One of the blessings of social media is its ability to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with us when we least expect. Dear Facebook did just that a few days ago…gave me a list of birthdays in June and one of them was Immaculate Shamalla, a woman who inspires change through and through.
I first met Shamalla in 2020 when I was invited to speak to women about being change makers. It was a themed party so I had to buy a yellow dress to match with the rest of them. Since then, I have become part of the group, bought the themed outfits which include jeans and t-shirts and learned to just have fun….thanks to this soft spoken yet highly impactful woman with an infectious laughter.
Last December we sat over coffee, to discuss the 16 days of activism against gender violence, observed the world over. The 2024 theme, “Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls” is one that calls for reflection says Immaculate Shamalla. She attempted to juxtapose the global figures over her local Kitale figures on gender-based violence.
Chilling realities begin to hit home as a young man apparently killed by his girlfriend a few days before his graduation in December 2024 is name in the conversation.
Globally, an estimated 736 million women—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life (30 per cent of women aged 15 and older- UNiTE website). She begins to name victims of gender-based violence known to her and we quickly go beyond the one in three. In fact, we also end up naming a young man apparently killed by his girlfriend a few days before his graduation in December 2024. Chilling realities begin to hit home.
Unfortunately, even attacks leave behind much pain and trauma to the victim- sexually transmitted infections and HIV, unplanned pregnancies, depression, anxiety disorders to mention but a few. Wearing a bright orange scarf, Shamalla tells me that this represents hope and a future free from violence against women and girls. Orange is the colour of optimism for a better future. (I smile remembering that it is also a color used by one of Kenya’s political parties.)
Immaculate Shamala, a name that has become synonymous with leadership, resilience, and impact, is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. Born into a family of four in Kitale, a town known for its tranquil beauty and tight-knit community, Immaculate’s childhood was filled with moments of curiosity, learning, and personal growth. Kitale, with its wide-open spaces, was the perfect backdrop for her to develop her independent and strong-willed character.
She attended Milimani Primary School, then transitioned into St Joseph’s Girls Secondary School in Kitale. Teen years can often be tumultuous, filled with the highs and lows of self-discovery, but it was during this time that Immaculate learned the value of persistence. These formative years, filled with emotions ranging from joy to frustration, built the resilience she needed for the road ahead.
She proceeded to Bura Teachers Training College before advancing her studies in Development Studies at MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation (MS TCDC), a renowned Pan-African training centre, situated in Arusha, Tanzania, dedicated to high quality capacity development for social transformation. Shamalla was able to study there thanks to a scholarship awarded by Trocaire because of her contributions to women’s rights advocacy. Her education at MS TCDC, equipped her with analytical skills and a critical thinking approach, which she applied during her time with the Catholic Justice and Peace department to amplify women’s voices and combat GBV and other international organisation like Accord, where she worked, on women and representation in elective positions.
While she pursued higher education, the lessons of her youth began to crystallize, as she navigated the challenges of adult responsibilities, the demands of building a career, and the pursuit of her dreams. With each failure, she learned to pick the lessons and build on them seeing this as an opportunity to grow, adapt, and move forward. It was in these moments that Immaculate discovered two things- the power of community and the importance of women’s voices. Leadership and the need to make a difference dawned on her with urgency. She realized that true leadership meant impacting lives, empowering others, and leaving a lasting legacy of positive change.
In 2023, TWL’s efforts were recognized with the prestigious Talanta Award under the “Community Impact” category.
This led to the founding of the Trans Nzoia Women’s Leaders, a Community-Based Organization (TWLCBO) whose journey began in 2016 and was officially registered in 2019, as a women’s movement founded on the vision of creating a just and inclusive society for women. It was born from her desire to give a voice to the women of Trans Nzoia County, to uplift them, and to create spaces where they could thrive. This vision was brought to life by Shamala Immaculate, the founder, alongside the first chair, Marcia Butaki, current chair Eva Nyamogo, second chair Grace Esiabia, Felister Ndarwa, and approximately 20 other incredible women who shared a belief in the power of unity. The organization’s work has inspired many to take action toward the collective vision of a just and equal society, provided support during challenging times, and created opportunities where none existed. The women of Trans Nzoia now have a voice and the confidence to step into positions of power and influence.
In 2023, TWL’s efforts were recognized with the prestigious Talanta Award under the “Community Impact” category. This accolade was a testament to the organization’s transformative role in empowering women and fostering development in Trans Nzoia. Since winning the award, TWL won the trust of the County Government and was invited to lead the effort towards developing Trans Nzoia’s first-ever stand-alone gender policy, a groundbreaking framework to guide both the executive and the county assembly in mainstreaming gender in planning and budgeting.The organization also hosted the Governor George Natembeya to one of their themed get togethers- this was white with a dash of the Kenyan flag- and he honoured both the invite and the dress code! This was a major Women’s Leadership Summit that brought together women leaders from across Trans Nzoia grassroots, professionals, entrepreneurs, and national figures.
That summit was also the birthplace of the first-ever Women Farmers’ SACCO in the county, an essential move given the agricultural backbone and the need for women farmers to access economic empowerment through their own structures.
Currently serving as a member of the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) board, Shamala brings her passion for diversity, gender equality, and inclusion (DEI) to every space she occupies. Her tenure at IRA is marked by a commitment to fostering respect and openness, and she hopes to be remembered for embedding these values into the organization’s culture. One of her unique contributions to the board has been her style—always donning African wear, symbolizing her pride in her roots and heritage.
Early this year, she was invited by the Urgent Action Fund–Africa to attend a global convening in São Paulo, Brazil, focused on feminist crisis and care responses. “It was a profound experience, a space that validated the stubborn voice I carry; the voice that refuses to stay silent in the face of inequality, discrimination, and violence against women. That sponsorship was not just a gesture, it was a testimony to the impact of consistently advocating for women’s rights, visibility, and leadership at the decision-making table”, observes Shamalla.
There are three things every women leader should know and have: the power of patience, the importance of self-care, and the value of building strong, supportive networks.
If she could go back 15 years, what does she wish she could have known? There are three things she wishes she had known: the power of patience, the importance of self-care, and the value of building strong, supportive networks. These are lessons she now shares with her mentees, advising them to take care of themselves while pursuing their goals and to never underestimate the power of a good support system.
If she had the chance to create a new world for the next generation, Immaculate envisions a world where every child, especially every girl, has access to quality education, where gender equality is a given, and where everyone has the opportunity to live their dreams without fear of discrimination.
And what would she do if she were to be President for 24 hours?
Her priority would be to create policies that address the needs of marginalized communities, ensuring that every person, regardless of gender, has the resources and support they need to succeed.
And as the UN Secretary General for a day?
Immaculate would work to strengthen global partnerships for sustainable development, focusing on gender equality, education, and poverty reduction.
Her parting shot: “I am Immaculate Shamala, a woman who has earned herself through perseverance, passion, and an unwavering belief in the power of change. My journey is one of dedication to lifting others, especially women, and creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to shine.”
Asked about her experience in elective politics, Shamala described it as a high-adrenaline environment, characterized by unpredictability, risk, and strategic maneuvering. It’s a space where resilience, adaptability, and vision are key, and while betrayals and opportunistic alliances are common, so too are the loyal supporters who believe in the mission.
Her co-founder in TWL Eva Nyamogo describes her as a go-getter, one who is determined to make things happen.
