Murua Girl Child Education Program (Murua Girls)

Founded in June 2015 and officially registered as a national NGO in January 2018, the Murua Girl Child Education Program (Murua Girls) is a grassroots organisation led by women. It focuses on promoting the rights, education, and empowerment of girls and young women from indigenous pastoralist and marginalised communities in Kenya. The organisation works in Narok, Kajiado, Samburu, Isiolo, and Marsabit counties, where girls still encounter significant obstacles to education, gender equality, safety, and economic opportunities.

Murua Girls operates at the intersection of education, gender equity, and climate resilience. The organisation recognises that the challenges facing girls are interconnected and require holistic, community-driven solutions. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and grassroots advocacy, Murua Girls supports girls in accessing and completing quality education, developing leadership and life skills, exercising their rights, and thriving in safe and supportive environments. Additionally, the organisation engages families, community leaders, schools, and local institutions to transform harmful social norms and create lasting change for girls and women.

Our vision is a future where every girl is safe, educated, empowered, and prepared to drive positive change in her community. Guided by the lived experiences of the communities we serve, Murua Girls champions locally led solutions that enhance resilience, promote gender justice, and create opportunities for the next generation of girls.

Founder’s Biography

Murua Girls was founded by Seleyian Partoip, an indigenous woman, social worker, and advocate. Her personal journey sparked a lifelong commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of girls. Drawing on her lived experiences and her deep understanding of the challenges faced by girls in pastoralist communities, she established Murua Girls to ensure that vulnerable girls have access to education, mentorship, protection, and the opportunities needed to realise their full potential.

Over the years, Seleyian Partoip has established herself as a respected advocate for girls’ education, gender equality, and community development. She champions grassroots solutions that focus on empowering girls and women to create sustainable change. Under her leadership, the organisation has grown from a community initiative into a nationally registered NGO, positively impacting thousands of girls and families across Kenya.

Awards and Recognition

The leadership and impact of Murua Girls have been recognised through various awards, fellowships, and nominations that celebrate the organisation’s commitment to empowering girls and transforming communities. These recognitions reflect the dedication of the founder, staff, volunteers, partners, and the resilient girls and women who continue to drive change within their communities.

Awards

• Zuri Awards Education Category, [2023]
• EABL Foundation Sustainability Award, [2023]
• METIS Collaboration Award, [2024]
• Forum Civ EA Hub Gender Champions Award, [2025]
• Anti FGM Board of Kenya Certificate of Service, [2025]

Fellowships and Leadership Development

• EWHA Global Empowerment Program ( EGEP 11. 2017)
• Emergin Leaders Foundation I-Lead fellowship[2019]
• Circular Economy catalyst [2022]
• METIS Fellowship, [2024]
• International Vising Leaders program [IVLP 2025]

These achievements underscore Murua Girls’ growing influence as a trusted grassroots organisation advancing education, gender equality, and climate resilience among indigenous and marginalised communities in Kenya.

Mission

To build agency and opportunities for girls through education, mentorship, advocacy, and community-driven initiatives.

Purpose:

To inspire, transform, and empower girls in pastoralist communities to thrive free from harmful practices and achieve their full potential.

Our Values

Empowerment – unlocking girls’ voices, dreams, and leadership.
Integrity – transparency and accountability in all engagements.
Resilience – thriving in adversity and inspiring girls to do the same.
Collaboration – working with families, communities, partners, and government for impact.
Equity – ensuring every girl, regardless of background, has equal access to opportunities.