Mary Lusike, a female rafting guide. Photo/Newsflash
By Wanderi Kamau
As Kenya gears up to host the African Rafting Championships between July 14 and 20 this year, a team of trailblazing ladies is making waves at the heart of preparations.
These are the country’s first generation of professional female rafting guides—determined, energetic, and ready to steer with skill and confidence.
Traditionally, rafting has been perceived as a rugged, male-dominated sport. But now, a group of 15 professionally trained women are not only breaking that stereotype—they’re setting a new standard.
Among them are Nicole Wambui, Doreen Lusike, and Sophia Birisio, who are quickly becoming the faces of female leadership in one of the most physically demanding outdoor sports.
What a man can do…
“Roughly, we are 15 guides. Generally, girls are usually afraid of this game (and the water). However, our mantra is: what a man can do, a woman can do it better,” says Wambui, a confident and seasoned guide.
Though passionate about the sport, Wambui is quick to admit that the path has not been easy. Gender bias, physical demands, and societal perceptions are just a few of the barriers they have had to overcome.
Read more: How teams are preparing for African Rafting Championships
“It takes courage and a lot of self-confidence because it is not easy. Men can dismiss a lady, by telling her that she can’t make it. However, one should remain resolute by showing them that she is better than them,” she says.
Having worked hard to earn her spot as a professional guide, Wambui is optimistic that more women will join the field.
She adds, “I expect the number of ladies in rafting to grow. With time, people will see that this sport is not just for men. We are here, and we are doing it.”
Doreen and Sophia’s experiences
While Wambui has years of experience, others like Doreen Lusike are just getting started—but already proving their mettle. For Doreen, this championship is a golden chance to shine and prove what women can do on the river.
“I have been a guide for the past three months. For that time, I have adequately trained. I have practiced well. I have worked on my mental state, as this game requires an all-rounded preparation,” she says.
Her focus is not just on physical strength, but on mental endurance—a crucial trait for navigating the unpredictable rapids of Sagana River.
Read more:Rapids Camp: Kenya’s rafting centre making global waves
The African Championships, she says, are not just a competition, but a platform to test all that she’s learned and push herself further.
Sophia Birisio, on the other hand, took a different path to rafting. Initially drawn to swimming, it was a school outreach programme that introduced her to the world of whitewater adventure.
“Personally, I was interested in swimming first before some people came to our school and told us about rafting. I became interested since it was a new sport, and I saw an opportunity,” she says.
Though she still considers herself a “guide-in-the-making,” Sophia is fully immersed in her training routine and taking the role seriously.
“We have been having our training sessions, synchronizing with other members of the team. We’ve been training in the fields and warm-ups. I would encourage more ladies to join,” she adds.
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