Tessy Cherono Maritim

My life is driven by the desire to always be a woman of action- never one sitting on the sidelines. I am a recent Law School graduate from the University of Manchester. My biggest passion is developing the potential of my generation of young people in Kenya. I pursue this passion through an organization I founded called 'The Arena'. The Arena is a platform designed to enable young people to realise their potential early in life. The name 'The Arena' is derived from a famous speech by Theodore Roosevelt that encourages people to fearlessly go forthright and pursue their dreams unafraid of the challenges that lay ahead. We are motivated by the desire to be the platform that enables young people to be 'in the arena'. I am also enthusiastic about governance and public policy in Kenya. I aspire to one day serve as a Cabinet Secretary. I am also keen on global entrepreneurship and am inspired by my mother who is an audacious and creative entrepreneur. I am interested in the farming, retail and manufacturing sectors. When I feel inspired I write on a personal blog that I started in 2011 which has gained over 8000 hits. My personal philosophy is to be my best self. This means I wake up everyday with the pursuit of purpose. I pride myself on being highly organised, creative, kind and respectful to all.