Only 10% of Kenyan startups are led by women, according to the 2023 Disrupt Africa Diversity Dividend report. Even fewer, just 16.6%, are co-founded by women.
Here’s the shocking part. In universities across Kenya, women make up nearly half of the graduating classes. This means Kenya has a wealth of educated, skilled, and capable women ready to lead. But something is holding them back.
Despite their qualifications, many women are missing from top leadership roles. Why?
Recognizing Women Leaders in Kenya
While the statistics are disheartening, organizations like Lapid Leaders Africa are taking action.
Founded by a Kenyan woman Esther Mwaniki, Lapid has spent the past decade cultivating young leaders who are not only skilled but also equipped to challenge the status quo.
The organization has collaborated with global icons like Oprah Winfrey and Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as local Kenyan leaders, to inspire a new generation of women to break barriers and embrace leadership.
Their mission for Lapid is simple, to create leaders who don’t just sit at the table but challenge unfair systems and create opportunities for others.
“I think about leaders as people who influence society in any format. and they influence us to be able to do better.
“They influence us to be able to build processes, systems, but ultimately their job is to influence society to be able to go towards a certain direction,” says Esther Mwaniki.
So far Lapid has trained over 1,400 emerging leaders and connected with 8,000 changemakers.
Also Read: Empowering Young Women as Agents of Change: Their Role in Driving Sustainable Development
The Top Purpose-Driven Leaders Awards 2024
The award ceremony set to take place on December 12, will highlight women breaking barriers in Kenya’s corporate world.
These top Kenyan CEOs and founders will be leaders who care about their communities and the future of Kenya.
From smashing glass ceilings to redefining norms, these women are proof that excellence knows no gender.
Kenya’s female graduates need role models who show them that leadership is about service, courage, and creating opportunities for others.
Although Kenya’s leadership gap won’t close overnight, the future of Kenya’s leadership depends on recognizing the value of women’s contributions, not as an afterthought, but as a driving force for progress.
It’s time to break the cycle and open doors for a new generation of leaders.
Also Read: 4 Women Set to be Powerful in Donald Trump Administration
Why Female Leadership is Important
Because society often places extra scrutiny on women in leadership, companies like EABL and Java, which have embraced female leadership, are frequently criticized, with people quick to highlight their missteps.
This constant judgment creates an environment that often forces women to shy away from these positions. Add to that systemic barriers like unequal access to funding, limited mentorship opportunities, and traditional gender expectations, and the odds are stacked against women who aspire to lead.
The lack of women in leadership is not just a women’s issue. It is a national one. Kenya cannot afford to leave half its talent pool untapped.
Research has shown that companies with diverse leadership are more innovative, resilient, and successful. Without women in leadership positions, businesses miss out on diverse perspectives and decision-making approaches that drive growth and adaptability.
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