A Decade of Transformation: ENAF Celebrates Resilience, Thanksgiving, and Inclusive Impact

The Board, Management, and Staff of Echo Network Africa (ENAF), together with tenants of The Jennifer Riria Hub (JRH), held a Prayer and Thanksgiving Day to reflect on God’s goodness and blessings. The prayer day, which was presided over by the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Kenya, Rev. Dr. John Maromba, was held at the JRH and attended by, among others, the Board of Directors of ENAF, H.E. Hon. David Kones, the Deputy Governor of Nakuru, tenants of the JRH, and other invited guests.

The event, themed “A Community That Shows Up,” combined spiritual reflections with tangible action, including a visit to the Holy Family Children’s Home, which hosts over 100 orphaned children. Additionally, the event saw ENAF, in partnership with the Malaysian High Commission, donate a Mobile Laboratory to Ngala School for the Deaf, bringing the number of laboratories donated by ENAF to 17.

H.E. David Kones, Deputy Governor of Nakuru, lauded the model of independence, stating, “This Hub proves that institutions can be financially independent while remaining deeply committed to social good.” Bishop Dr. John Maromba, who broke ground on the project a decade ago, added a charge for integrity, insisting, “Let the walls of this Hub not just be walls of shelter, but walls of values.”

Dr. Jennifer Riria, President and CEO, lauded the event as the manifestation of a dream that refused to die. She noted, “The Jennifer Riria Hub is the cornerstone of our sustainability strategy… ensuring our next decade is built on institutional independence for the women and girls of Africa.” By generating its own revenue, ENAF is now prepared to scale its transformative, home-grown models across the African continent.

ENAF is a Pan-African philanthropic institution that works with like-minded stakeholders to empower, position, and advocate for girls and women in Africa.

ENAF Cares: Supporting 104 Lives at Holy Family Children’s Home

Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) and tenants of The Jennifer Riria Hub today donated food and other supplies to 104 children housed at the Holy Family Children’s Home. The donation specifically targeted 39 infants and toddlers, providing essential baby formula, diapers, clothing, and foodstuff mobilized through a campaign dubbed: ‘A Community That Shows Up’ charity drive.

The initiative was spearheaded by Staff and tenants of The Jennifer Riria Hub, a business Mall that supports the empowerment of girls and women through initiatives implemented by Echo Network Africa Foundation. Located along Kipchoge Keino Road, the Jennifer Riria Hub is an architectural marvel comprising a five-story building that offers spacious, clean, quiet, secure, and reasonably priced spaces for businesses. Currently, the Mall is almost fully occupied with available space standing at less than 30%. All proceeds are ploughed back into supporting program initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for families through targeted empowerment of girls and women.

This outreach to the children’s home was held a day before ENAF’s Thanksgiving Day scheduled for Thursday, 30th April 2026 at the Jennifer Riria Hub. The prayers and thanksgiving ceremony will be presided over by Rev. Dr. John Maromba, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Kenya, and will be attended by various stakeholders, development partners, and government leadership. The event will serve as a reflection on a “Decade of Transformation” and a celebration of the milestones achieved in empowering the women and girls of Africa.

Change of Guard: Honoring the Transformative Era of Dr. Nyambura Koigi and Mrs. Ursula Bahati

Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) bid goodbye to Dr. Nyambura Koigi and Mrs. Ursula Bahati, who served as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively between 2019 and 2025. In her farewell speech, Dr. Jennifer Riria, President/CEO, commended the two women leaders for their sacrificial service to the girls and women of Kenya. Dr. Riria noted that during the six years of Dr. Nyambura’s leadership, ENAF had witnessed tremendous growth, including expansion to all 47 counties in Kenya and deepened impact.

Dr. Nyambura handed the mantle to Ms. Verity Nyagah and Ms. Joyner Okonjo as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively. The colorful celebration, held at ENAF offices in Nairobi on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, was attended by both staff and members of the Board of Directors.

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.