The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is funding a collaborative project between the Strathmore University Business School (SBS) in Kenya and the Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF), aimed at advancing women into leadership roles across Kenya’s health sector.

The ‘Driving Country Level Change – Women in Health Leadership Project‘ Focus Group Discussion on Women in Health Leadership was held in Mombasa by SBS and KHF. We delved into the enablers and barriers shaping women’s career advancement in Kenya’s health sector. We were honored to have Ruth Warutumo of HENNET deliver opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based research and collaboration, which set the tone for an insightful discussion thereafter.

Dr. Sam Oula, Medical Director and Consultant Pediatrician at the Aga Khan Health Services, Mombasa Cluster, graced us with a powerful keynote speech, highlighting the importance of women’s leadership. Dr. Elizabeth Muthuma, faculty member at the Strathmore Business School, provided an introduction to the Women in Health Leadership Project, outlining its significance and goals.

Moderated by Charity Kamau of the Kenya Healthcare Federation, the focus group had an engaging discussion on advancing women’s leadership in Kenyan healthcare. There were many “lightbulb moments” raised on the obstacles women face and how we can catalyze change. The rich exchange of ideas laid the groundwork for driving meaningful progress.

The event concluded with closing remarks from both the Kenya Healthcare Federation and the Strathmore Business School.This event was a pivotal moment in our collective journey toward gender equity and empowerment