Inside BrighterMonday Kenya’s Women in Motion Experience

On Saturday, April 11, 2026, BrighterMonday Kenya hosted a thoughtfully curated event at the Nairobi Arboretum that brought together young women for a 5KM run, a Zumba session, and a mentorship experience designed to bridge wellness and career growth. Set outside the confines of formal meeting rooms, the event created an open and engaging space where participants could connect, learn, and reflect on their professional journeys.

While traditional career fairs often prioritise the CVs collected over the quality of human connection, the change to a natural setting mirrors a growing global trend of soft-networking, where professionals bond through shared activities rather than elevator pitches.

Redefining how young women access career support

Catherine Maina, Communication Specialist at BrighterMonday Kenya, explains that the intention was to focus on young women navigating early career stages, many of whom often lack access to mentorship and supportive professional networks.

In the Kenyan job market, where hidden networks often dictate hiring, these informal gatherings serve as a necessary equaliser. Unlike exclusive, high-fee industry conferences, accessible community events lower the barrier to entry for entry-level talent.

“The goal was to create an accessible and empowering space where young women could engage around wellness, confidence, mentorship, and career growth in a way that felt relatable and inspiring,” Catherine notes, adding that this approach was also about shifting the environment in which these conversations happen, making them more inclusive and less intimidating.

A different rhythm to learning and interaction

The day began with a 5KM run that set an energetic tone, followed by a lively guided Zumba session that elevated the mood.

The transition from physical activity to dialogue happened seamlessly, as the energy carried into the mentorship session. This formed the core of the day’s programming, bringing participants into a space focused on practical career guidance, personal branding, and navigating the realities of early professional life.

“In my view, the event unfolded very positively. There was a strong sense of enthusiasm from the start, and the participants really embraced both the fitness and mentorship elements,” Catherine notes.

“It was encouraging to witness them connect not just with the speakers and organisers, but with one another. Those peer-to-peer interactions are often just as valuable because they build a sense of belonging and shared ambition.”

On mentorship and career guidance

One of the mentors, Brenda Anyango, an operations and people leader with over 15 years of experience in building and leading high-performing teams, guided her group through key aspects of career development. Her session focused on how young professionals can position themselves effectively, strengthen their personal brand, and approach the job market with clarity and intention.

Through her engagement, she observed a strong sense of awareness among the young women, alongside a desire for clarity and direction.

“What stood out most was their level of awareness and drive. Many of them are very conscious of the narrative around Gen Z being perceived as lazy, and they are actively looking for ways to challenge that and prove their value.”

“Many of them are not confused. They are just looking for permission and direction to make bold career decisions.” She notes, ephasising that real growth comes from action rather than information alone.

Reflections from the participants

For many who attended, the impact of the event was immediate and personal.

Having discovered the opportunity through a university career alert, Faith Chepkemoi, an IT Support professional, describes the experience as exceeding her expectations. she arrived looking to learn and network, but left with much more.

“It surpassed my expectations,” she says. “The run was eye opening, the Zumba was a blast, and the mentorship session was the highlight of the day.”

Beyond the activities, she values the practical insights gained, particularly around workplace expectations and career development.

Mercy Akeyo, a wellness and mental health specialist, was drawn to the event by its promise of interaction and movement. For her, the experience was incredible and highlights the balance between physical activity, mental health conversations, and social connection.

Speaking on what stood out, she says the mentorship space created room for honest discussions about everyday challenges. She also points to the progress being made in mental health awareness, while acknowledging the need for more practical application.

The feedback from Chepkemoi and Akeyo reflects a broader dissatisfaction among youth with purely digital career services. While digital platforms provide the “what,” events like these provide the “how” the human nuance that digital platforms often miss.

Building on the momentum

While the event lasted only a few hours, its intention reached further, reinforcing the idea that career growth is not defined solely by qualifications, but also by confidence, community, and access to the right support systems.

“We wanted participants to leave with three key messages: First, that their ambitions are valid and worth investing in. Second, that career growth is not only about qualifications, but also about confidence, community, consistency, and access to the right opportunities. Third, that they do not have to navigate their journey alone. There are platforms, mentors, and support systems available to help them grow, and BrighterMonday is committed to being part of that journey,” Catherine explains

She notes that initiatives like this are part of a broader effort to create spaces that feel relevant and accessible to young people, particularly young women.

Following the strong turnout and positive response, BrighterMonday Kenya is already considering how to build on this model. There are plans to expand similar initiatives through partnerships and community-led experiences that continue to connect personal development with career growth.