Kirinyaga Woman Representative Maina
Njeri has been honoured in the United Kingdom for her outstanding contribution
to youth and women leadership in Kenya through her flagship initiative, the Tupange
Kesho program.
She was honoured during the Mayor of Milton Keynes Civic Reception and Awards Ceremony, dubbed the 2025 MK Inspiration Awards.
The award was presented during a
ceremony in Milton Keynes, UK, where Njeri was celebrated for championing
grassroots empowerment and civic engagement among young people and women in
Kirinyaga County.
The recognition marks a significant
international endorsement of her efforts to foster inclusive leadership and
sustainable development.
“I’m deeply humbled to receive an
award from the United Kingdom due to my contribution to youth and women
leadership in Kenya and in particular our Tupange Kesho program,” she said.
“I thank God for always leading me and giving
me the grace to serve diligently.”
Njeri also expressed heartfelt
gratitude to her UK hosts, including MP Emily Darlington, Mayor Cllr. Marie
Bradburn, Deputy Mayor Cllr. James Lancaster and several other councillors and
dignitaries.
“To my team, I am always grateful
for your relentless support because without you, the vision would not be
achieved,” she added.
The Tupange Kesho program,
which translates to "Let's Plan Tomorrow," was launched as a
grassroots development initiative aimed at empowering young people and women
through mentorship, entrepreneurship, and civic education. Njeri said the
recognition was unexpected when the program began.
“We started the Tupange Kesho
program as a commitment to serve the people of Kirinyaga and didn’t think much
about having the work we do appreciated abroad.”
Tupange Kesho is a special groups
programme that aims to uplift the lives of youths through education, scholarships
and empower women groups with capital for businesses.
The programme also provides dignity
kits to school-going children to enable them to focus on learning.
Through the Women Economic
Empowerment programme, 38 women’s groups have received Sh3.8 million to help
them build businesses, support their families, and strengthen household
incomes.
A further Sh4.7 million supports 46
groups through value addition initiatives—enhancing productivity and
revitalising local economies.
To ensure communities are not just
recipients of change but active participants, Sh1.9 million has been invested
in civic education.
