Business

Wakiuru Njuguna is the Managing Partner of the HEVA Fund. 

For the last 15 years, she has dedicated her career to addressing the "missing middle”, businesses too large for microfinance but too unconventional for traditional banking, proving that creativity can be a highly profitable investment.

Maxwell Opondo, a 21-year-old Kenyan innovator, has emerged as one of Africa’s most promising young industrialists in 2025, earning global recognition for his groundbreaking work in assistive technology.

As the founder and CEO of Zerobionic, a Nairobi-based tech startup, Opondo has combined artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to create life-changing solutions for persons with disabilities.

Victor Otieno Maura, a retired teacher, has earned national recognition for his innovative contribution to community-based entrepreneurship by establishing a palm oil pressing unit at his home in Siaya County.

His initiative has transformed the local economy by creating a new value chain for palm oil production and processing, positioning Siaya as a hub for small-scale agro-industrial innovation.

The year 2024 has been a massively positive one for Britam and its Chief Executive Officer, Tom Gitogo, is a big reason why.

With Gitogo in charge, Britam achieved monumental profit margins, highlighting his leadership qualities as Britam sustained its reputation as one of the leading financial and investment firms in Kenya.

Peter Njenga is a maverick in the business world and in 2024, this was clear to see as the Kenya Electricity Generation (KenGen) Company reached greater heights and broke new ground.

With Njenga at the helm, KenGen broadened its focus on renewable energy expansion and innovative solutions to address Kenya’s and by extension, Africa’s energy and climate challenges.

Liz Aluvanze is a prime example of beauty and brains, blending the qualities of a top Kenyan aeronautical engineer, businesswoman, aviation consultant, and corporate executive.

She has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) since September 2022.

Francis Nderitu is a Kenyan tech entrepreneur who has risen above the odds to redefine the cold chain industry and transform how perishable goods are stored and distributed across Kenya.

Nderitu's key achievements lie in empowering farmers with essential knowledge to maximise their income.

He has also supported farmers across Kenya in developing efficient value chain solutions while leveraging technology to streamline processes.