Conjestina Achieng, nicknamed “Hands of Stone,” is a retired Kenyan professional boxer who became the first African woman to win a professional boxing title.
She was born on October 20, 1977, in Umiru village, Yala Division, in present-day Siaya County.
Achieng attended St. Jesus Primary School in Yala, where her passion for sports began. Before taking up boxing, she played football for Makolanders FC.
She later switched to boxing and competed in about seven amateur bouts before entering the professional ranks.
Professional Boxing Career
Conjestina Achieng made her professional debut on June 8, 2002, in Nairobi. She defeated fellow Kenyan Naomi Wanjiku by a four-round decision.
Her biggest career milestone came on December 19, 2004, when she faced Uganda’s Fiona Tugume at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Achieng defeated Tugume over 10 rounds to win the vacant Global Boxing Union (GBU) middleweight title.
The victory made her the first African woman to win a professional boxing title.
Conjestina Achieng won the vacant Women’s International Boxing Federation (WIBF) middleweight title after defeating Tugume.
She was later reported to have defeated Tanzania’s Monica Mwakasanga for an International Boxing Federation (IBF) title.
Conjestina Achieng Boxing Record and Honors
Achieng’s professional record is commonly listed as 17 wins, six losses, and four draws from 27 fights.
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Her career included the GBU middleweight title and reported WIBF and IBF-related honors. Her success also helped raise the profile of women’s boxing in Kenya and made her one of the country’s recognizable sports personalities during the 2000s.
After her boxing career, Conjestina Achieng faced challenges that were reported by Kenyan media as involving mental health and substance use.
Kenyan reports stated that she was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in 2011. Later reports also referred to clinical depression and marijuana dependency.
In 2023, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation reported that Achieng had completed a rehabilitation program.
KBC further reported that she was expected to take up a gym instructor role after completing the program.
Renewed Attention in 2026
In 2026, a video showing Conjestina Achieng in distress in Yala circulated online, renewing public concern about her welfare.
Conjestina Achieng had previously been receiving support at the Mombasa Women Rehabilitation Empowerment Center.
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Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko also publicly responded to accusations that he had abandoned Conjestina Achieng after she left rehabilitation.
Achieng’s professional career began in 2002 after her earlier experience in football and amateur boxing.
Her victory over Fiona Tugume in December 2004 earned her the GBU middleweight title and made the the first African woman to win a professional boxing title.
With a professional record commonly listed at 17 wins, six losses, and four draws, Achieng remains associated with the early history of women’s professional boxing in Africa.
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