Albinism Is Not A Disease- Hasn’t Stopped My Passion For Good African Leadership. Florence Kisombe

A woman who is great in a stage production is said to command the stage. That is the description I choose to describe Florence Kisombe in real life. This young woman is very confident, beautiful and carries herself with grace and elegance, a subtle yet assertive demeanor that is of great admiration.

Tell us your story, background, school and achievements

I was born in a village in Taveta that was full of love. Everyone loved me I think because of my strong personality, I am that one child who was brought up by the whole village because I loved visiting and checking on everyone.

One thing I clearly remember was my friends telling me that my skin would eventually turn black and I believed them because I really admired black skin. My parents were well informed about albinism when they had me because my older brother also has albinism which had forced them to seek medical advice earlier.

I went to a regular school and I am grateful for that because most of the people I have interacted with were forcefully taken to special schools. There’s a belief that people with albinism are also blind. My playmates were very considerate and would insist we play in the shade courtesy of enough information from the small community I grew up in.

High school was in another district and the first day I joined I was already nicknamed Mzungu. It was very interesting as I got all manner of brochures to join different entertainment clubs.

Did I forget to mention that I was a very naughty girl. My mum had to keep punishing me. I remember I was suspended once in form four for bad behavior. I was that over self confident young girl who believed that I will one day change the world.

Before I cleared high school, I began to notice that boys from other schools wanted to hang around my friends and not me. This began another chapter of my life as I began researching on albinism.

In 2012, I moved to Nairobi to join the University of Nairobi for my BA in Diplomacy and International Studies. Nairobi was not pretty for me. I got stopped on the streets by people who wondered why I was so confident or even why I wore make up as a person with albinism.

I got names hurled at me, Zeru zeru, albino, albino msupa etc., from street families and motorists. My first year was hell on earth. It was also the time where people with albinism were being kidnapped and taken to Tanzania.

I thank my friends and parents who kept encouraging me. This built who I am today, I gained back my confidence. (she laughs). In 2013, I joined Doctor Choksey Albinism Foundation and became an active member.

They called me many times for speaking engagements which involved telling my story and educating people about albinism. For the first time in my life, I felt satisfied giving back to the society. It was also the place I met my super amazing mentor, Jane Waithera.

I became very active in campus from joining the Rotary club, drama, church activities and St. Johns ambulance program which I learnt later was a huge encouragement for students with albinism.

In 2015, I joined Colour Kwa Face initiative by Nonini as a volunteer after graduation. The project involved visiting schools in Kenya and sharing our experiences. The project has changed thousands of young lives. I am currently a director and the ambassador of the program.

I also pursued The journey Leadership Management Course while still in campus and graduated last year.

I got selected for YALI last year which was a life changing experience for me. I was surrounded by over 80 young African leaders from East and Central Africa who are transforming their communities.

My paradigms about Africa were shifted. I was challenged and the networking was out of this world. One of the greatest lesson I learnt was The 7 Habits and number six to be specific- Seek first to understand then to be understood.

After the program, I joined the creative industry after auditioning for Africa City Model auditions where I met great photographers and activists. I still work with them to creatively create awareness on albinism through film, photography and other forms of media.

We bagged the Discovery Award last month in France. My photos were in every big mainstream media channel including CNN. I am still waiting for an interview CNN, okay? I also partner with PAWA 254 occasionally to talk about being a woman with albinism.

Florence in the next 10 years.

I intend to continue building on creative platforms that educate people about people with albinism  through various forms of media like a blog, TV and film. I hope to chase my dream of being a TV personality. By the way, I can not wait to fulfill my vision of hosting a show and being a news anchor, a dream I have had since childhood.

Advice to the youth

Work hard, work smart. Never compare yourself with others. African youth need to rise up and take charge as we drive our continent forward.

Weird question you have ever been asked?

If I have a boyfriend. Maybe that one person who asked me if people with albinism can be in a relationship.

And are you in a relationship?

Yes. (her face lights up and blushes). I am in a relationship with my best friend and no., I will not tell you his name.(Giggles)

Favorite food?

Anything sweet!

We wish you the very best Miss sweet tooth as you continue to shine and make Africa a better place.