Navalayo Osembo

Navalayo Osembo is a Kenyan social entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and CEO of Enda, Africa’s first performance running shoe company. A graduate of the London School of Economics, she has worked internationally in the US, UK, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, bringing diverse skills in law, accounting, risk management, and international development. Growing up near Eldoret, Kenya—a hub for world-class distance runners—Navalayo was inspired to create a brand that honors Kenya’s athletic heritage. In 2017, she co-founded Enda Athletic, aiming to produce high-quality running shoes designed and made in Kenya. The brand has since gained international recognition, sponsoring athletes and teams in global competitions, including the Paris 2024 Olympics. Through Enda, Navalayo has created jobs, invested in local communities, and spurred economic development through exports. Her work exemplifies the power of combining entrepreneurship with social impact.