Turkana Woman Rep Cecilia Ng’itit wins global women empowerment award

Turkana Woman Representative Cecilia Ng’itit Ishuu has become the first Kenyan parliamentarian to receive the International Women Parliament Iconic Women Award in the Women Empowerment category.

Ng’itit received the international recognition during the 3rd International Women Parliament & Iconic Women Award 2026 held at the Radisson Blu Water Garden in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The ceremony, organised by Arena for Global Engagement Limited, brought together parliamentarians, leaders, changemakers and other achievers from across the world.

The award adds to a series of recognitions Ng’itit has received in 2026, including the Thamani Africa Award for Best Female MP in Africa and the Bobea Leadership Award for Best Performing Woman Representative in Kenya.

Her latest accolade follows a series of development and empowerment initiatives targeting communities across Turkana County.

In education, Ng’itit supported 68 students who scored between D+ and C- in their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations, enrolling them in tertiary institutions and paying their full tuition fees to enable them to progress from certificate to diploma qualifications. The final cohort completed their studies in March 2026.

She has also invested in economic empowerment through the procurement of more than 20 diesel and electric posho mills for installation in vulnerable villages across the county.

The mills are intended to create income-generating opportunities for local communities while reducing the risks women face when travelling long distances in search of milling services.

Through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), the Turkana legislator has facilitated the disbursement of KSh15 million to marginalised groups.

The funding benefited 32 community groups, which received grants ranging between KSh200,000 and KSh350,000, alongside tools, equipment and educational bursaries.

Ng’itit has also supported communities affected by conflict in Todonyang, Turkana North, by providing fishing equipment to survivors to help them rebuild their livelihoods through fishing on Lake Turkana.

In addition, she supports the Desert Roses' Let the Girl Play initiative, which uses sports to encourage girls to remain in school, address early marriage and promote youth leadership.

The international award marks another milestone in Ng’itit’s parliamentary career, placing her among Kenyan legislators recognised on the global stage for initiatives targeting women’s empowerment and community development.