Our History
The Maison Franco-Kenyan Group has deep roots in promoting and celebrating Kenya’s rich sporting heritage, particularly in athletics, since our independence in 1963. Our journey began with a vision to showcase Kenya’s incredible talent on the global stage, culminating in our participation in events like the Paris Olympics 2024. We aim to put faces to the remarkable athletes who have shattered world records and brought pride to our nation.
Our mission extends beyond the Olympics. We are dedicated to promoting national and international sporting events that bring Kenyan athletes together, while also engaging in socio-economic initiatives that support causes close to our hearts. We celebrate and share the vibrant tapestry of Kenyan culture through various means—highlighting our tourism, traditional artifacts, natural resources, and culinary excellence.
In addition to sports, we embrace the arts through music, folk dance, and workshops that spotlight Kenyan products and services. Our goal is to enhance our visibility in global social, economic, and sporting arenas, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Kenya to the world.
-Pelé,,,
“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.”
Our team
The Maison Franco-Kenyan Group has deep roots in promoting and celebrating Kenya’s rich sporting heritage, particularly in athletics, since our independence in 1963.Below, you’ll find profiles of our team members, each sharing their roles and responsibilities within the organization
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 dedicated holder of Master 2 Corporate Communication and Digital Innovation from France. She has worked as an Apprentice Internal Communication Officer in the Aerospace sector. She thrives on discovering innovative and strategic ways to convey information effectively and has a deep passion for photography and exploring new cultures. Her true calling lies in communication for development, as she believes in its power to drive positive change. Hellen also finds fulfillment in mentoring the younger generation, sharing her knowledge and experiences to inspire them on their own paths of success. In a nutshell, she is a curious soul with a passion for communication, a love for culture, and a dedication to making a meaningful impact on the world.
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 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.