Mary Okello is a pioneering Kenyan entrepreneur and leader, known for her work in empowering women and shaping financial opportunities across Kenya and Africa.
In 1977, Mary made history as the first female bank manager in Kenya at Barclays Bank of Kenya, now Absa.
That same year, she launched a mentorship initiative, originally called the Barclays Bank Women’s Association, to support and encourage women in the workplace.
This early effort laid the foundation for the Kenya Women’s Finance Trust (KWFT), which she co-founded to provide women with financial empowerment and access to capital in 1981.
The Story of Mary Okello Rise in Banking
Her influence quickly extended beyond Kenya. In 1985, she became the first African regional representative to the Women’s World Banking Organization (WWB).
Two years later, she was appointed senior advisor to the president of the African Development Bank, helping draft policies to improve women’s access to capital and decision-making across 52 African nations.
Mary has consistently championed opportunities for women in banking.
From her pioneering role as the first female bank manager, when women in banks were largely clerks, cashiers, or tea makers, she witnessed and contributed to a growing presence of women in management and board roles.
In 1990, she was appointed Vice-President of Women’s World Banking in New York, a role she held with distinction before taking a sabbatical in 1992.
Later, she joined her husband Pius Okello in running Makini Group of Schools.
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Education Background
Mary Okello holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Makerere University, earned in 1967.
She obtained a Diploma in Banking and Financial Support Services from the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) in 1969.
In 2012, she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree by Africa Nazarene University.
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Honours and Achievements
Mary Okello has received numerous honors and awards throughout her career.
In January 2015, she was awarded the Ernst & Young Lifetime Achievement Award in the East African Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and recognized by the National Women’s Prayer Banquet, Kenya Chapter.
In January 2014, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the African Banker Awards and was named Women4Africa Ambassador for East Africa.
She was honored as the Enterprising Women of the Year (Global) in the USA in January 2013 and received the Golden Jubilee Award to mark Kenya at 50, issued by the President of Kenya.
In January 2009, she received an Award for Contribution to Education from the All-Africa Conference of Churches, and in January 2008, she was appointed Millennium Development Ambassador by Teachers Without Borders.
In January 2006, she received recognition at the 2nd National Women in Business Excellence Awards, the EVE Lifetime Achiever Award from Eve Magazine, and the Education Sector Woman of the Year Award from Purple Images & Chandaria Foundation.
Earlier, she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Women in Business Awards in January 2005 and received the SHE Tribute Award from TBN Family Media the same year.
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