The name Safaricom is a household entity across Kenya, but few know the lady who named the telco giants.
Gina Din Kariuki, the founder of the Gina Din Group, a management consultancy firm that focuses on communications, was instrumental in naming Safaricom.
Quoting the former Safaricom CEO, Michael Joseph, Gina revealed how she participated in naming the company that would later turn into a telecommunication giant.
"Gina suggested that we go with the name "Safaricom" and not "Vodafone" to ensure we entered the market as a Kenyan company," the CEO was quoted.
With over 30 years experience in the Public Relations and Communications, Gina has handled most of the corporates in Kenya helping them build strong and lasting relationships between some of the region's leading brands and their target audiences.
Speaking during a past event, Gina stated, "It is well known that I handled Safaricom from when they started for 12 continuous years and I am absolutely delighted every time I see the name."
"Its success makes me so proud. I consider it a huge part of my life. But it was hard work.
"For a long time I would be on the phone to Michael Joseph at 6.30 am most days by which time I would have had to have read and analysed the media for the day and have a strategy for the way forward if need be," she stated.
Born in October 1961, Gina has won numerous accolades including bagging an award for the most influential woman in business in 2015.
Gina Din notably coordinated President Barack Obama's visit to Kenya when he launched Auma Obama's Sauti Kuu (Strong Voices) Foundation.
