapodi, Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations, and Kenyan-born FGM champion and survivor Ms Fozzia Aden, who is currently based in New York, among others.

The meeting agreed that, challenging as it is, the eradication of FGM is both possible and urgent. ENAF committed to continue playing its role to promote community-based approaches aimed at ending all forms of GBV, including FGM, period poverty, early marriages, and teenage pregnancies, and promoting the uptake of STEM. On its part, ENAF is convinced that approaches to ending FGM should be both multi-pronged and survivor-centred.

Dr Riria is accompanied to the CSW ‘70 by Mrs Sarah Muhoya, ENAF’s Chief of Party. Besides participating in the deliberations, the two will meet various partners to discuss matters of mutual interest and advance the foundation’s mission on the global stage.

Dr Jennifer Riria Champions Peace and Dialogue at #CSW70 Parallel Event

On 12th March 2026, the President and CEO of Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF), Dr Jennifer Riria, joined a range of global stakeholders working on gender equality, peace-building, legal aid, and fiscal policy to discuss the challenge of the cost of militarisation and the social consequences of the same. The conclusion was one: re-balance military spending and emphasise conflict resolution, not war. Her position was clear: ‘Dialogue is not just a way. It is the only way!’

The blended meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the CSW ‘70 in New York City, was hosted by the Baha’i International Community, Transparency, Accountability, and Participation Network (TAP Network), and Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom (WILPF).

Dr Riria is accompanied to the CSW ‘70 by Mrs Sarah Muhoya, ENAF’s Chief of Party. Besides participating in the deliberations, the two will meet various partners to discuss matters of mutual interest and advance the foundation’s mission on the global stage.

The ENAF I Dreamt Of: 2026 New Year Message

As we welcome the dawn of 2026, Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) celebrates a landmark achievement forty years in the making. Despite a year characterised globally as “The World at War” due to widespread conflict and economic strain, ENAF achieved an unprecedented cumulative performance result of 94%- the highest in our 43-year history.

Our vision of reaching every girl and woman in Kenya has been realised, with ENAF now firmly established in all 47 counties. In 2025 alone, our initiatives directly impacted over 89,917 women and girls, while our Financial Inclusion pillar achieved a 100% performance rating to drive long-term economic transformation.

Looking ahead, we are ready to scale our successful models beyond Kenyan borders. In 2026, we intend to venture into at least two other African countries, ensuring that our legacy of empowerment continues to create inclusive societies where everyone enjoys a life of hope and dignity.

Dr Jennifer Riria Honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Strategic Business and Leadership Awards 2025

Echo Network Africa Foundation proudly celebrates our President and CEO, Dr Jennifer Riria, who was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement in Leadership Award at the 2025 Strategic Business and Leadership Awards. The ceremony brought together leaders from across the region to recognise individuals shaping progress in leadership, governance and social transformation.

In her acceptance remarks, Dr Riria reflected on a journey defined by courage, service and unwavering commitment to empowering women and communities. She spoke powerfully about the responsibility of leaders to create opportunities that last beyond their time.

“As we look ahead, the next generation of leaders must not inherit our challenges but our courage.”

Her message highlighted the need for intentional mentorship, value-based leadership and institutional building that outlives personalities.

Dr Riria also acknowledged the women who paved the way and those still rising, reminding the audience that transformation requires persistence.

“This recognition is not just for me. It belongs to every woman who has dared to dream, to rise and to lead with courage and conviction across Kenya and across Africa.”

She reflected on the early days of her journey, when women were often excluded from decision-making spaces. Her leadership helped reshape those spaces and create new platforms for women’s voices and agency.

“Leadership spaces were not designed with women in mind, but we learned to create our own tables when we were not invited.”

For more than four decades, Dr Riria has championed women’s economic empowerment, pioneered access to finance for women, strengthened institutions and advanced inclusive leadership across Africa. Her influence continues to guide new generations of leaders and stands as a testament to the power of purpose, resilience and service.

Echo Network Africa Foundation congratulates Dr Jennifer Riria on this well deserved honour and celebrates the legacy she continues to build for women and communities across Africa.

ENAF Celebrates Its Legacy of Women’s Empowerment

Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) was honored to host Ms Nancy Barry, former President and CEO of Women’s World Banking, and Ms Wanjiku Kibūī, an early mentor to Dr Jennifer Riria. Ms Barry supported the re-establishment of KWFT Bank, while Ms Kibūī provided vital tutorship to Dr Riria in financial management during the foundation’s early stages in 1982.

The gathering brought together ENAF’s leadership alongside former and current Board Members, reflecting the organization’s journey from Kenya Women Finance Trust to Kenya Women Holding and today as Echo Network Africa Foundation. Together, they celebrated the legacy that has shaped women’s empowerment in Kenya and beyond.

Dr Riria reflected on the early struggles and sacrifices, recalling, “I spent sleepless nights because this has been my life. I have worked for 43 years to reach this point.” She added that what sustained the institution was the fact that “we had the same vision and the same mission, putting women at the center.”

Ms Barry emphasized the global relevance of that vision, describing KWFT as “one of the beacons of light, not only locally but globally.” She noted that very few organizations worldwide had managed to combine a real connection with women with a focus on efficiency and innovation, and urged today’s leaders to ensure that “the promise made to the women of Kenya is kept now and in generations to come.”

Ms Kibūī recalled her daily mentorship of Dr Riria and her team in the early years, saying, “Every day I would go to her office to train on financial management, accounting and credit. For me, that is empowerment. When you support women it is like putting power in their battery, and everything that God has hidden in them will come out.”

This historic meeting was more than a reunion of pioneers. It was also a call to carry forward their legacy. Change is inevitable in institutions, markets and communities, but the mission of placing women at the center of financial inclusion and empowerment remains unchanged. ENAF continues to carry that vision, ensuring that the promise made to women over four decades ago will live on for generations to come.

ENAF Welcomes New Leadership and Advances Paperless Governance

Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) is pleased to announce key developments following its Board meeting held on 17 September 2025. Ms. Verity Nyagah has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board, with Ms. Joyner Okonjo taking on the role of Vice Chair. This leadership renewal strengthens ENAF’s governance and positions the organization for its next chapter of impact.

The Board Meeting also saw the induction of two new Board members, Ms. Rose Mwenda and Ms. Juliana Rotich whose diverse expertise will enrich the organization’s strategic direction and help drive its mission to empower communities across Africa.

Meanwhile, Dr Nyambura Koigi and Ms Ursula Bahati rotated out and were replaced by Ms Rose And Ms Juliana. As part of good governance practice, Directors of ENAF serve for a Three Year tenure renewable only once .

As part of its ongoing journey in digital transformation and sustainability, the Board has adopted a paperless system to enhance governance processes. This initiative not only improves efficiency but also affirms ENAF’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting climate action.