My journey to start a school for girls in Kenya: Kakenya Ntaiya at TEDxMidAtlantic 2012

Kakenya Ntaiya was set to follow the traditional path of all girls born in the small village of Enoosaen, Kenya. Engaged at the age of 5, she was to be circumcised by the time she became a teenager. But she had a different plan. First, she negotiated with her father: she would willingly agree to be circumcised only if he would allow her to finish high school. He agreed. Then she negotiated with the village elders to do what no girl had ever done before: leave her village to go to college in the United States. She received a scholarship to Randolph Macon college in Virginia and returned to Kenya to change her hometown forever.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@sarahnjenga7036]

My Kenyan Sister ..with a Beautiful Soul.. Thank you for Bringing change to your community...... What a Role model. Blessings and more Blessings..

[@ishiomborantings3716]

These are the role models we should have on TV

[@nanimkenya1015]

That is how Kenyan women are dedicated and ready to work, Kenya is build by women. I tell you and we can never loss hope, as much as difficulties and challenges arises. God help us to achieve.

[@nanimkenya1015]

as the bible says a woman can build her house with her own hand, or the reverse.

[@felixmakinda7689]

❤❤❤ My brother was a teacher in that village. He's currently a teacher of English and Literature at Nkararo in Trans Mara. What an impressive and inspirational talk!

[@moondust766]

I shed a tear for angeline. Someone once asked me, why do women want to change their situation when they can just content themselves with their roles (cleaning, cooking, child bearing) well, this video right here answers the question.

[@gemmausiku]

"and she cut it off..." and then she continues like...a conqueror ...I'm here screaming into my palm!

[@anon5041]

This is how we should crown Miss world universes! Holistic beauty!

[@resianemaculate.]

True

[@naomibohuslavicka2734]

agreed

[@jeandistefano5486]

We are honored to have you in this land of freedom. Gina in lights

[@wanja1594]

So proud of this fellow kenyan woman!

[@a.muchemi4360]

I listen to this as a kenyan and i am wondering how can we come from such a different communities being from same conuntry. Congratulations my dear. I had it so easy and being a Kenyan keep in touch if we can add. I am councellor and a coach empowering young people

[@wealthandwellnesswithGrace]

Wow, thank you for your drive and sacrifice, much respect and blessing...

[@lisaholmes9600]

Wow!!!!! What a powerful speech and a truly amazing woman! Thank you for your inspiration.

[@ivorycelt]

Very special little star!! Kabissa sana

[@marlenemariejohnson1698]

Inspiring. I am an enthusiastic supporter of this young leader and her school.

[@daisymatild8988]

Truly inspiring. I watch this to remind myself there's hope, even in seemingly hopeless situations. You are an amazing woman who deserves to always be admired and remembered. Always.

[@luluzanamadhlophe2788]

Wow!!! what an amazing message. Thank you for sharing your life with us, I believe your message will continue to transform others

[@edwardwright1196]

Kakenya! What a pleasure to view your inspiring speech again. Thank you!

[@marazulization]

This is my kind of heroes! My celebrities! Whole models! My heart s with you ! ❤

[@smlukhele5404]

🙌🙌🙌🙌 I'm so flipping inspired. All the way from Swaziland

[@vivavoice7211]

Thank you for this inspirational talk! Wonderful xx

[@FuneralFans]

Simply phenomenal!!

[@kekom1758]

very inspirational story! there is so much work to do for a better world.

[@Okwash1]

Very inspirational my Kenyan sister.

[@learningmama54]

EXCELLENT speech!!! I liked it!!!

[@patiatjoseph3144]

The voice of Africa, proud of you ❣️

[@carolinekarori9274]

very touching...very true...very empowering...

[@faqu529]

great speaker, thank u for the upload.

[@Jeff_artsN]

Truly Amazing story. You are inspiring

[@2005SHERWIN]

Wow! What an inspiration.

[@seyfuayub1655]

Masai are the most beautiful people in Africa with beautiful culture imagine this people are still practicing their culture until today to me that's the coolest thing ever

[@mgori_media]

Very great and true about challenges on this African continent

[@jeandistefano5486]

Tbank you. Gina in Lights

[@glittle5474]

Wonderful! Congratulations!

[@kimberlyharrington5267]

I am inspired. Thank you!

[@ciceromatrix]

i cried out joy

[@angelamutai8750]

Omg. I just heard you speak in Canberra for Women's day ❤️

[@puseletsomolupe2569]

inspirational indeed!

[@a.n_1249]

Your are so inspirational and strong ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@dukjamgya7]

You are an inspiration to the wholeworld.especially to our women.thank you very for the talk.

[@taratulkudrimeddrolkharrin7747]

excellent , congratulations !

[@ashleighgree3258]

We are the women of RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE. Vita Abundantior

[@jkj1022]

Amen....Inspired

[@davejoe5949]

You are very pretty woman, Thank you for the gift of love to the world 🙏🙏👍

[@mangerarisimmangerito2088]

wow good work

[@dorisk3863]

I love that outfit 2020

[@resianemaculate.]

I can get you one

[@naomibohuslavicka2734]

God bless you 🙏 ❤ Love Happiness ❤ Love ❤ Happiness.....and again Love n Happiness
I

[@Luciana-sn1qc]

Me paro y la aplaudo.

[@Notforproffitt]

Small correction: Kakenya attended Randolph-Macon Woman's College (now Randolph College).

[@resianemaculate.]

I would love to join this college given an opportunity.
Kindly guide me on the how.

[@peterwaweru7802]

Mothers are like lioness

[@victoriaredemta8714]

At the age of 5..your husband just passed by

[@samperukasaine2331]

😂😂imagine , we call it booking a wife

[@biblosantral]

a perfect woman at age 12? what a burden women have to carry to please men in this world. 😢