Celebrities and Changemakers Gather as L’Oréal Paris Brings Global “Worth It” Initiative in Nairobi

On the evening of March 7, 2026, the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi transformed into a vibrant celebration of confidence, culture, and womanhood as L’Oréal Paris brought its internationally acclaimed “Worth It” empowerment initiative to Kenya for the first time.

Dubbed “Walk Your Worth Nairobi,” the event blended beauty, fashion, and storytelling, placing Kenyan women firmly at the centre of a global movement that champions self-confidence and self-expression.

From influential media personalities to creatives and entrepreneurs, the room was filled with women whose journeys continue to shape conversations across industries.

Among the notable figures in attendance were Joyce Omondi, Miss Mukai, Adele Onyango, Minnie Kariuki, Wahu Kagwi, Janet Mbugua, Jean Ojiro, Muthoni Wamuriuki, and Sally Ngila, among many other influential voices who came together in celebration of women’s achievements and individuality.

A Celebration of Confidence and Culture

The evening’s highlight was a symbolic runway experience that brought together global beauty trends and Kenyan cultural influences, creating a space where fashion and identity intersected.

Rather than a traditional fashion show, the runway was designed as a storytelling platform — one that reflected the diverse journeys of women who are redefining success, uplifting communities, and inspiring younger generations to embrace their voices.

From elegant contemporary looks to pieces that drew inspiration from Kenya’s rich cultural heritage, the runway celebrated both personal expression and collective identity, reinforcing the message that beauty is deeply connected to authenticity and confidence.

Elevating Kenyan Women’s Voices

At the heart of the initiative was the idea that self-worth can spark transformation far beyond personal confidence.

According to Marie Van Haesendonck, Managing Director of L’Oréal East Africa, Kenyan women are already shaping the future in powerful ways.

“Kenyan women are driving progress in boardrooms, communities, and creative spaces with remarkable confidence and elegance,” she said.

“Rooted in our Worth It initiative, Walk Your Worth Nairobi amplifies their stories across Kenya.”

Her remarks underscored the brand’s broader commitment to spotlighting women whose contributions extend far beyond beauty and fashion.

The Power of Owning Your Worth

The “Worth It” initiative has long been part of L’Oréal Paris’ global identity, encouraging women to recognise their value and step into their potential without apology.

During the Nairobi event, conversations centred on the importance of confidence, representation, and community support — themes that resonated strongly with the audience.

Marie emphasised that the initiative is about much more than appearances.

“Our mission is to lift, transform and instill confidence in every woman so that they can become the best version of themselves,” she said.

“When women recognise their worth, they unlock potential that transforms businesses, families, and society at large. As L’Oréal Paris we are privileged to be part of every woman’s journey of growth.”

A Global Message with a Local Voice

While the “Worth It” movement has travelled across continents, the Nairobi edition stood out for its distinctly Kenyan flavour.

The event fused Parisian beauty heritage with local storytelling, creating a powerful reminder that empowerment can be both global and deeply personal.

For many attendees, the evening served as a celebration of how far Kenyan women have come — and how much further they can go when confidence and opportunity meet.

As the lights dimmed and conversations continued long after the runway closed, one message remained clear: in a world where women are constantly redefining their spaces, the most powerful statement they can make is simply knowing — and owning — their worth.