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DR. JULIUS KIPNG’ETICH
GROUP CEO, JUBILEE HOLDINGS
“The function of leadership is to transform good intentions into good results.” – Coach John Wooden. Dr. Julius Kipng’etich embodies this philosophy as the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jubilee Holdings, a leading insurance company in East Africa. His journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of corporate leadership showcases his exceptional abilities as both a CEO and a compassionate leader.
Dr. Kipng’etich was born in a rural village in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya, where he grew up with limited resources but immense dreams. His life took a transformative turn when he enrolled at Starehe Boys Centre. There, inspired by an outstanding teacher, Joram Ayoo, Dr. Kipng’etich discovered his passion for economics, which led him to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree at the University of Nairobi (UoN). The values instilled in him during this time, particularly by Starehe’s founding director, Geoffrey Griffin, emphasised service and impact, shaping his future decisions.
Dr. Kipng’etich’s professional journey began in academia, where he contributed to establishing parallel degree programs at UoN, significantly expanding public university access in Kenya. His leadership potential was soon recognised when he was appointed Director of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) by President Mwai Kibaki. During his eight-year tenure, he revitalised the organisation and earned the nickname “Mr. Fix It” for his transformative management style.
Following his successful stint at KWS, he transitioned to the private sector, taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Equity Bank Group Holdings, where he served for six years before joining Jubilee Holdings. This shift posed challenges, yet Dr. Kipng’etich remained committed to his core values, adapting his management principles to suit the dynamic nature of the private sector.
Dr. Kipng’etich’s leadership philosophy, rooted in human-centric values, has been instrumental in guiding Jubilee Holdings through significant transformations. Under his direction, the company has effectively balanced the independence of its various units with a unified corporate vision, allowing for innovation while fostering a collaborative environment. His emphasis on strong communication has created a culture where every stakeholder feels valued and empowered, enhancing collaboration across the Group.
Jubilee’s efforts in digital transformation, educational initiatives, and comprehensive wellness programs reflect Dr. Kipng’etich’s commitment to meeting diverse customer needs while improving public understanding of insurance. His leadership has also driven the company’s advocacy for health and education through impactful community programs, reinforcing its dedication to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Furthermore, his focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles aligns with Jubilee’s mission to create a positive social impact, which has earned the company multiple industry awards and a strong reputation across Eastern Africa. This alignment between Dr. Kipng’etich’s leadership and Jubilee’s strategic efforts underscores the effectiveness of his approach in shaping a resilient and socially responsible organisation.
Dr. Kipng’etich serves on several boards, including the Blue Company, an anti-corruption initiative advocating for integrity in the private sector. As a thought leader, he actively engages with various industry bodies, helping to shape the future of the financial services sector. His extensive experience and insights enrich discussions on corporate governance, sustainability, and innovation, establishing him as a respected voice in the industry. Renowned for his polite yet impactful communication style as a highly sought-after public speaker, he delivers crisp and effective presentations in these forums.
Dr. Kipng’etich acknowledges the importance of family, finding joy in the achievements of his wife and two daughters. As a devout Roman Catholic, he prioritises values and ethics in both his personal and professional life. His balanced approach to life, coupled with a commitment to maintaining harmony between work and family, serves as a model for aspiring leaders. Further, his guarded nature allows him to balance public and private spheres, contributing to his overall well-being. He believes in investing time and resources into his family, reinforcing the values he holds dear. Perhaps these family values underpin and explain his enormous humility and emotional intelligence, rare traits among almost 67 percent of modern-day CEOs.
Through Dr. Julius Kipng’etich’s visionary leadership and empathetic approach, he continues to transform the insurance landscape in East Africa while nurturing the next generation of leaders.
AUTHOR: DR. HANNINGTONE GAYA
EDITOR: KAREN NDUKU
