Jay Tayiana: From Student Abroad to Founder of a Movement for Change
When Jay Tayiana left Nairobi for Adelaide in 2017, she thought she was simply pursuing her academic dreams. But her journey quickly became something far more profound. What started as a typical international student experience evolved into a powerful mission to support vulnerable communities in Kenya—sparked by grief, shaped by resilience, and sustained by purpose.
Jay had always dreamed of studying abroad, but the move to Australia became especially clear when her next-door neighbour relocated to Adelaide. "It suddenly felt like the right move," she recalls. "I knew there were better opportunities, especially in Communications, Media, and Marketing, and Australia was more affordable." With the added comfort of knowing someone already in Adelaide, the decision felt less daunting.
Her initial plans to travel in February 2017 were delayed due to a family emergency, but by June, she was ready to go. "I had a strong support system at home, and I was emotionally prepared to start a new chapter in my life," she says.
Landing in Adelaide felt surreal. “Everything felt fresh and full of possibility,” she remembers. Even the small things, like her first visit to McDonald's, made her feel like she was truly embarking on something new. "I imagined driving through in my own car, even though I didn’t know how to drive yet. It was such a small moment, but it made everything feel real."
In her first months, she adjusted quickly—enrolling in an Individual Support Work course, securing accommodation, and landing a job after her placement. “It all just clicked,” she reflects. But life took an unexpected turn when her grandmother passed away just weeks into her new life in Australia. “She was my greatest supporter. Not being able to return home to mourn was heartbreaking,” Jay shares, adding that this loss profoundly shaped her.
“Losing my grandmother right after I arrived was the hardest part—I had to grieve alone in a new country.”
Despite the grief, she pressed on. Her days were packed—attending university classes, working late shifts, and maintaining an active social life. She even became an International Student Ambassador at the University of South Australia. “I managed well for the first two years, but eventually, I hit a wall. I was doing too much.” That’s when she sought therapy, a decision that became a turning point in her personal growth.
Through it all, she stayed connected to home. “I kept in touch with family through regular video calls and texts, but by late 2019, burnout set in.” She decided to return to Nairobi for a short break, with plans to be back in Adelaide by February.
The pandemic hit just as she was preparing to return. “I extended my stay by a week, and then Australia closed its borders,” she recalls. Her graduation plans for 2020 were put on hold indefinitely. “At first, I thought it would pass quickly, but days turned into months, and I felt like I was in limbo.”
Online study was a struggle. Classes were scheduled at 1 a.m. Kenyan time, and frequent power outages made it nearly impossible to stay on track. “I had a blackout during an exam—that was the breaking point,” she says. Jay took a gap year to regroup and reassess her path.
“I surprised myself. Despite everything I went through, I was still standing—and stronger.”
But even in that uncertainty, something transformative began to take shape. “I discovered my own resilience,” she says. With time to reflect, she reconnected with old friends, prioritised her mental health, and found herself drawn to a cause that had been close to her heart for years.
Inspired by her grandmother, Priscilla Nangurai—a respected FGM activist—Jay founded The Tayiana Foundation. “She’s my role model. Watching her fight for girls since 1986 taught me what it means to live with purpose.”
What began as a heartfelt idea shared among close friends soon blossomed into a movement. “We raised funds online, no sponsors—just community and passion,” Jay says. The Tayiana Foundation’s mission is clear: to rescue young girls from harmful cultural practices like FGM and early marriage, while also providing basic necessities and educational support to children in rural Kenya.
Her family’s legacy in community work continues to guide the foundation’s growth. “We collaborate with schools, orphanages, and rescue centres to find those most in need,” she explains.
When the borders finally reopened, Jay returned to Australia, reapplied for her student visa, and completed her degree. But she wasn’t the same person who had left. “It felt like reverse-reverse culture shock,” she laughs. “I had adapted to life back home, and now I had to adjust again. But I came back with clarity. I understood what went wrong before and made better choices. I knew how to protect my peace.”
Today, Jay continues to work in media and marketing, using her skills to amplify causes she cares about—especially the foundation. “Being a student shaped how I run Tayiana,” she says. “I learned efficiency, time management, and the power of communication. My education taught me how to amplify impact.”
She credits her close-knit circle—friends and family—for anchoring her through it all. “They’ve been my greatest support. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Looking ahead, Jay has big dreams for The Tayiana Foundation. “We want to create safe spaces, support education, and end harmful practices. It’s not just a passion project—it’s a legacy.”
Her message to young Kenyans thinking about studying abroad? “Go for it. But come with an open mind, a strong work ethic, and resilience. There’s space for everyone to succeed—if you're willing to put in the work.”
Get Involved
Support the mission and follow the foundation’s journey via Instagram: @the_tayiana_foundation. Every effort, big or small, makes a real difference.
“True leadership is rooted in service. And there’s room for everyone to thrive.” – Jay Tayiana
