These 6 women are among the most successful Kenyan entrepreneurs, and this what said about balancing life and business.
Njeri Rionge – Serial entrepreneur
Rionge co-founded internet service provider Wananchi Online. On balance: “The right skill-set balance is something we must have to allow for exponential development and growth.”
Tabitha Karanja – Founder and CEO, Keroche Breweries
Karanja founded Keroche Breweries in 1997 with her husband. On balance: “My word to women, when it comes to family, just strike a balance.
There is time for business and family. Always be there for your family.”
Eva Muraya – Founder and CEO, Brand Strategy and Design
Muraya is the founder and CEO of Brand Strategy and Design, a regional brand strategy development agency.
On balance: “I am an advocate of business being an important instrument of development. In fact, business is the fabric for development.”
Joanne Mwangi – Founder and CEO, PMS Group
Mwangi founded Professional Marketing Services (PMS), a group that currently has five subsidiaries and a presence across the east African region. In 2010 PMS was voted number one in the Top 100 SME competition in Kenya.
On balance: “You are a business leader but what other hats do you wear? If you don’t balance your other hats then you have a problem. Do not sacrifice all at the altar of making it in business.”
Flora Mutahi – Founder and C.E.O, Melvin’s Tea
Mutahi first got into business with money her mother lent her so that she could get a loan from the bank. She started off with manufacturing salt, later progressed into the tea business, and has now delved into rice.
On balance: “Try to find a balance between work and life for effectiveness.”
Susan Wokabi – Founder and C.E.O, Suzie Beauty
Suzie Beauty makes over 20 million shillings in sales yearly. On balance: “We (my husband and I) have learnt to work our schedules around our two son’s lives.”
What other Kenyan boss women need to be on this list? Are you or is someone in your network building the next big business on the continent? Drop us a line and let us know.
