The Woman of Excellence in Tourism (WOET) Award
ABOUT THE WOET AWARDS.
Since its inception KAWT has recognized the significant role women in tourism and hospitality played and continue to play in driving change in these industries albeit behind the scenes.
We recognize that we have unsung heroines who have not only persistently contributed to the tourism, travel and hospitality sectors with utmost devotion, sustainability and exemplary initiatives, which are bringing in positive changes but
have also acted as mentors and employers that go the extra mile to support women’s career development in the sectors.
The WOET award is intended to acknowledge and celebrate these exceptional women. The award is designed to specifically showcase the impact and influence of women and create for the first time ever, clear and visible role models for other women.
The award nominees are shining stars of responsible tourism and conservation, who have consistently worked towards fostering sustainable tourism and working innovatively with the local communities towards enhancing the role and contribution of women in these sectors. They continue to act as ambassadors and role models for the female leaders of tomorrow.
This year’s award ceremony was held on 24th October 2020 at the Enashipai Resort & Spa in Lake Nakuru County Chapter. The colorful event was attended by over seventy invited guests and members of KAWT drawn from various counties.
The prestigious Award went to Ms. Francisca Pim-Kaime. Francisca is an ardent conservationist and was instrumental in organizing a tourism and conservation community-based organization responsible for cleaning up and restoring the habitat around Lake Elementaita which led to its recognition as a world heritage site .
SHARING MOMENTS
ABOUT THE KAWT
The Kenya Association of Women in Tourism (KAWT) launched in March 2011, is a non-profit association, whose primary mandate is to provide a platform for women’s empowerment through engagement, employment and participation in the tourism industry.
KAWT has a membership of over 160 and is represented in eighteen county chapters. The membership is drawn from women owning or employed in Tourism and hospitality related businesses. The association avails members with;
• Excellent networking opportunities
• Connection with other tourism professionals
• Member discount prices to all Association events
• Opportunities to showcase your organization or business through affiliate association networks i.e. FEWA, Eco-Tourism, WITIA, WFTGA. She Trades
• Training & Mentoring opportunities
• Support of the local communities through participation in CSR activities.
• Fun environment to support the growth of the vital tourism & Hospitality industry in Kenya.
The Association has partnered with several Institutions of higher learning to
Provide training and mentorship to the upcoming industry practitioner’s. We carry out CSR activities aimed at environmental conservation, women empowerment and capacity building and to date we have planted over 60,000 trees in several counties.
The Association will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary next year 2021.
KAWT AGM, Nakuru Chapter by Kanyagia Kuria
SHARING MOMENTS
Lake Naivasha Resort KAWT AGM.
Tree Planting at Eburu forest.
My name is Francesca Pim-Kaime. I grew up in the Cherengany Hills but now live in Nakuru county. When I was little I dreamed constantly that one day I would live along the beautiful Lake Elementeita. Way back in 1986 as I travelled along the newly designed Nakuru Nairobi Highway with my family, we came upon three lions crossing the road not far from where we live now. I lived another lifetime then. Such precious memories are what inspire me to bring the dream of yesteryears to the young ones today. My background is education but through this I too have become a student. And in this second part of my life I have become passionate about conservation and environment. Finally I did find a place along Lake Elementaita. Here I settled with my family. And it is here we have built the Eagles Point Camp. Here at Camp we share our space with travellers wanting to discover the peace and beauty of the glass lake, the eco world around it and its animals and beautiful birdlife.
Professionally, I am an Educator, Writer, Artist Environmentalist and a Hotelier.
My education took me through some amazing schools and universities which molded me into who I am spiritually, emotionally and mentally. For that I will be forever grateful.
I have taught for over thirty years now and still look forward to the opportunity to work with young people. My teaching experience spanned a high school, junior school and even a Voluntary Technical Institute.
In 2012 I retired temporarily but shortly found myself thrown back into a new job experience. This was running a camp site and cottages. I also became a passionate explorer in search of our early ancestors living around the lake . In 2013 along with some friends I made working at quarries we discovered a skeleton of a prehistoric person who may have lived over 5000 years ago. It was from this point I took to hiking. I have discovered along with many others that Lake
Elementaita offers some of the most amazing safe and incredibly exhilarating routes I have ever been on. I have discovered medicine on these hikes, ancient stories and traditions and great respect for our beautiful nation of Kenya.
Elementaita became my home. It became my future. I encouraged my friends to buy homes here. I watched the growth of the community, churches, the hotels, the hospitals. It was very humbling to be a part of the beginning of a good and great thing.
I became part of the Lake Elmenteita Community Based Organization formed to conserve the beauty of our world. This world we wanted to share with tourists from all parts of Kenya and all over the world.
Being a Hotelier and taking part in Tourism and Conservation at Lake Elmenteita excites me. Am also thankful that I have a chance to contribute to conservation of Lake Elmenteita which has been recognized as a tourism World Heritage Site.