Over the years, Kenya has experienced a remarkable socio-economic transformation, with women taking center stage as influential leaders and trailblazing entrepreneurs.
These women, through their ventures in business, philanthropy, and public service, not only define success but also serve as a source of inspiration for future generations.
In this article, WoA highlights some of Kenya’s wealthiest and most impactful women, showcasing their diverse journeys and achievements.
1. Mama Ngina Kenyatta
Mama Ngina Kenyatta, the widow of Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta, commands significant influence thanks to her vast wealth derived from investments in real estate, banking, and hospitality.
Her family’s business empire includes stakes in Brookside Dairy and the Commercial Bank of Africa.
However, the Kenyatta family’s financial dealings have not been without controversy.
Their offshore accounts, revealed in the Pandora Papers, sparked debates about wealth and tax havens.
Despite this, Mama Ngina remains an iconic figure in Kenya’s socio-economic landscape.
2. Jane Wanjiru Michuki
Jane Wanjiru Michuki is a renowned lawyer and entrepreneur, widely recognized as the largest female shareholder on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
With an estimated net worth of KSh 5 billion, her portfolio includes a 9.5% stake in Britam Insurance, worth over KSh 4.5 billion.
As managing partner at Kimani and Michuki Advocates, she brings over three decades of expertise in corporate law.
Beyond her legal career, she has served on the boards of major organizations, including British American Tobacco Kenya and the Federation of Women Lawyers.
3. Tabitha Karanja
Tabitha Karanja stands out as a self-made entrepreneur and the founder of Keroche Breweries.
Starting in 1997 with a modest capital of KSh 500,000, she grew the company into Kenya’s second-largest brewery, valued at over KSh 8.5 billion before its closure.
Keroche accounted for a significant share of the country’s beer market, around 20% at its peak.
Today, Karanja also serves as the senator for Nakuru County, exemplifying her influence in both business and politics.
4. Jane Wangui Njuguna
Jane Wangui Njuguna is one of Kenya’s wealthiest women, with a net worth exceeding KSh 3 billion.
Alongside her husband, James Mwangi, the CEO of Equity Bank, she co-owns a 1.62% stake in the bank, valued at KSh 3.7 billion.
Her investments extend beyond banking, including significant stakes in Britam Insurance and co-managing Filimbi Limited, an investment firm.
Wangui has also invested in real estate and hospitality, showcasing a diverse business portfolio.
5. Catherine Nyongesa
Dr. Catherine Nyongesa, Kenya’s first female radiation oncologist, is the founder of the Texas Cancer Centre.
Established in 2010 with an initial loan of KSh 100 million, the hospital is now valued at over KSh 1 billion and has treated more than 18,000 patients.
Recognized as a high-income earner by the Kenya Revenue Authority, Nyongesa’s annual income falls between KSh 350 million and KSh 1 billion.
Her work has had a profound impact on Kenya’s healthcare sector.
6. Leah Wanjiku Muguku
Leah Wanjiku Muguku’s entrepreneurial journey began in poultry farming alongside her late husband, Nelson Muguku.
Their venture, Muguku Poultry Farm, became a leading supplier of eggs and chicks.
Today, she owns the Waterfront Mall in Karen, valued at around KSh 3 billion, and holds a 0.9% stake in a local bank worth KSh 1.2 billion.
Her wealth has earned her a spot among Kenya’s most prominent women.
7. Amarjeet Patel
Amarjeet Patel, alongside her husband Baloobhai Patel, manages an extensive investment portfolio spanning gas manufacturing, banking, and hospitality.
Their combined assets exceed KSh 3 billion.
Amarjeet owns a notable stake in Carbacid Investments, a key supplier of food-grade carbon dioxide, and is also involved in the luxury hospitality sector, including the Sankara Hotel in Nairobi.
8. Mary Okello
Mary Okello is celebrated as the founder of Makini Schools, one of Kenya’s leading educational institutions.
Starting in 1978 with just eight students, the school grew to serve over 3,200 learners across multiple campuses.
In 2018, she sold a 71% stake in Makini Schools for nearly KSh 1 billion to UK-based Scholé Limited and South Africa’s Advtech.
Her career has been marked by her dedication to women’s empowerment in education and finance.
9. Wacera Maina
Wacera Maina has made her mark in Kenya’s gaming industry through her involvement with SportPesa.
Her stake in the betting company has significantly boosted her wealth, making her one of the country’s richest women.
10. Sadhna Thakrar
Sadhna Thakrar is a successful entrepreneur known for her business, Naiya Indian Fashions, and her investments in real estate and financial assets.
Together with her husband, Bharat Thakrar, the CEO of WPP Scangroup, she holds a 13.8% stake in the company, valued at over KSh 2 billion.
Sadhna’s wealth is complemented by her philanthropic work, further cementing her status as a leading businesswoman in Kenya.
