Famous Kenyan Business People

Ida Betty Odinga is a prominent Kenyan businesswoman, activist, and educator. She has made significant contributions in various sectors, including leading a major Kenyan company. Recognized for her achievements, she was named one of the most powerful women in Kenya. As the wife of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and leader of the National Super Alliance, Ida Odinga has played a key role in both business and political spheres, advocating for change and empowerment in her community.

Tabitha Karanja is a prominent Kenyan businesswoman and entrepreneur known for her leadership in the beverage industry. As the founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries, she has made significant contributions to Kenya's economy by establishing the first major brewery owned by a local company. Under her guidance, Keroche Breweries has become a key player in Kenya's beer market, holding a substantial market share. Karanja's entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen have solidified her reputation as a successful industrialist and influential figure in Kenyan business circles.

George Saitoti was a prominent Kenyan politician, businessman, mathematician, and economist. He served as Head of the Mathematics Department at the University of Nairobi and played a key role in founding the African Mathematical Union. In his career as an economist, he held significant positions at the World Bank, IMF, and the ACP Group of States. Saitoti made influential contributions to economic and institutional reforms in Africa through his book and practical policy directions. He was a reformist figure in Kenyan politics, serving in various ministerial roles and contributing to the country's transition to pluralist democracy.

John Harun Mwau is a Kenyan politician who has held various notable positions throughout his career. He served as the first director of the now-defunct Kenya Anti-Corruption Authority, showcasing his dedication to combating corruption in the country. Additionally, he founded the political party PICK and ran as a Presidential Candidate in the 1992 general election. Prior to his political endeavors, John was an accomplished competitive shooter, representing Kenya in the Olympics in both 1968 and 1972.

Sylvia Wairimu Mulinge is a prominent Kenyan businesswoman and corporate executive with a strong background in the telecommunications industry. She has held key leadership positions at Safaricom, including Chief Customer Officer and Director of the Consumer Business Unit. Since October 2022, she has been serving as the CEO of MTN Uganda. Her career trajectory showcases her strategic acumen and ability to drive growth and innovation in the competitive telecommunications sector.

Esther Passaris is a prominent Kenyan politician, social entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She currently serves as the Nairobi County woman representative in the Kenyan parliament and is a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Political Party. Passaris has been actively involved in politics, having run for member of parliament in 2013. She is known for her contributions to business and politics in Kenya, establishing herself as a respected female public figure in these domains.

Jemimah Gecaga was a trailblazing figure in Kenya, known for her significant contributions to women's rights and advocacy. She founded Maendeleo Ya Wanawake, a women's NGO focused on promoting gender equity. Gecaga made history by becoming the first woman to serve in Kenya's parliament. She also held various roles, including serving as President of the YWCA in Kenya, a home economics lecturer, and a director at Skyline Advertising. Gecaga's impactful career spanned from founding organizations to legislative service, leaving a lasting legacy in advancing women's rights.

Bill Kipsang Rotich, professionally known as Kipsang Rotich, has established himself as a prominent voice actor in the entertainment industry. His most notable role is voicing the character Nien Nunb in the Star Wars film series. With a distinctive voice and talent for bringing characters to life, Rotich has garnered recognition for his work in the realm of voice acting. He continues to make significant contributions to the film industry through his vocal performances, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.

Nana Gecaga is a Kenyan businesswoman and corporate executive who successfully served as the CEO of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) from April 1st, 2016, to December 29th, 2022. During her tenure, she oversaw the operations and management of the prestigious KICC, a government-owned facility known for hosting various events such as conferences, concerts, and exhibitions. Gecaga's leadership and strategic decision-making skills contributed to the growth and success of KICC as a prominent venue for national and international gatherings.

Juliana Rotich is a prominent Kenyan information technology professional known for developing web tools for crowdsourcing crisis information and environmental topics. She is the co-founder of iHub, a tech space in Nairobi, and Ushahidi, an open-source software for collecting and mapping information. As a TED Senior Fellow, she has made significant contributions to the tech and innovation sectors. Rotich also serves as a trustee for Bankinter Foundation for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Spain and is a member of the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Board. Additionally, she has held leadership roles in notable organizations like BASF.

Paula Kahumbu is a prominent wildlife conservationist and CEO of WildlifeDirect. She is widely recognized for her advocacy work on behalf of elephants and wildlife, notably leading the Hands Off Our Elephants Campaign in collaboration with Kenyan First Lady Margaret Kenyatta. In 2022, she made history as the first National Geographic Explorer appointed to the board of Trustees at the National Geographic Society. Kahumbu's professional life is characterized by her tireless efforts to protect and preserve endangered species, and her significant contributions have earned her widespread acclaim in the field of conservation.

Gina Din-Kariuki is a prominent Kenyan businesswoman renowned for her expertise in strategic communication and public relations. She founded Gina Din Corporate Communications after departing from her role as a Communications manager at Barclays Bank of Kenya in 1997. With a strong background in the field, she has been instrumental in shaping the communication landscape in Kenya. As the executive chair of her company, she has successfully navigated the complexities of the industry and established herself as a leading figure in the world of corporate communications.

Wahu, also known as Rosemary Wahu Kagwi, is a multi-talented Kenyan artist with a diverse professional background. She is a renowned singer-songwriter, captivating audiences with her music. Wahu has also made a mark in the fashion industry as a former model and has showcased her acting skills on various platforms. Additionally, she has ventured into entrepreneurship, demonstrating her versatility and business acumen. Through her various endeavors, Wahu has established herself as a prominent figure in the Kenyan entertainment scene.