Female Pilot and Education Advocate Nominated for Prestigious She Awards East Africa

Glain Naneu Kimer is a young female pilot and education advocate from Kajiado West, Kenya. She is the founder of Omom Elite, a community-based organization operating in Kajiado County. Kimer has been nominated for the Founder of the Year (Under 30 years) category in the She Awards East Africa for her advocacy work through this organization.

The She Awards recognize women making positive change in their communities. Kimer was nominated due to her role in establishing Omom Elite CBO, which promotes equal access to education for girls and boys. The CBO is part of the She Leads project implemented by Kenya Alliance for Advancement of Children in six Kenyan counties. In 2021, Kimer was elected to represent Kajiado girl and young women on the county network committee for a two-year term.

Kimer identified a gap in her community where children lacked passion for education, often leading to school dropout through teen pregnancy or early marriage. Through the CBO, she has rescued a number of girls from female genital mutilation and early marriage by re-enrolling them in school. Kimer advocates against cultural barriers that obstruct education access.

She credits being able to attend school herself, as most parents in her community do not value girl’s education. Kimer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Aviation Management from Moi University, having also studied aviation. The CBO also connects vulnerable children unable to pay school fees with donors to support their education.

Voting for the She Awards is done online at https://ea.sheawards.africa/express-vote. Kimer hopes to gain further leadership skills and recognition through this nomination.