About us

Julie Topirian Kipuri- Njeru

Julie Topirian Kipuri Njeru, Chairlady of Reto Women Association, was born in Kajiado County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Business Administration. A seasoned administrator, Julie has worked in Provincial Administration, Central Government, and state corporations in the wildlife and tourism sectors. She brings extensive experience in organizational development, driving significant progress at Reto over the past six years. Julie is passionate about issues affecting the Maa community, including education, culture, health, and land. A great storyteller and avid reader, she leads Reto with enthusiasm and confidence, aspiring to make it a premier association for positive impact in the Maa society.

Dr.Priscilla Santau Migiro

Dr. Priscilla Santau Migiro is the Secretary of Reto and Chair of the Health Committee. A paediatrician trained at the University of Nairobi, she has extensive experience in Kenya’s private and public health sectors. At the Ministry of Health, she contributed to policy and guideline development. As one of the first Maasai women medical doctors, Dr. Migiro is passionate about child survival and healthcare access for indigenous peoples. She authored a chapter on healthcare access in Africa for the 2015 publication “The State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.”

Joyce Naipanoi Naisho

Joyce N. Naisho, a founding member of Reto since 1987, served two terms as chair and is currently an active Health Committee member and advisor. She holds a Master of Health Planning and Administration from the University of Michigan, USA, and a Nursing degree from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. Joyce’s career includes roles such as Health Specialist at AMREF (1978-1997), Health Program Director at the International Eye Foundation, Malawi (1997-1999), and Senior Nurse at Virginia Hospital, USA (2005-2015). She specializes in training health workers, community health management, and advocacy for women’s and children’s health and education.

Grace Naninaai Saita

Grace, the current deputy chair of Reto, is a Kenya-registered community health nurse with extensive experience in sexual and reproductive health and community health care. She has international experience in humanitarian crises in Somalia, South Sudan, and Darfur. Skilled in managing health and nutrition programs, Grace excels in fundraising, ensuring donor compliance, and capacity building. She has influenced health strategies, led inter-agency forums, and documented best practices, transforming communities through quality program implementation and staff training.

Naomi Kipury

Naomi Kipury, born in Ilbissil, Kajiado County, Kenya, graduated from the University of Nairobi in 1975 with a degree in Education, majoring in Literature and Linguistics. She was the first Maasai woman to earn a PhD in Anthropology from Temple University, USA, in 1989. Naomi’s work experience includes teaching at Narok High School, working at the Kenya Na tional Archives, and the University of Nairobi’s Institute of African Studies. She later became the Kenyan director of the Arid Lands Institute and Arid Lands Resource Management. Currently, she consults for various regional and international organizations and serves on multiple boards.

Dr.Eunice Teteyian Obiero

Eunice Teteyian Obiero is a driving force within Reto, leveraging her extensive experience and expertise to provide positive change on the Social Welfare Committee. As a Medical Doctor with a Master of Medicine de gree, she leads by example as a specialist physician at Kericho County Hospital, pioneering HIV/AIDS care in the South Rift of Kenya. With over two decades of leadership in women’s ministry and a fervent dedication to the development of the Maasai community, Eunice embodies compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to societal advancement.

Priscilla Ipaso Tiren

Priscilla has had a long and rich career in the public sector, spanning from the late 70s until her retirement in 2013. After graduating from Kianda Secretarial College, she worked at Kenya Seed Company, Wareng County Council, and the Central Bank of Kenya. Priscilla brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for assisting the disadvantaged in Reto. Despite being away from Maasailand, her heart remains there, focusing on the education and welfare of girls. As a valued Education Committee member, she mobilized her children and their respective alumni to support Oldoinyio Sambu Primary School, providing sanitary pads, sports equipment, and other materials.

Rose Nairesiae Legis

Rose Nairesiae Legis hails from Loitokitok, Kajiado County. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Manchester, UK. Rose has extensive administrative experience, having served as an Administrative Officer at the Public Service Commission of Kenya from 1979 to 1991, overseeing recruitment and selection functions. Her teaching experience includes lecturing on behavioural courses at university and teaching English and Kiswahili at a college in Switzerland from 2002 to 2020. Rose is passionate about environmental conservation and the advancement of the Maa community.

Jedidah Pilale Ntoyai

Jedidah Pilale Ntoyai, from Loitokitok, Kajiado County, is an HR practitioner with an M.A. and B.A. in Counseling Psychology and a Diploma in Management. With 29 years of experience at KPTC and KCCT, she advanced to Head of Human Resources and Administration. She has also worked as a counsellor at Kenyatta National Hospital. Jedidah was vice-chair of the Independent Interim Boundaries Commission and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Board. Currently, she serves on the Environment Committee at Reto. She is passionate about accurately documenting the Maasai language and culture.

Grace Kakenia Tanyassis

Grace K. Tanyassis, born in Loitokitok, Kajiado County, is an HR Practitioner with a BA in Human Resources from Kenya Methodist University. She has extensive training in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and women advocacy. Married with four children, Grace enjoys reading, watching movies, travelling, singing, and dancing. Passionate about helping the less fortunate and promoting girls' education in Maasailand, she also engages in farming.

Grace Mesopir Sicard

Grace Mesopirr Sicard was born in Lepolosi, Kilgoris, Narok County. With 25 years at the Kenyan Embassy in France, she excels in public relations and administration. An author of an autobiography and a translated Maa dictionary (PARLON), she enjoys writing, singing, and storytelling. Grace is passionate about cultural events, aiding the less fortunate, and promoting girl child education in Maasailand.

Grace Nemayian Konchella

Nemayian Konchella is a dynamic entrepreneur and a member of the Reto environment committee. She began her career as a stenographer, bookkeeper, and designer. With extensive experience in various business ventures, Nema has consistently advocated for government support and opportunities for women.

Rhoda Kelai Rae

Rhoda Kelai Rae, a member of the health committee in Reto, is a Kenya Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Kenya’s public and private health sectors. She has led numerous consultancies and currently directs a private hospital in Western Kenya. Rhoda is passionate about community health, women’s health, and youth and adolescent health. Her work reflects a strong commitment to the development and well-being of the Maasai people.

Ruth Sialala

Ruth Sialala is a dedicated public health practitioner with 32 years of experience, focusing on schools and underserved communities in Baringo County. She has coordinated National AIDS Control Council programs and served as an official of the Afya Sacco for 17 years, leveraging her reliability and interpersonal skills. In Reto, Ruth is committed to ensuring every Maasai girl lives with dignity and has access to clean water.

Dr. Jane Reriani Miano

Dr. Jane Reriani Miano was among the first 16 graduates of the University of Nairobi’s new medical school in 1972. She later specialised in Obstetrics and Gynecology and served as the Director of Maternal and Child Health at the Ministry of Health before moving to private practice. Her interests include the education of girls, reducing teenage pregnancies, eradicating FGM, improving maternal health, and reducing infant mortality. Dr. Miano has served on several boards, including the Practitioners and Dentists Board, Kenya Obstetric Society, Medical Women’s Society, Pumwani Maternity Hospital, and Lions Eye Hospital. She has travelled globally to learn advanced treatment methods and has been a dedicated Reto member since its inception.

Dr. Alice Sipiyian Lakati

Alice Sipiyian Lakati is an energetic member of the Education and Health Committee in Reto, with over 20 years of experience as an epidemiologist and public health expert. She has excelled in academic research and program implementation globally, enhancing her skills in partnerships and fundraising. Alice held vital roles, such as acting as vice chancellor and founding dean of public health. She has a PhD and Master’s in Epidemiology from Curtin University, Australia, and is the pioneering Director of Research and Community Extension at Amref International University. She is passionate about education and climate change’s impact on the Maa community.

Joyce Nampaso Lairumpe

Joyce Nampaso Lairumpe was born in Loitokitok. With a college education, Joyce is a businesswoman and farmer. She served as deputy chair- person of Thirdway Alliance Kenya (2018-2020) and has been a board member of Satellite Primary School, Naivasha, and the Naivasha Water and Sanitation board. Her business skills benefit Reto, where she serves on the environment committee.

Irene Katete

Irene is a seasoned Maasai professional with 28 years of experience in community development. She holds a degree in Community Development and a diploma in Public Relations. Currently the Director of Social Services in Kajiado County, she is skilled in project management, team leadership, and achieving high-quality outcomes. Known for building meaningful re- lationships, Irene excels in meeting targets and deadlines while motivating teams to deliver first-class results.

Mary Lolchoki

Mary, born in Kajiado County, is a member of Reto Women and a mother of three. She has experience as a container terminal manager at Bollore Africa Logistics. In her free time, she enjoys farming, listening to music, reading, swimming, watching movies, and going on road trips.

Josephine Nairuko Naikuni

Josephine Nairuko Naikuni, a Member of Reto Women Association. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies and a Master of Theo- logical Studies.A retired Teacher. Currently carrying out farming activities in Kajiado County, growing a variety of fruit trees and other Indigenous Species.

Joyce Kipury Moinkett

Joyce Kipury Moinkett, born in Bissil, Kajiado County, is a dedicated educator with over 37 years of teaching experience. Joyce, a mother of three girls and a grandmother, had early education at Bissil Primary and AIC Girls, followed by AIC Kessup Girls Secondary School and A-levels at Lugulu Girls High School. She earned her undergraduate degree in Education (Science) from Kenyatta University. Throughout her career, she held leadership positions at Olkejuado High School, Moi Girls Isinya, Olooseos Girls, and Oloosuyian Girls Schools. As a board member and volunteer science teacher, Joyce is actively involved in community service, supporting children, youth, women, and local schools. Her hobbies in- clude farming, travelling, reading, and church activities.