by Kenyans.co.ke Writer on Tuesday, 23 June 2026 – 11:51 am Dr. Zipporah Gitonga of Mazao Na Afya Agrochemicals, Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg, Africa Managing Director at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT/CGIAR, and Sheila Komen-Keino, CEO of Sustain Africa. Photo Long before global recognition arrived, their work was already changing lives across farms, factories, boardrooms, and rural communities. Now, five Kenyan women are stepping onto the international stage after being nominated for the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) 100 Women Heroines of 2026, a prestigious global recognition under the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. The nominations shine a spotlight not just on individual achievement but also on the growing influence of Kenyan women in shaping the future of agriculture, food security, and sustainability across Africa. Among them is Paloma Fernandes, CEO of the Cereal Millers Association, alongside Jane Maigua, CEO of Exotic EPZ and former Chair of the Macadamia Nuts Association of Kenya (MacNut). Paloma Fernandes, CEO of the Cereal Millers Association, alongside Jane Maigua, CEO of Exotic EPZ and former Chair of the Macadamia Nuts Association of Kenya (MacNut). Photo Also included are Dr Zipporah Gitonga of Mazao Na Afya Agrochemicals, Dr Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg, Africa Managing Director at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT/CGIAR, and Sheila Komen-Keino, CEO of Sustain Africa. The FAO 100 Women Heroines of 2026 is a global recognition initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, launched under the International Year of the Woman Farmer, 2026. It celebrates women from around the world who are driving change in agriculture, food systems, and rural development through leadership, innovation, and impact. The recognition is not a financial award but a prestigious global list that highlights influential women in farming, agribusiness, research, and policy. Its main purpose is to spotlight the role of women in transforming food systems , address gender gaps in agriculture, and inspire stronger support for sustainable and inclusive agricultural development worldwide. At the center of the recognition are women leading transformation from very different corners of the agricultural ecosystem across the continent, while inspiring the next generation of women in agriculture. The announcement underscores growing global momentum around women’s leadership in agriculture, as institutions and development partners push for more inclusive and sustainable food production systems. For Kenya, the recognition signals not just individual success stories but an expanding footprint in shaping the future of agribusiness, food security, and climate-smart agriculture on a global stage. Kenyan farmers harvesting their crops File Latest News CS Ruku Issues Orders to All Govt Agencies, Warns Civil Servants Tue, 23 Jun 2026 – 12:24 pm NTSA Explains Why Some Vehicle Owners Cannot Download eLogbooks Tue, 23 Jun 2026 – 12:11 pm Five Kenyan Women Nominated for Global Award Tue, 23 Jun 2026 – 11:51 am IMF Issues Fresh Instructions to CBK Affecting Bank Interest Rates Tue, 23 Jun 2026 – 11:40 am Sifuna Responds After ODM SG Ouster, Reveals Next Move Tue, 23 Jun 2026 – 11:22 am Ruto Directs Immediate Salary Increase for All Civil Servants Tue, 23 Jun 2026 – 11:10 am Confusion for FKF as Procurement Body Issues Verdict on CHAN Scandal Tue, 23 Jun 2026 – 10:59 am New Report Flags SGR, Affordable Housing Projects Over Corruption Tue, 23 Jun 2026 – 10:47 am Interior Ministry to Link CCTVs With National ID Database in New Plan Tue, 23 Jun 2026 – 10:36 am Motorists Stranded for Hours as Massive Gridlock Hits Nairobi-Mombasa Highway Tue, 23 Jun 2026 – 10:13 am Kenya Issues 7-Day Ultimatum to Shipping Companies Tue, 23 Jun 2026 – 9:57 am DCI Arrests Nairobi MCA, Retrieves Illegal Gun Tue, 23 Jun 2026 – 9:32 am Load More