Allow me to introduce you to a remarkable trailblazer I had the privilege of meeting in December 2022 through Young African Leadership Initiative in Nairobi- Abby Chebet. But she’s not just any Abby; she’s Simply Abby, Just Abby. In her, I saw a young Michelle Obama- simple yet sophisticated, and undeniably ambitious. In a world where many girls her age dream of becoming trophy wives, Abby stands out as an inspiration with her vision to create a final prototype for Imanda sanitary towels, a sustainable product.
The first night at Lukenya Getaways wasn’t exactly pleasant for me. I had hardly slept. My journey had taken me from Juba International Airport at 4pm to Addis Ababa to Nairobi, with a change in time zones from Central African Time to East African Time. Amidst the chaos of changing flights and adjusting to the new weather, it was a relief to finally find my bed at 5am South Sudanese “new time.” During our time in Nairobi, Abby and I roomed together at Lukenya Gateway, joined by another incredible individual, Florida from Tanzania. As we shared stories and experiences, I couldn’t help but feel both surprised and excited to be the first South Sudanese that Abby and Florida had ever interacted with. Our cultural exchange became a valuable opportunity for growth and understanding, breaking down barriers and building bridges between our East African nations.
Abby Chebet is more than just a young woman; she’s an African Changemaker. With unyielding passion, she champions Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 6: Quality Education and clean water and sanitation. Abby’s vehicle for change is her organization, The Lady’s Heart. She’s the founder and director, dedicating herself to training girls on menstrual hygiene management and leading school mentorship programs in Bomet, Kenya. Abby’s foundation has garnered support from various stakeholders, peers and even government institutions.
A true jack of all trades, Abby holds a Bachelor of Commerce and CPA from the Multimedia University of Kenya. She’s a published author, having penned “The Flow of Life.” Additionally, she has been recognized as the 2019 WHDO SDG 4 Ambassador, the 2020 Zuri Awards Young Achievers Honoree, and the 2021 Ford Motors Education Fund Fellow. In her spare time, she indulges in her side venture- an online enterprise called Fabi Cake and Gift House showcasing her creative passion.
During our time together, I observed Abby’s deep-rooted commitment to helping her own community. Despite residing in Nairobi, her heart of service extended to her rural areas. This genuine dedication to charity beginning at home showcased Abby’s extraordinary character. From discussing relationships to fashion trends, our conversations offered a glimpse into Abby’s multifaceted personality. Her love for tea, perhaps influenced by her Kalenjin roots, further exemplified her connection to her culture and heritage.
Are you inspired by Abby Chebet’s remarkable journey? To learn more about her initiatives and join her in making a difference, connect with The Lady’s Heart. They focus on sexual reproductive health, menstrual hygiene management, supporting teenage moms, school mentorship programs, climate justice, and community dialogue. Together, let’s become a part of Abby’s movement towards positive change.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theladysheartfoundation?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theladys_heart?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
This is so beautiful Achom. Let’s all join hands to make our communities a better place to live in.