East African Community (EAC) Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rebecca Miano on Friday, March 31, revealed a time she wanted to withdraw a job application.
Speaking during Executive Dialogues: In a conversation with Kenya’s top women leaders, Miano revealed that she did not feel qualified for a top corporate job.
This was after a position for Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director came up at KenGen in 2017.
“I think imposter syndrome is something that affects every woman. Despite being qualified for the job, when the vacancy arose at my former employer, I was reluctant to apply,” she explained her hesitation in applying for the top job.
After consultations, Miano finally applied for the job despite having initial doubts that she could deliver.
“Even after I applied, I considered withdrawing my application as I wondered if I would make it in the interview,” she revealed her fears about her ability to climb the top of the corporate field.
Her fears appeared to be unfounded as she emerged as the top candidate out of 90 applicants.
In 2017, Miano became the first female to head KenGen a position she held until 2022, when President William Ruto appointed her to his cabinet.
The Cabinet Secretary has a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree and a Diploma in Law from the University of Nairobi.
Almost all of her career has been in the energy industry having joined Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) in 1991 as a legal assistant.
In 2010, she received the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) award from Former President Mwai Kibaki in recognition of her outstanding service to the nation.
While at KenGen as CEO, Miano championed the company’s diversification under the Good-2-Great (G2G) Transformation Strategy.
She is credited with steering the company into renewable energy solutions and launched the largest geothermal production in the Horn of Africa.
Miano was named EAC Cabinet Secretary on October 26, 2022, by President Ruto and has been tasked with improving trade between EAC member states.
