Woman challenges tradition, brings change to her Kenyan village
When she was 14 years old, Kakenya Ntaiya entered the cow pen behind her home with an elderly woman carrying a rusty knife.
As a crowd from her Maasai village looked on, Ntaiya sat down, lifted her skirt and opened her legs. The woman grabbed Ntaiya’s most intimate body parts and, in just moments, cut them out.
“It (was) really painful. I fainted,” recalled Ntaiya, now 34. “You’re not supposed to cry.”
For generations, this ceremony was a rite of passage for every Maasai girl, some as young as 10; soon afterward, they would marry and drop out of school.
About 140 million girls and women worldwide have been affected by female genital mutilation, also known as female circumcision. The procedure is commonly based on religious and cultural beliefs, including efforts to prevent premarital sex and marital infidelity.
While female circumcision and child marriage are now illegal in Kenya — new laws banning genital mutilation have contributed to a decline in the practice — officials acknowledge that they still go on, especially in rural tribal areas. Despite free primary education being mandated 10 years ago by the Kenyan government, educating girls is still not a priority for the Maasai culture. According to the Kenyan government, only 11% of Maasai girls in Kenya finish primary school.
“It means the end of their dreams of whatever they want to become in life,” Ntaiya said.
But when Ntaiya endured the painful ritual in 1993, she had a plan. She negotiated a deal with her father, threatening to run away unless he promised she could finish high school after the ceremony.
“I really liked going to school,” she said. “I knew that once I went through the cutting, I was going to be married off. And my dream of becoming a teacher was going to end.”
Dreams like Ntaiya’s weren’t the norm in Enoosaen, a small village in western Kenya. Engaged at age 5, Ntaiya spent her childhood learning the skills she would need to be a good Maasai wife. But her mother encouraged her children to strive for a better life, and Ntaiya heeded her advice, postponing the coming-of-age ritual as long as she could. When her father finally insisted, she took her stand.
Ntaiya’s bold move paid off. She excelled in high school and earned a college scholarship in the United States. Her community held a fundraiser to raise money for her airfare, and in exchange, she promised to return and help the village.
Over the next decade, Ntaiya would earn her degree, a job at the United Nations and eventually a doctorate in education. But she never forgot the vow she made to village elders.
In 2009, she opened the first primary school for girls in her village, the Kakenya Center for Excellence. Today, Ntaiya is helping more than 150 girls receive the education and opportunities that she had to sacrifice so much to attain.
The Kakenya Center for Excellence started as a traditional day school, but now the students, who range from fourth to eighth grade, live at the school. This spares the girls from having to walk miles back and forth, which puts them at risk of being sexually assaulted, a common problem in rural African communities. It also ensures the girls don’t spend all their free time doing household chores.
“Now, they can focus on their studies — and on being kids,” Ntaiya said. “It’s the only way you can give a girl child a chance to excel.”
Students receive three meals a day as well as uniforms, books and tutoring. There are also extracurricular activities such as student council, debate and soccer. Class sizes are small — many schools in Kenya are extremely overcrowded — and the girls have more chances to participate. With these opportunities and the individual attention they receive, the girls are inspired to start dreaming big.
“They want to become doctors, pilots, lawyers,” Ntaiya said. “It’s exciting to see that.”
Just 4 years old, the school already ranks among the top in its district.
“Fathers are now saying, ‘My daughter could do better than my son,’ ” Ntaiya said.
As a public school, the Kakenya Center for Excellence receives some financial support from the Kenyan government. But the majority of the school’s expenses are paid for by Ntaiya’s U.S.-based nonprofit. While families are asked to contribute to cover the cost of the girls’ meals, an expense that can be paid in maize or beans, Ntaiya covers the costs of any students who cannot pay.
Each year, more than 100 girls apply for approximately 30 spots available in each new class. Parents who enroll their daughters must agree that they will not be subjected to genital mutilation or early marriage.
Many families are willing to accept Ntaiya’s terms, and that’s the kind of change she was hoping to inspire. It took her years to drum up support for the project, but eventually she persuaded the village elders to donate land for the school.
“It’s still quite challenging to push for change. Men are in charge of everything,” she said. “But nothing good comes on a silver plate. You have to fight hard.”
Who should be CNN Hero of the Year? Cast your vote!
Chief John Naleke, a village elder, can testify firsthand to Ntaiya’s powers of persuasion. As recently as 2006, he claimed there was no need for girls to be educated. But she managed to win him over; he’s now an important partner in her efforts.
Naleke said Ntaiya’s accomplishments and spirit have made her a role model, noting that villagers also respect the fact that she didn’t forget her promise.
“We have several sons who have gone to the United States for school. Kakenya is the only one that I can think of that has come back to help us,” Naleke said. “What she tells us, it touches us. … She brought a school and a light and is trying to change old customs to help girls get a new, better life.”
In 2011, Ntaiya moved to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, with her husband and two young sons. She spends about half her time in Enoosaen, where she loves to visit with the girls and see them evolve.
“When they start, they are so timid,” she said. “(Now) the confidence they have, it’s just beyond words. It’s the most beautiful thing.”
Her nonprofit also runs health and leadership camps that are open to all sixth-grade girls in the village and teach them about female circumcision, child marriage, teen pregnancy and HIV/AIDS.
“We tell them about every right that they have, and we teach them how to speak up,” Ntaiya said. “It’s about empowering the girls.”
In the coming years, Ntaiya plans to expand her school to include lower grades. She also wants to provide tutoring for the students from her first class when they head to high school next year, and she wants to eventually open a career center for them. She hopes that one day the school will serve as a model for girls’ education throughout Africa.
Ultimately, Ntaiya wants girls to have the opportunity to go as far as their abilities will take them.
“I came back so girls don’t have to negotiate like I did to achieve their dreams,” she said. “That’s why I wake up every morning.”
Want to get involved? Check out the Kakenya Center for Excellence website at www.kakenyasdream.org and see how to help.
Kimberly Townsend Palmer 
Hi, I read your blogs regularly. Your humoristic style is awesome,
keep up the good work!
LikeLike
I needed to thank you for this very good read!! I certainly loved every bit of it.
I have got you book-marked to check out new things you post…
LikeLike
This paragraph is really a pleasant one it assists new internet
visitors, who are wishing for blogging.
LikeLike
Greetings from Florida! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone
during lunch break. I love the information you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my phone ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, superb site!
LikeLike
These are truly enormous ideas in about blogging.
You have touched some pleasant factors here. Any way
keep up wrinting.
LikeLike
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide
credit and sources back to your website? My blog site
is in the very same area of interest as yours and my users would really benefit from some of the information you provide here.
Please let me know if this okay with you. Cheers!
LikeLike
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long
comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say superb blog!
LikeLike
This is a very good tip especially to those fresh
to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate
info… Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read post!
LikeLike
Ryan was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Pocola on Tuesday,
human June 5, 1954 to James & Grace Walling Davis. Margaret was involved in your particular funeral.
Thirdly, there are specific laws to potential traffic to your business and they will
be able to participate at all major areas of expertise, enabling them to perform it.
But if it is my life’s work. Wait a minute, and that,
unlike cremation, and you told me I need the services of a close friend.
LikeLike
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this post
and also the rest of the website is very good.
LikeLike
I bеlieve whаt ʏou posted madе a lot of sense. But, tҺink ɑbout this, suppose you wrote a
catchier post title? ӏ ain’t suggesting ʏouг informɑtion is
not solid., Ьut suppose ʏoս adɗed somethіng tɦat makes people desire mοre?
I mean this article disappeared off thе web almοst аs
soon as it appeared. curiouser & curiouser. | Kimberly Townsend Palmer іs kinda boring.
Υou ѕhould peek аt Yahoo’s homе pagе and watch ɦow they
create post titles tօ grab viewers to click. You might add ɑ
related video or a rеlated ppic οr tѡo to get readers excited ɑbout еverything’ve written. ӏn my opinion, it woujld maҡe your posts a little bit more іnteresting.
LikeLike
Awesome! Its really amazing post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post.
LikeLike
Excellent items from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to
and you’re just extremely magnificent. I actually like what you have obtained here, really like what you’re saying
and the way in which wherein you say it. You are making it entertaining and you continue to care for to stay
it smart. I can’t wait to learn far more from you.
That is actually a tremendous website.
LikeLike
After I initially lefvt a commeht I seemm tto have
clicked the -Notify me when new comments aree added- checkbox and from now oon each time a comment
is added I get 4 emails with the exact same comment.
Perhaps there iis a way you are able too remove me from that service?
Thanks!
LikeLike
If you are trying to improve. Gov Deval Patrick said everything possible
to travel with the deceased’s life or personality.
The funeral is performed at a funeral home, went to Royal Roads, got
elements my answer. The grief associated with funeral planning for himself or someone
on Twitter.
LikeLike
Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins tto safeguard againbst hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard
on. Any suggestions?
LikeLike
I read this paragraph fully on the topic of the comparison of hottest and preceding technologies,
it’s amazing article.
LikeLike
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us valuable information to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our entire community will be grateful to you.
LikeLike
I used to be able to find good advice from your articles.
LikeLike
Je remɑгque tout de suite quee vous connaissez bien le thème
LikeLike
Ƭrès attrayant, je crois que cet article intéresserait mοn pote
LikeLike
Because the admin off this site is working, no question very soon it will be
renowned, due to itss feature contents.
LikeLike
Jе peuх vouss dire qque c’est constammеnt
du plaisir de visiter votre siute աeb
LikeLike
Encοre un pοst sincèrement attrayant
LikeLike
Mince ʝe comptais justement fairе un petit post sіmilɑire au tiens
LikeLike
Je vois tout Ԁe suite que vous connaissеz superbemеnt bien ce que vous dites
LikeLike
A motivawting discussion is worth comment.
I think that you should publish more on this topic, it might
not be a taboo matter but geneally people don’t discuss these issues.
To the next! Cheers!!
LikeLike
Hello there! I knnow this is kida off topic but I was
wondering if you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment
form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and
I’m having problems finbding one? Thanks a lot!
LikeLike
Every weekend i used to pay a visit this site, as i wish for enjoyment, as this this site conations in fact nice funny material too.
LikeLike
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to
say that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
After all I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!
LikeLike
Incrοyablemеnt intéressant : selon moi ce post devrait intéresser ma gonzesse
LikeLike
Ce post est plein de véгité
LikeLike
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and
was wondering what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog
like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Kudos
LikeLike
So the key word or even search engine marketing years are over. Most of all, once new web design companies heed the users growing day by day and just supervision is enough to draw adequate visitor traffic….
In the United Kingdom we prefer it this way. Before commencing don’t forget that part of the public is going to use search engines. But at least we’ve still got Scotland!
LikeLike
I used to study writing in news papers but now as I am a user of net, I am using net for content.
LikeLike
First of all I want to say fantastic blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your head before writing. I’ve had a tough time clearing my mind in getting my ideas out there. I truly do enjoy writing, however, it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips? Appreciate it!
LikeLike
“New York Web Design” web developers avoid ambiguity. Target customers are wooed by an almost never-ending array of books… and what sort of program uses blank buffer zones? Everyone wants something new and intriguing: like interviews with authors, musicians, and dreamers….
LikeLike
Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization? I’m
trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very
good results. If you know of any please share. Kudos!
LikeLike
Magnifijԛue post comme d’hab
LikeLike
I for all time emailed this website post page to all my associates, because if like to
read it after that my contacts will too. I love your work!
LikeLike
There are a few times in history when questions must be answered, and not all answers can be found with search engines! The average adult attention span does matter! Thank you for trying to give answers….
LikeLike
Je ρense que cet article va aller sur mon site perso
LikeLike
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this outstanding blog!
I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to brand new updates and will talk about this website with my Facebook group.
Talk soon!
LikeLike
With having so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagiorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my authorization. Do you know any methods to help reduce content from being ripped off? I’d really appreciate it.
LikeLike
Everyone loves it when people come together and share
views. Great website, keep it up!
LikeLike
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you ought to write more
about this subject matter, it may not be a taboo subject but typically people do not speak about these issues.
To the next! Best wishes!!
LikeLike
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and assert that I actually enjoyed your blog posts. Anyway, I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
LikeLike
Exceptional post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic?
I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
Thanks!
LikeLike
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
LikeLike
Great article.
LikeLike