7 Women CEOs Leading Companies in Kenya

The 21st century has seen women break the glass ceiling in the corporate world, taking up top positions and leading blue-chip and performing companies. 

Women leadership in corporate organizations has evolved to from a rarity to a testament of potential and vision.

The rise of female leadership in top executive positions is a triumph of gender equality and demonstration of diverse leadership which has brought fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to the corporate world.

Today we highlight some of the companies under the leadership of women Chief Executive Officers (CEOs).

Jane Karuku is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of East African Breweries Limited (EABL) since 1st January,2021.

Karuku, has history in the corporate world having held various positions in different positions among them being serving MD of Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) and prior she was the President of Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

Women CEOs Leading Companies

EABL, is prides itself in having varieties of drinks for every taste and celebration no matter how big and small it is.

The listed giant on the Nairobi Stock Exchange owns some of the most iconic national pride brands in the region such as Tusker, Serengeti and Bell.

Susan Wanjiku is a personal fiancé coach, founder and CEO of Legacy hub a company that aims at teaching people about financial literacy.

Also Read: From Clerk to CEO, Inspiring Story of Family Bank New Boss

Legacy hub is a one stop for platform for all things personal finance, business coaching and personal development.

Susan started her financial coaching career during the Covid -19 pandemic on her Instagram page which only had 1,500 followers only and later gained traction which led to her opening her YouTube channel.

Rita Kavashe is the CEO Isuzu Motors East Africa formerly known as (General Motors East Africa) a leading motor vehicle assembler in East Africa.

Likewise, as the CEO she oversees all the operations across East Africa and also serves as the chairperson of the board of Kenya Roads Board and National Transport & Safety Authority.

The company is starting out from a solid foundation established by the Isuzu brand’s automotive excellence over the last 40 years.

Elizabeth Mwangi is the founder of Gwiji, a Kenyan app startup that economically empowers women from the slums of Nairobi who sit by the roadside hoping to be picked for cleaning jobs.

Through, the mobile app, these women can get work at the comfort of their homes from a pool of clients, exposing them to predictable and sustainable work.

During an interview, Elizabeth stated that the app has managed to economically empower more than 150 women.

Corporate Leadership

“Through Gwiji, we have been able to economically empower more than 150 women that live in extreme poverty in Nairobi by connecting them to over 500 clients,” stated Mwangi.

Tabitha Karanja is the founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries, the first alcoholic beverage maker to be wholly owned and operated by an indigenous Kenyan company.

Her inspirational story is one of a woman who started small in business but dreamed big, and because of her determination and perseverance emerged as one of the most successful women entrepreneurs in Kenya and a true force to be reckoned with in the beer brewing industry in Africa. 

Additionally, she serves as Nakuru County Senator.

Also Read: Meet Serial Kenyan Entrepreneur Behind Vivo Fashion, Now Launched in U.S

Nancy Njau is the CEO and MD Family bank limited as from 1st January,2024. Nancy succeeded Rebecca Mbithi, who resigned to pursue personal interests after a five-year term at the lender.

Her expertise spans several experiences which include strategic planning, coaching, mentorship, training, general management, people management, performance management, relationship management, sales excellence, customer service excellence, and debt management among others.

Marion Gathoga-Mwangi is the CEO of the Standard Group, a listed media company that has been in business for more than 100 years.

The Standard Group appointed Marion in June 2024, taking over from Joe Munene who held the position in acting capacity since the exit of Orlando Lyomu.

Gathoga-Mwangi has over 26 years of experience in senior executive positions in different companies. 

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