12 Kenyan women who broke the glass ceilling in their fields

Winfred Nyiva Mwendwa was the first Kenyan woman to serve as a cabinet minister
Pamela Jelimo was the first Kenyan woman and the first African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics
Orie Rogo Manduli was the first African woman to compete in the world circuit Safari Rally in 1974

Throughout history, women have faced considerable challenges and systemic barriers in various professional fields.

However, determined to pave the way for future generations, some have risen above these challenges, achieving firsts that have broken glass ceilings and set new benchmarks.

This article celebrates the remarkable achievements of these trailblazing women, each a "first lady" in her own right, highlighting their contributions and the profound impact they've had across diverse sectors from sports and education to politics and aviation.

Nyiva Mwendwa

Winfred Nyiva Mwendwa is a Kenyan politician. She was the first Kenyan woman to serve as a cabinet minister.

The late Nyiva Mwendwa The late Nyiva Mwendwa Pulse Live Kenya

READ: List of all KDF bosses & their major milestones

Pamela Jelimo

Pamela Jelimo made history in 2008 at just 18, becoming the first Kenyan woman as well as the first African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics, setting world records and four African senior records at the 2008 African Junior League.

Kenya's Pamela Jelimo pictured during the Women 800m event at the Memorial Ivo Van Damme Diamond League meeting, at the King Baudouin stadium on September 7, 2012. AFP

Orie Rogo Manduli

Orie Rogo Manduli, first known in Kenya for being the first African woman to compete in the world circuit Safari Rally in 1974, not only shattered perceptions in motorsports but also opened doors for African women in a fiercely male-dominated sport.

Orie Rogo Manduli Pulse Live Kenya

Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and Nobel laureate, was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, acknowledging her profound influence in sustainable development, democracy, and peace.

Wangari Maathai was referred to as the woman of trees [Pinterest] Pulse Nigeria

READ: Wangari Maathai's daughter among Time Magazine's 100 world's most influential people

Charity Ngilu

Charity Ngilu, a stalwart in Kenyan politics, emerged as the first woman to run for president in 1997, setting a precedent for women's leadership at the highest level of political engagement in Kenya.

Charity Ngilu Charity Ngilu Pulse Live Kenya

Joyce Laboso, Anne Waiguru, Charity Ngilu

Joyce Laboso, Anne Waiguru, Charity Ngilu became the first female governors elected at the 2017 Kenyan general elections, each marking a significant milestone in political representation for women in Kenya.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the late former Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso Kirinyiga Governor Anne Waiguru, former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the late former Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso Pulse Live Kenya

READ: Heavyweights elected female governors had to beat to become county bosses

Kitzie Shako

Kitzie Shako is noted as the first female police surgeon in Kenya, also recognised as a forensic physician, highlighting her critical role in intertwining law enforcement with medical expertise to address legal medical cases.

Dr Kitzie Shako Pulse Live Kenya

Dorcas Oduor

Dorcas Oduor is the first woman to hold the position of the Attorney General, a position she was appointed to by President William Ruto.

Dorcas Agik Oduor Dorcas Agik Oduor Pulse Live Kenya

READ: Profile of Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, OGW, EBS, SC

Martha Koome

Justice Martha Koome is the first woman to hold the position of Chief Justice in Kenya.

Chief Justice Martha Koome speaks during an event at the Supreme Court building on July 29, 2024 Chief Justice Martha Koome speaks during an event at the Supreme Court building on July 29, 2024 Pulse Live Kenya

Fatuma Ahmed

Fatuma Ahmed became the first woman Major-General in 2018 in Kenya, a landmark achievement in the Kenyan military, which has traditionally been a male-dominated field.

In 2024, Ahmed was promoted to the rank of commander of the Kenya Airforce becoming the first woman to command an arm of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).