The first Session of the Series, opened with a reading by Poet Sitawa Namwali (Betty W. Muragori) from her poem, Say my name. Betty has a degree in zoology and botany and is happily married with three children.

The Chief Guest at this Session was Betty Radier, CEO of McCann Erickson. Soon after Sitawa’s poetry reading, Betty started her presentation with a dramatic opening, appearing dressed in industrial safety gear. She made the point, by getting rid of the gear and reappearing as a beautifully dressed lady, that women do not have to go out of their way to prove their competence. They can still be feminine, beautiful and efficiently competent in whatever career role they chose.

Betty Radier’s presentation was made by quotes, carefully chosen to demonstrate common stereotypes, common reactions to them, and the woman’s choice. The very first one pointed out: No matter what your age, religion or status in life, what we are made of mostly is unlocked potential.

Some of the main points from the presentation included the following:

• Understand who is reading your image. This will help you to present a convincing and capable persona.
• Work on your image presentation. A woman’s image is watched more than a man’s.
• Do not use femininity as an excuse for mistakes, failings and weaknesses.
• Unlearn the socialisation of femininity when in controlled situations. Do not fulfil the stereotypes; emotional, high-strung, irrational etc. Business is business.
• Network to build your business contacts, to fulfil your obligations, to learn more about the trends.
• Learn to verbalise. If we do not like something we can learn to address and vocalise it.
• Work extra hard for visible results. Stay connected to the smallest details.
• Plan. Do not allow circumstances to bog you down.

The women present were able to participate at various points of the presentation, highlighting their own experiences, and the processes that have helped them to prevail.

Elizabeth Mwaura, who is Head of Operations at EMS, explained, “I recognised my potential and chose to move to an environment where it could be unlocked.”

Susanne, a musician said, “Knowing what you want is the Key.” She stressed on strategy, focus and a definite plan.

Nyokabi pointed out, “Things might go wrong. Criticism will come up. Challenges will present themselves. Always remember that it is not personal, it is just business.”

Betty Radier closed the discussion by reminding the ladies present that;

Illiteracy is not marked by the inability to read text, but by the inability to unlearn, relearn, unwrite, rewrite, unread and reread skills, choices and life paths.

In November 2007, we held the inaugural storytelling competitions in 5 universities and 4 estates. The program culminated in Nyama Choma Fiesta at Impala Club, on 2nd December 2007. The Winner overall of the competition was Eric Omondi, who performed Oluoch Madiang’s In the Land of the Kitchen, which is now being published as a children’s book. The runner up was Joshua Muraya who is still actively involved in Storymoja Storytelling programs.

Last year was such a rich experience for all involved that with great anticipation Storymoja launched the Storytelling Season of 2008. This year, Storymoja was able to involve up to 20 high schools, 20 college campuses and 8 estates. The theme of the Program this year is “Peace for Kenya.” Entrants were required to present a 6 minute story, displaying creativity and originality, as well as diversity in cultural ideas while allowing for reconciliation and healing. Each institution provided 10 contestants for the preliminary competition. The preliminaries were judged by one judge from the institution’s community, another from Storymoja and another from the business or media community in Nairobi. Two finalists chosen to represent the institution or estate in the finals at the Nyama Choma Fiesta at Impala club on August 10th were also able to attend a 6 hour long performance workshop led by experienced performance artists.

Among the many schools involved was Jamhuri High School, Aga Khan High School, Huruma Girls School and Kangemi High School. Mrs. Kimondo a teacher at Jamhuri High School said of the program, “The boys are encouraged when they find that they have strengths beyond academics. It reinforces them and makes them work harder in all areas of life.”

Mr. Vincent Otieno of the National Youth Service Engineering Institute was beaming with pride as his protégées presented their stories. He said, “I was so glad for the opportunity for the students not only to showcase their talent but also for them to represent their school at this level. I was especially proud of the one and only young lady who went up on stage. Even though she did not win the first position, we will continue encouraging her to pursue her strengths!”

It will definitely be stimulating to watch the finals this year! All the schools and Campuses who have participated have displayed extraordinary talent in creating original stories and in performing them. And on August 10th at Impala Club Grounds, they will represent their schools and prove who the best is.

Join us in Celebrating Kenyan Stories!

Author: Doreen Baingana
ISBN: 177 007 0516
Date of Publication: 2005
Distributed by Storymoja

Doreen has a law degree from Makerere University, Kampala and an MFA from the University of Maryland, USA. She has won the Associated Writers and Writing Programs Award in Short Fiction, the Washington Independent Writers Fiction prize, and was nominated twice for the Caine Prize in African Writing.