Five Kenyan women have been nominated for the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) 100 Women Heroines of 2026 list, a global recognition under the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.

• The nominations highlight the significant contributions of Kenyan women in shaping the future of agriculture, food security, and sustainability.
• Nominees include Paloma Fernandes (CEO of Cereal Millers Association), Jane Maigua (CEO of Exotic EPZ), Dr Zipporah Gitonga (Mazao Na Afya Agrochemicals), Dr Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg (Africa Managing Director at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT/CGIAR), and Sheila Komen-Keino (CEO of Sustain Africa).
• The FAO initiative celebrates women driving change in agriculture and rural development through leadership and innovation, aiming to address gender gaps and inspire support for inclusive agricultural development.