Organized by Strathmore University’s Mentoring Services, in collaboration with Strathmore University Chaplaincy, the Strathmore Female Leadership Getaway took place from 4th to 6th July 2025. It brought together students, staff, and mentors for a transformative experience in Tigoni. Centered around the theme of “Personalised Attention,” the retreat offered a space to step away from daily routines and reflect on leadership as a deeply personal, relational, and spiritual journey. It combined thoughtful discussions, meaningful mentorship, service outreach, and joyful community moments, all aimed at nurturing the next generation of women leaders.

One of the most impactful experiences during the retreat was a visit to Umoja Primary School, where students and staff, led by Ruby Kimondo and Beverly from Strathmore’s Mentoring Services ,held an outreach session with Grade 8 and 9 pupils. The focus was on gender-based violence, a conversation that encouraged openness, reflection, and dialogue. The pupils were so engaged that they continued asking questions even after the session had officially ended. This was leadership in its truest form ,not just spoken about, but practiced through mentorship, compassion, and community service.

The getaway also featured a thought-provoking debate tackling the question, “Does Education play a key role in combating gender-based violence?” Students came alive diving deep into arguments, challenging societal norms, and defending their positions with passion and purpose. The room buzzed with intensity, as voices clashed and ideas collided not out of hostility, but from a genuine hunger to understand, be heard, and make change. What made the debate special wasn’t just the eloquence or boldness of the speakers, it was the vulnerability behind their words. Many drew from personal stories, others from real-world statistics, weaving logic with lived experience. By the end, it was clear: this wasn’t just an academic exercise. It was a mirror to the world students hope to change and a masterclass in leading with voice, vision, and values. The debate encouraged students to engage critically, listen actively, and express their perspectives with confidence. It was a timely and relevant conversation that reinforced the idea that leadership includes the ability to speak into real-world issues with clarity and conviction.

A deeply reflective session followed with University Chaplain Fr. Martin Mundia, who invited students into an open conversation around faith and Leadership. Far from a formal sermon, it became an open conversation where students felt safe to voice personal doubts, spiritual curiosities, and even taboo questions without fear of judgment. The Chaplain welcomed it all with gentleness and humor, creating an atmosphere of honesty and connection. Students asked questions like “Do you give all your earnings to the church?” and “Are priests allowed to marry?”topics often whispered about but rarely addressed so directly. Fr. Mundia responded with clarity and compassion, explaining not just the rules, but the deeper meaning behind them. His openness allowed students to engage with faith in a way that felt human, grounded, and personal. As one participant put it after the session, “For once, I felt like I could question without guilt and get real answers.” The conversation reminded everyone that faith isn’t about perfection or performance, but about the willingness to seek, wrestle, and grow. It reinforced that spiritual leadership is most powerful when it listens first, speaks with love, and meets people exactly where they are.

Another standout moment of the retreat was the heartwarming session with a Strathmore alumni couple, who offered an honest, relatable perspective on leadership, love, and building a life grounded in shared values. As former students who once sat in the same lecture halls, they shared their journey from friendship on campus to dating, marriage, and raising a family,all while pursuing careers and staying rooted in faith. What made the session especially memorable was how open and unfiltered it felt. Students didn’t hold back; they asked everything from “How did you meet?” to “How old are you?” and even “How did you know it was the right person?” The couple responded with humor, grace, and genuine vulnerability, turning the room into a safe space for both curiosity and wisdom.One student whispered after the session, “It’s so rare to see people be this real with us ,we needed this kind of honesty.” Their story didn’t romanticize the journey but instead emphasized mutual respect, communication, and growing through seasons together. The couple reminded students that leadership isn’t just about boardrooms or big decisions; sometimes, it’s about showing up for someone daily with integrity, patience, and love. For many, the session planted hope that faith, purpose, and partnership can go hand in hand.

Sessions led by Gladys Ouma on etiquette and professional presence offered practical tools on how to show up confidently and respectfully in all spaces. These lessons went beyond the classroom; they were about preparing women to lead with both strength and grace. The serenity of Tigoni created the perfect environment for inner work. A peaceful walk through the tea farms gave students time to reflect, connect with nature, and enjoy quiet conversations. During a meditative session titled “Begin with the End in Mind,” students visualized the kind of women and leaders they want to become, aligning their choices today with the futures they envision.Evenings brought the community together through games, dance, music, bonfires, and shared meals. These lighthearted moments reminded everyone that leadership also thrives in joy, laughter, and human connection. The retreat was not only about learning but about living ,connecting through stories, play, and celebration.

In the end, the Strathmore Female Leadership Getaway was a powerful reminder that leadership is not just a title or a position. It is a way of being rooted in service, shaped by values, and brought to life through action. Students returned to campus recharged, reconnected, and ready to lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose. In Tigoni, they didn’t just talk about leadership, they lived it.

Article written by: Sharrifa Okumu