Business

Allan Kilavuka

Allan Kilavuka is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Airways, the nation’s largest carrier. 

Kilavuka holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Nairobi and a Postgraduate Certificate in Psychology from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Before joining the national carrier, Kilavuka served as the CEO of Jambojet and held various senior leadership positions at General Electric.

John Magiro

John Magiro redefined innovation when he founded his own company, Magiro Hydro Electricity, supplying electricity to thousands of households.

His innovation was so ground-breaking that it attracted the attention of EPRA. Thanks to adopting a unique approach, Magiro has single-handedly reduced the reliance on firewood and kerosene, improving living conditions and promoting environmental conservation.

Moses Nderitu

Moses Nderitu is the Kenyan Managing Director of BasiGo, which is revolutionising the transport sector in the country while simultaneously playing his part in preserving the environment.

He has been instrumental in driving the company's mission to revolutionise public transportation in Africa by providing electric bus solutions.

BasiGo has had a significant positive impact on society by promoting sustainable transportation in the city and beyond.

Benson Abila

Benson Abila is a social entrepreneur and sustainability advocate with expertise in project management, recycling, and the circular economy.

He is the founder of M-Taka, a tech-integrated waste management social enterprise, and Homeless of Kisumu, a non-profit supporting vulnerable groups in western Kenya.

Benson has partnered with organisations such as USAID, GIZ, and the US Embassy in Kenya.

Esther Kimani

Esther Kimani is a notable Kenyan innovator and the CEO of FarmerLifeline Technologies, a company focused on addressing agricultural challenges using cutting-edge technology.

In 2024, she was awarded the prestigious Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation by the Royal Academy of Engineering for her pioneering work. 

Her solar-powered device utilises artificial intelligence to help farmers detect and manage pests and diseases, which can reduce crop losses by up to 30% and increase yields by 40%​.

Abdi Mohamed

Absa Bank Kenya CEO and MD Abdi Mohamed is among the movers and shakers in the banking industry in 2024.

Mohamed has a wealth of experience, having spent more than 15 years in the competitive realm of banking.

After graduating from Kenyatta University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 1992, Mohamed pursued an MBA in International Business at Edith Cowan University in Australia.

Duncan Onyango

Duncan Onyango is a seasoned professional with nearly three decades of senior management experience in investment, SME support, and infrastructure projects across East Africa.

He played a pivotal role in Kenya’s first public-private partnership (PPP) as Chief Financial Officer at Rift Valley Railways, securing investments worth $290 million.

Florence Nyole

Florence Nyole dared to step into a territory that not many women would, especially in today's world.

As one of the few women in architecture, Nyole, 38, brought a touch of femininity to the male-dominated building industry.

The award-winning architect began her journey in 2005 when she joined the University of Nairobi to study architecture. During her time there, only four women graduated in a class of 20 students, including herself.

Kamal Budhabhatti

Kamal Budhabhatti is the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Craft Silicon, a leading provider of software solutions for financial institutions across Africa and emerging Asia.

Kamal is also the founder of Little, a pan-African super app offering ride-hailing, delivery, healthcare, and payment services.

His innovations, including a payment gateway connecting African countries, have transformed how businesses operate in the region.

Priscilla Gathungu

Priscilla Gathungu is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Java House Africa. As the first Kenyan woman to hold this coveted position, she exemplifies outstanding leadership in the hospitality industry.

Priscilla’s academic journey began at Loreto Convent Msongari, later earning a Bachelor’s degree in Organisational Management and Leadership and an MBA specialising in Strategic Leadership from Concordia University-St. Paul in the United States.