Some women have taken over some of the top offices in the country in 2024 marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve gender diversity in leadership positions.
These women have been appointed as Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), chairpersons, or members of various boards while others have joined powerful government and private sector offices.
Men have largely dominated top executive positions, but 2024 has seen a rise in the number of women who are breaking through these barriers.
This group follows in the footsteps of Chief Justice (CJ)Martha Koome and DCJ Philomena Mwilu, the duo leading the operations of the Judiciary.
Also Read: Martha Koome Feted as African Female Leader of the Year
Some of the top appointments are as follows:
1. Marion Gathoga Mwangi
She was named Standard Group CEO in June 2024, but her appointment took effect on July 15, 2024.
She was also appointed as an Independent Non-executive Director at Absa Bank Kenya in October 2024.
2. Nancy Njau
She has been the CEO and Managed Director (MD) of Family Bank Limited as from 1st January 2024.
She succeeded Rebecca Mbithi, who resigned after a five-year term at the lender.
3. Mary Mulili
Mulili was appointed as CEO of United Bank of Africa (UBA) Kenya in January 2024, becoming the first woman to lead the bank in Kenya.
She took over from Chike Isiuwe, who held the position since August 2021.
Also Read: UBA Kenya Appoints Mary Mulili as Its First Female CEO
4. Agnes Kalekye Nguna
She was appointed the CEO of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) in March 2024.
She is the immediate former Radio Africa Group’s Chief Operating Officer.
Nguna was among the appointments of CEOs announced by the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on May 17, 2024, to various state corporations.
5. Sarah Wahogo
Sarah Wahogo assumed the position of CEO at Username Investment Limited on March 4, 2024.
Sarah was the CEO of Safaricom Investment Cooperative and previously served as Finance Manager at Username Investment Limited.
6. June Chepkemei
Chepkemei was named the new CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) in March 2024.
She is the former Acting Managing Director at the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest).
Also Read: Meet June Chepkemei, 35-Year-Old CEO, Kenya Tourism Board
7. Raila’s Sister Dr Wenwa Akinyi
President William Ruto appointed Dr. Wenwa Akinyi Oranga, sister to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as the Chairperson of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute.
The appointment was announced in a gazette notice dated November 15, 2024. The academician is set to serve for a three-year term beginning immediately.
8. Bishop Margaret Wanjiru
Ruto appointed Bishop Wanjiru as the Chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission in a gazette notice dated October 25, 2024.
Wanjiru replaced Pamela Olet as the head of the Commission.
7. Dorcas Oduor
President William Ruto nominated Dorcas Oduor as the new Attorney General.
She was subsequently approved by the National Assembly making her the first woman to hold this post.
Before her appointment, Oduor was Secretary of Public Prosecutions at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
8. Faith Odhiambo
Similarly, Faith Odhiambo made it to the helm of the justice system in Kenya after she was elected the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president.
Odhiambo became the 51st president and second woman to lead LSK after former Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo.
9. Consolidated Bank & Local Authorities Provident Fund
Former Bomet East MP Beatrice Kones and Millicent Nyaboke were appointed to the Board of the Local Authorities Provident Fund as members.
On her part, Florence Auma Oluoch was named as a member of the Board of Directors, at the Consolidated Bank Limited.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates.
