Five Kenyan women have been nominated for the Food and Agriculture Organization’s 100 Women Heroines of 2026 list. The recognition highlights their contributions to agriculture and food systems under the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.
The nominees include Paloma Fernandes, CEO of the Cereal Millers Association; Jane Maigua, CEO of Exotic EPZ and former chair of the Macadamia Nuts Association of Kenya; Dr Zipporah Gitonga of 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 list celebrates women driving change in agriculture, food systems, and rural development through leadership and innovation. It is a global recognition initiative rather than a financial award.
The nominations spotlight Kenyan women’s growing role in agribusiness, food security, and sustainability across the continent.