Who We Are

Our Story

Founded in November 2022, Maison Franco-Kenyane Paris was born out of a vision to create a space where communities connect and cultures flourish. Initially inspired by the Olympic Movement to unite Kenyans in France through shared values of sports and unity, our association has since grown into a vibrant platform for cultural dialogue and community empowerment.

While rooted in its beginnings in sports, Maison Franco-Kenyane has expanded to celebrate Kenya’s rich cultural heritage and its dynamic connections with France. We are passionate about curating opportunities for cultural experiences that blend the best of both worlds, whether through art, music, dance, or culinary traditions. These exchanges not only foster mutual understanding but also celebrate diversity and build enduring bonds between communities in France, Kenya, and beyond.

We believe that culture has the power to bring people together. Through engaging cultural programs and educational initiatives, we strive to create a space for growth, learning, and empowerment. As we continue to nurture this community, we invite you to join us on this journey, helping to shape a future built on mutual respect, collaboration, and shared cultural experiences.

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do. “
-Pelé
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Our Mission

To foster meaningful connections, empower communities, and celebrate the richness of Kenyan culture through sports, education, and collaborative initiatives. We aim to create sustainable futures rooted in unity and growth.

Our Vision

A world where cultural exchanges, shared values, and collective empowerment build bridges that transcend borders, fostering mutual understanding and lasting partnerships.

Meet Our Team

Our team is a passionate and multifaceted group dedicated to celebrating Kenya’s heritage and fostering connections with France and beyond, promoting cultural exchange, education, and inclusivity. Through our advocacy and impactful initiatives, we strive to break barriers and empower communities. 

Susan Githongo

President

Susan is an adjunct (substitute) Professor at Science Po and Infocom. A PhD candidate in the humanities, languages and social sciences faculty at Université d’Orléans, France. She is passionate about equal access to Education and has launched the Kitabu (Swahili for Book) Foundation to raise funds for libraries in Kenya.  In this sociological sense, she advocates for collectivity instead of individuality and considers the proverbial African fact that it takes a village to raise a child as a social reality. Susan strives to combat injustice and socio-economic and institutional discrimination and believes in merit. She’s also an educator with a degree in Education Sciences and a Master 1&2 in postcolonial Études Anglophone research – at Sorbonne University. She is a sub-professor within the law faculty – Political Science.

Jane Beardsley

Treasurer

Jane holds a Technical university diploma in computer science – operating computer software and hardware and SEO principles, databases and analytics. She currently utilizes this knowledge to give online courses. She is skilled in Excel spreadsheets and comes in as the treasurer for Maison Kenyane 2024. She has experience recording data and building charts using Microsoft Excel and has volunteered within associations in the diaspora. Additionally, Jane obtained a Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Finance from Kenya college of accountancy university. Her principal skill is financial management and budgetary control. She is actively interested in sports and enjoys long walks and summer swimming. As a Kenyan expert in France, she passionately follows Kenyan athletics and is proud of our country’s men and women.

Hellen Gathera

Communications and Media Manager

Hellen is a dynamic and passionate communication specialist with a wealth of experience gained from working in both France and Kenya. With a Master’s degree in Organisational Communication and Digital Innovation, she combines digital strategies and creative storytelling to craft compelling messages that connect people and cultures. Driven by a strong belief in the power of communication for development, Hellen is committed to using her expertise to spark positive change. She thrives on mentoring the next generation, sharing her insights and inspiring others to reach their full potential. A curious, culturally engaged and impact-driven professional, Hellen is constantly seeking new ways to make an impact. Outside of work, she channels her creativity into photography, capturing powerful moments that tell stories and celebrate life’s diverse cultures.

Samson Omondi

Videographer

As our talented Videographer, Sam brings a passion for storytelling through the lens, capturing moments that inspire and engage. With over 6 years of experience in the film and video production industry, Sam has honed a unique ability to craft cinematic visuals that resonate with audiences. Whether it’s a commercial project, an event, or a creative short film, he has an eye for detail and a knack for transforming concepts into dynamic visual experiences.He works closely with our creative team to ensure every project aligns with the vision and goals of our clients. From pre-production planning to post-production editing, sam handles every aspect of video creation, always delivering high-quality content on time and within budget. Their expertise spans across various types of video production, including live events, corporate videos, social media content, and promotional material.

Percy Mibei

Secretary General

 Percy is a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and open-minded professional with a profound passion for Continuous Improvement, Industrial Engineering, and Lean Management. Certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and fully bilingual in French and English, she brings extensive international experience coupled with a steadfast commitment to operational excellence. Recently, Percy completed a Master’s degree in Management and Industrial Engineering, building upon a solid foundation in industrial engineering from Ecole Centrale de Nantes (Grande École). This academic journey has equipped her with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. With hands-on experience across diverse industrial settings, she is now eagerly seeking a full-time opportunity. Percy’s goal is to leverage her expertise in enhancing quality, driving efficiency, and boosting competitiveness on a global scale. She is excited about the prospect of joining a forward-thinking organization where she can make a significant impact through innovative solutions and continuous improvement strategies.