Two Kenyan women have been recognized among the world’s most outstanding trailblazers in the 2025 edition of Forbes 50 Over 50. The list, published annually, celebrates influential women who are redefining success beyond the age of 50.
Forbes highlights these women as leaders shaping diverse fields such as cybersecurity, biotechnology, venture capital, and infrastructure development.
Moreover, the selected women are individuals who have not only built thriving businesses but are also driving innovation, creating jobs, and proving that age is no barrier to success.
Vivo Fashion Group founder Wandia Gichuru and Malvin Marsh International CEO Flora Mutahi have earned a spot on this prestigious global list.
The 2025 issue has honoured women across 32 countries and territories who continue to make a lasting impact in their industries.
Also Read: Meet Serial Kenyan Entrepreneur Behind Vivo Fashion, Now Launched in U.S
Wandia Gichuru on Forbes 50 Over 50
Wandia Gichuru began her career in international development but discovered her true professional calling in fashion with her brand, Vivo.
What started as a small two-person shop in Nairobi in 2011 has since grown into a thriving fashion group, complete with an e-commerce platform (Shop Zetu) and 29 physical stores across Africa.
In 2024, Gichuru expanded her footprint beyond the continent, launching her first U.S. store in Atlanta, Georgia. The grand opening was attended by President William Ruto, who praised Vivo’s success.
Gichuru is committed to using her business to create financial opportunities for others, and 100% of Vivo’s designing and manufacturing is done in Kenya.
“In a part of the world where there is so much unemployment, we need to see the potential of this industry to create more jobs,” she said.
Gichuru, a powerhouse in the African fashion industry, has been recognised for playing a key role in growing Vivo into one of Kenya’s most recognized fashion brands.
Also Read: Forbes Unveils World Billionaires in Latest Ranking
Flora Mutahi
Flora Mutahi is bringing Kenya’s famous tea to European and Middle Eastern markets through Melvin’s Teas, the company she founded in 1995.
Since its inception, the company has grown into Kenya’s largest black tea exporter.
Her success in entrepreneurship paved the way for her historic leadership as the first female chair of both the Kenya Association of Manufacturers and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance.
Now, she’s giving back through her debut book, ‘Brewed to Last’, which shares insights on scaling businesses.
Also, she is personally mentoring a second group of women entrepreneurs through a program she launched.
Beyond tea, Mutahi has also made her mark in Kenya’s manufacturing sector, leading Malvin Marsh International, a key player in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry.
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