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.