Breaking norms and inspiring a new generation
In 2023, supported by the Australian High Commission, Desert Roses organised the first-ever women's football tournament in Turkana. Over 50 young women took part from across the region.
Turkana Desert Roses — From the desert, she blooms.
Meet the team
The girls behind the movement.
The Desert Roses are players, learners and leaders from Turkana whose confidence grows every time they step onto the pitch.
See the whole team2017Founded in Lodwar
5,000+Girls mentored
5Core programs
1stWomen's tournament in Turkana
Our partners
Organisations walking with us.
TL
UT
Who we are
A movement for girls in Turkana.
Founded in 2017, Turkana Desert Roses is a community-based organisation in Lodwar. We harness football, education and mentorship to transform the lives of girls and young women — providing safe spaces where they can learn, play and lead.
Our mission
To empower and uplift girls and young women in Turkana through football, art, education, mentorship and holistic community development.
Our vision
A future where every girl and woman in Turkana has the opportunity, confidence and resources to lead — on the field and beyond.
What we do
Five pillars of change.
Every programme works together to support the whole girl — on the pitch, at school and in her community.
01
Football for Empowerment
Football is more than a game — it is a tool for confidence, teamwork and resilience. We run training camps, mentorship sessions and tournaments across 5 sub-counties.
02
Education Support
Scholarships, mentorship and school materials for vulnerable girls. 26 girls are in secondary education and 20 sports scholarships are secured for next year.
03
Women & Youth Empowerment
Entrepreneurship training and life skills for young women — helping them create income, build independence and become role models in their communities.
04
Health & Sanitation
Hygiene kit distribution, menstrual health awareness and an innovative biodegradable sanitary pad initiative made from local plant materials.
05
Climate & Environment
Tree planting, waste recycling and climate awareness campaigns — building environmental resilience in one of Kenya's harshest landscapes.
Since 2017
Leading from the front
Meet the founder
Roses can bloom in the harshest soil.
“We don't wait for solutions to come from outside. We look at what Turkana has, and we build from there.”
Rael Lomoti is a social worker, football enthusiast and the visionary behind Turkana Desert Roses. A trained referee and coach, she also serves as the FKF Women's Representative for Turkana County.
Read her storySuccess stories
Real change, real lives.
Football as a shield against early pregnancy and school dropouts
Structured training and mentorship keep girls in class and in community — shifting how families and local leaders view girls' education, sport and leadership.
Stand with the Roses