The Girl’s Day Out- Her Nest Edition
Imagine spending a whole day with only girls, dancing, laughing, eating together, and having meaningful conversations about things that impact them. That was the essence of the Her Nest event, which brought together young women from Riara for a fun-filled day of interaction on October 22, 2025, at the Radix Hotel in Karen. This was not the usual go-to park hangout, but an intentional move to celebrate sisterhood, self-expression and empowerment.
The event began with a “Glow Hour Afrobics” session by Ms. Cathy Kilonzo, alias “Cathy Afrobics,” a fitness and wellness coach, speaker, and mentor. Ms. Cathy is the founder of Afrobics, an African fitness dance movement that blends African dancing and drumming with exercise to create a distinctively ‘African’ workout. At the drum artful beat and lively background music, the ladies gyrated their hips, twisted their waists and shook their shoulders, moving in sync with the rhythm while simultaneously working out. The fitness coaches directed the dance styles and while some got the gist of the moves, others came close enough, sparking fits of laughter, cheers and a contagious sense of joy that fizzled throughout the day.
After an hour of breaking sweat, the ladies were treated to a tantalizing buffet prepared by the Radix restaurant. Settling at the white-draped round tables during meal time, every lady took turns to introduce herself, a light-hearted session led by Jean Ojiro, who was the day’s master of ceremonies. The buffet session smoothly transitioned into a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Dr. Joy Mueni, themed “Glow Within: Mental and Physical Wellness.” The panel featured Ms. Cathy Kilonzo, fitness coach and founder of Afrobics; Ms. Nancy Gathingi, a counsellor from Riara University and Ms. Mercy Hast from Marie Stopes Health Centre.
Mind, Body and Soul
Drawing from her expertise in fitness, Ms. Cathy emphasized the importance of keeping the body active through regular exercise and seeking professional guidance tailored to one’s fitness needs. She noted that many young people today belong to an “instant generation,” often looking for quick fixes from rapid weight loss to quick money fixes, and reminded participants that “any tree worth calling a tree must have deep roots.”
Ms. Gathingi, the psychologist, spoke about the vital connection between the mind and body, noting that “how we think affects how we feel and act.” She highlighted the pressures of social media and modern expectations, urging the audience to find time to rest, withdraw from the digital rush, and care for themselves consistently, physically, mentally and spiritually. She also underscored the importance of self-worth, reminding the young women that they are “beautifully and wonderfully made” and that self-esteem should never be compromised to gain acceptance.
Responding to Dr. Mueni’s question on research showing that many young people struggle to delay gratification, Ms. Gathingi cautioned against the dangers of curiosity and rushing into intimacy. “No,” she said, “is a complete answer,” encouraging the audience to set boundaries and stand firm in their values.
Mercy Hast from Marie Stopes Health Centre addressed the topic of reproductive health, speaking candidly about contraceptive options, hormonal changes and common conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis. She urged the young women to make informed decisions about their health and seek medical advice when needed.
The session concluded with a shared message: wellness begins from within, that is, balancing the mind, body and spirit while making informed, intentional choices about one’s health and lifestyle.
Oh Hair, My Hair: Here’s your Crown!
The second session, themed “Crown and Confidence: Haircare for the Modern Woman,” was led by Ms. Judy Wangari, an ambassador for L’Oréal and a seasoned hairdresser. Through interactive questions, Ms. Judy explored topics such as the different hair types, the natural stages of hair growth and the healthy routines that promote strong, vibrant hair. She emphasized the importance of using products suited to specific hair needs from natural and coloured hair to straight textures and dandruff-prone scalps. Ms. Judy also highlighted how diet and hydration play a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair, noting that “good hair starts from within.” Her lively demonstration and practical tips turned the session into an unexpected favorite, proving that hair care can indeed be fascinating.
To cap it off, several participants walked away with L’Oréal gift packs, a delightful bonus that left many smiling and inspired to give their hair a little extra love.
Just Show Up!
The third session, “Grow and Thrive: Money, Leadership and Influence,” brought together an inspiring panel featuring Ms. Alice Kavata, a financial consultant ; Prof. Wanja Tenambergen, the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs; and Ms. Judith Nyambura Mwangi, popularly known as Avril, the award-winning singer and songwriter. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Pauline Kimeu, Head of Marketing at Riara University.
Opening the conversation, Ms. Alice Kavata shared practical insights on financial wellness, noting that “reaching your financial goals is 20 percent knowledge and 80 percent habit.” She emphasized the importance of contentment, urging the young women to define what “enough” means for them to avoid lifestyle inflation and unnecessary comparison.
Prof. Tenambergen then shifted the focus to leadership, reminding the audience that everyone leads in some capacity. Drawing from her own experience, she shared how she once avoided extracurricular engagements at Kenyatta University before realizing that “as a young woman, you have to show up because showing up is where opportunities lie.” She encouraged the students to remain curious, ask questions, seek mentors and embrace discipline and intentionality in their pursuits. “You must work hard,” she said. “You must plan. Wake up early. Be intentional.” Her message was one of resilience, urging young women to believe they can thrive and even “dominate the oil industry” or any field they choose.
Closing the session, Avril spoke on the power of influence, describing it as a force that “can open doors or close them.” She discussed how one’s online presence reflects personal values, challenging the audience to consider, “Are you trying to be someone you are not online?” She reminded them that true influence stems from authenticity and passion. “You can’t cheat the universe of what you love,” she said, urging the young women to pursue what genuinely drives them. Avril also encouraged adaptability in a fast-changing digital world, adding, “Learn what is changing in your industry and adapt quickly, but don’t lose your values. Be authentic to your true self, and pray for wisdom.”
My Food, My choice
The day’s final session was led by Ms. Mercy Kurui, a nutritionist from Winnie’s Pure Health, who focused on the crucial role of nutrition in overall wellness. She began by highlighting how food choices influence not only physical health but also the decisions and choices.
Ms. Kurui emphasized the importance of balance and intentional eating, reminding participants that portion control depends on one’s personal health goals. She outlined three pillars of wellness: exercise, adequate sleep and mindful eating, describing them as the foundation of a healthy lifestyle.
She also shared simple, practical tips for better living: drinking plenty of water at least five liters a day, to stay hydrated; choosing lighter, less carbohydrate-heavy meals and ensuring a full eight hours of restful sleep each night. For those struggling with restlessness, she recommended soothing beverages like chamomile tea to promote relaxation and quality sleep.
As the curtains drew on the Her Nest experience, a calm sense of fulfillment and renewed purpose lingered in the air. The ladies agreed to have more of these sessions and even form a club. The panelists and MC were later awarded in appreciation of their time and insights and a student led the gathering in a heartfelt vote of thanks and closing prayer. By the time the event came to an end, the sun had dipped below the horizon and the stars had begun to settle in the night sky, a fitting close to a day that had truly inspired every woman to “glow and grow.”
