INTERVIEW
Driving for change
MEET LISA CHRISTOFFERSEN, A WOMAN OF INDOMITABLE SPIRIT AND UNWAVERING STRENGTH. A TOUGH, HARD-AS-NAILS INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS FACED LIFE’S MOST CHALLENGING BATTLES AND EMERGED VICTORIOUS. LISA IS NOT JUST A SURVIVOR, SHE’S A TESTAMENT TO RESILIENCE AND THE POWER OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT…
ALL PHOTOS: RICH ALLELA
Lisa Christoffersen is known by her Kenyan name, Makena, bestowed upon her by Kikuyu ladies during a safari; she embodies its meaning – the happy one. She is an author, entrepreneur, rally driver and reality television star, best known for her role on the TV series The Real Housewives of Nairobi. Lisa is the founder of Africa’s first ever all-women Safari Rally – the Lioness Rally – and is a keen rally driver who has driven in the WRC Kenya and 4x4 challenges driving a Range Rover and a Mobius. She is passionate about empowering women to take charge of their lives by ‘driving for change’, steering your life in the direction you want it to take you. Lisa is also the author of one of Kenya’s leading guidebooks, Bush Friendly Tips, as well as the children’s story book, A Monkey’s Wedding. As a cancer survivor who was only given 10 days to live, she demonstrates that life is what you make it. She is passionate about the environment, a conservationist at heart and safari lover, always seeking the next adventure.
Q WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO FOUND KENYA’S FIRST ALL-WOMEN TEAM FOR THE SAFARI RALLY?
Founding Kenya’s first all-women team for the Safari Rally was inspired by a combination of observation, opportunity, and a desire for inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
Attending the World Rally Championships (WRC) in Kenya in 2021 provided the initial spark. Witnessing the absence of female rally drivers at such a prestigious event led to a moment of realisation and determination. The invitation from the then Minister of Sports, Amb. Amina Mohammed, to witness the final day of the rally in Hell’s Gate, Naivasha, provided the platform for this revelation.
Observing the lack of female representation, particularly in a sport so deeply ingrained in Kenyan culture, prompted the decision to take action. In that moment, the idea of starting the first-ever all-women safari rally, named the Lioness Rally, was born. The determination to challenge stereotypes and break barriers led to swift action.