Raising “Men of Valour”: New foundation sounds alarm on the forgotten boy child

As conversations around gender equality continue to gain momentum across Kenya, a quieter but equally urgent concern is emerging; the plight of the boy child.

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While years of advocacy and investment have mainly focused on empowering the girl child, many young boys are increasingly falling through the cracks—grappling with mentorship gaps, identity crises, mental health challengesand limited opportunities for positive growth.

It is against this backdrop that the Ilewa Magil Foundation was officially launched in Kajiado South, issuing a clarion call to refocus attention on empowering boys and young men as future leaders and agents of positive change.

The launch took place on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in Entarara Village, Rombo Ward, Kajiado South Constituency brought together political leaders, community elders, civil society actors and residents.

Presided over by area Member of Parliament Sakimba Parashina, the event underscored a shared concern that sustainable development cannot be achieved if the challenges facing the boy child continue to be overlooked.

Parashina underscored the importance of such an initiative, noting that boys are expected to grow into responsible men and leaders, yet many lack the guidance and support needed to navigate today’s complex social realities.

The Foundation’s name, Ilewa Magil, meaning “Men of Valour” in the Maasai language, captures the heart of its mission. In bibilical terms , Ilewa Magil refers to men who ascribe to courage, integrity, responsibility and service to the community—not merely physical strength.

By adopting this name, the Foundation deliberately roots its work in a respected cultural ideal, while redefining masculinity for the modern era. It seeks to raise boys who are emotionally resilient, accountable, respectful, and grounded in their identity, blending cultural pride with contemporary skills and values required to thrive in today’s world.

The Ilewa Magil Foundation is a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious organization established to promote the holistic development, wellbeing, and positive engagement of men and boys in Kenya.

Its core thematic areas include mentorship and life skills development, promotion of positive masculinity, mental health and psychosocial support, economic empowerment and entrepreneurship, family strengthening and responsible fatherhood, prevention of gender-based violence, promotion of cultural values that uphold dignity and respect, as well as civic engagement and community leadership.

Through these pillars, the Foundation aims to nurture boys into men of valour—leaders who contribute positively to their families, communities, and society at large.

Speaking after receiving blessings from Maasai elders, the Foundation’s Patron, Mr. Saiyanka Richard, who also serves as the Director of Legislation at the Kajiado County Assembly, emphasized the urgency of re-focusing on the boy child.

He observed that many boys are growing up without strong role models, safe spaces for expression, or guidance on navigating manhood. “Boys have been left behind for far too long,” he said, noting that the establishment of the Foundation is his way of giving back to the community by mentoring and nurturing the young and upcoming generation. While underscoring the importance of preserving Maasai culture, he stressed the need to deliberately connect cultural values with modernization through education, ensuring young men remain grounded in their identity while embracing opportunity.

Co-Founder Ms. Zipporah Sawaina echoed these sentiments, highlighting the imbalance that has emerged in gender empowerment efforts. A communication expert, Ms. Sawaina praised the progress made in uplifting the girl child, but cautioned that neglecting the boy child poses long-term social risks. “True equality can only be achieved by empowering both genders,” she said, adding that inclusive development must leave no child behind. She reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to evidence-based and culturally responsive programs that support boys and young men to reach their full potential.

The event drew wide support, with attendance by Ongata Rongai Ward MCA Titus Matheka, Kuku Ward MCA Hon. Edwil Lemomo, nominated MCA Hon. Naisiae Karia, former nominated MCA Grace Salau, former Rombo Group Ranch Chairperson Emmanuel Kanai, former Vice Chair Melita, directors and senior staff from the Kajiado County Assembly, as well as Maasai elders. Their presence reflected growing recognition that empowering the boy child is not a competing agenda, but a complementary one.

“As Kenya aligns its development efforts with national frameworks and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Ilewa Magil Foundation stands as a timely intervention through investing in mentorship, mental wellbeing, positive masculinity, and economic empowerment” said , the Foundation hopes to raise a generation of “ said the Foundation’s Patron, Mr. Saiyanka Richard.