In 2024, Kenya celebrated a year of groundbreaking achievements as three remarkable women etched their names into the history books.
These trailblazers shattered barriers in their fields and set a benchmark for excellence and perseverance. Their stories highlight resilience and determination.
While many other Kenyan women did spectacular things in 204, these three stood out. They made headlines locally and internationally, marking a proud chapter in the country's ongoing journey towards gender equality.
Dorcas Oduor
In August 2024, Oduor made history after being appointed Kenya's first female Attorney General (AG). Oduor's appointment came after her nomination by President William Ruto and subsequent approval by the National Assembly. She replaced Justin Muturi, who held the position until President Ruto dismissed his entire cabinet in July 2024.
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Oduor boasts over 30 years of experience in public service. Prior to being appointed AG, she was the Secretary of Public Prosecutions. She has also held other senior positions, such as Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions and Head of Economic, International and Emerging Crimes at the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions.
As AG, Oduor is the principal legal advisor to the government, providing guidance to agencies on legislative and other legal matters.
Huldah Momanyi
Huldah, a Kenyan-born American, made history by clinching a Minnesota House of Representatives seat.
She became the first Kenyan woman to win a Minnesota House of Representatives seat and will now represent District 38A in the state legislature.
Huldah contested the seat on a Democratic–Farmer–labour Party ticket and emerged victorious, garnering 64.78 per cent of the votes.
"Those of you who know our immigration story. Our journey to this country that shaped my identity and purpose was because my parents sacrificed so much to allow us to pursue our dreams, and it is because of their strength and hope that I stand here tonight so proud to be the daughter of a Kenyan immigrant," she said during her acceptance speech.
Huldah was born in Nyamira County in 1985. She is the daughter of Philip and Tabitha Momanyi. Her family moved to the US in the early 90s, and she has been in the US ever since.
Beatrice Chebet
2024 was an amazing year for Beatrice Chebet as she shuttered world records in different races.
On 25 May 2024, she became the first woman to run the 10,000m in under 29 minutes, setting a world record of 28:54.14 at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
She beat the previous record of 29:01.03 that Ethiopian Letesenbet Gidey had set.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Chebet also made history when she won the women's 10,000m race in 30:43.25. She became the first Kenyan to win the Olympic title since the race was introduced in the competition in 1988 in Seoul.
To end the year, Chebet broke the world 5km record on 31 December 2024 at the Cursa dels Nassos, a World Athletics Label road race in Barcelona.
She clocked an impressive 13:54, bettering the previous record by 19 seconds.
The world watches Chebet as athletes gather in Tokyo for the 2025 World Championships.
