#39
CAROLE KARIUKI
CEO, KEPSA
My educational journey began at a kindergarten for staff’s children in Egerton University back when it was an agricultural college. I attended a primary school in Nakuru town since the college lacked its own primary school then. Despite the absence of a dedicated school, the college provided buses, creating memorable moments among us children while showcasing the differences between various schools. By the time I was in Standard Three, the college had transitioned into a university and established its own primary school, prompting my shift.
Growing up in this community during the late ‘80s and ‘90s was a remarkable experience. Situated near the Mau Forest, we enjoyed well-furnished houses, access to resources like firewood, dairy products, meat, and vegetables, all provided by the university. The close-knit university environment exposed us to the library, laboratories, farms, and various activities, fostering a sense of unity.
As a botanist and environmentalist, my father’s forward-thinking approach regarding climate change made me well aware of the issue before it gained global attention.
High school at a competitive Catholic boarding school would soon expose me to diverse perspectives, while I continued to cherish the strong values of hard work, integrity, family, and service, instilled in my upbringing.
In Form Three, I sought broader experiences beyond academics. Organising trips to power-producing dams and starting a hockey team, which many years later advanced to the national level, showcased my proactive approach to sports and education. Collaborating with a friend, we initiated a science congress, even representing the school nationally with topics like the Gulf War. These experiences shaped my holistic development and contributed to my broader perspective on life.
Transitioning to the University of Nairobi (UoN), a significantly larger institution located in a bustling city, marked a desire for a different experience from my upbringing. After a trajectory of single-stream education, I encountered classes of over 200 students. Initially drawn to Biology and Chemistry due to my upbringing, I soon pivoted to Economics and Sociology without my father’s knowledge. This decision resonated deeply as I valued his commitment to environmental preservation and indigenous plants. The vital lesson was clear: my pursuits should contribute positively to my country’s development, invoking meaningful change.
After completing high school, I spent a year working at a farm machinery company in Nakuru while awaiting my university enrollment. Throughout my university breaks, I actively sought employment experiences, working at the same farm machinery company, a bank, and even a church. My determination to secure holiday jobs led me to forge relationships and networks. Despite initial rejections when applying for a bank job, I persisted and personally approached the director of Human Relations (HR), sharing my motivations. This tenacity paid off, and I secured the role.
Following my university graduation, I briefly worked at the bank, then dedicated a year to church leadership training as I sought my true calling for serving my country. Although I initially considered banking, I realised its limitations and left after only seven months. My leadership training solidified my aspiration to impact national policy and development.
Remembering my fondness for Developmental Economics, I pursued a Master of Public Administration and International Affairs (MPA-IA) degree in the United States (US) with a full scholarship. Eager to maximise my experience, I took on a heavier course load and completed the program in just one and half years, while also actively engaging in social activities with my classmates and friends.
Upon completing my master’s degree, I embarked on an impactful journey. I contributed to the launch of an African program at a US-based policy think tank and engaged in partnership initiatives between local Kenyan and international churches.
Driven by a focused vision, I returned home when the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) was emerging. Collaborating on a partnership between KEPSA and the US-based think tank, I assumed a key role while volunteering in KEPSA’s nascent policy department. In a year, I transitioned into a full-time role at KEPSA, becoming more involved as staff numbers grew. Sensing a shift in KEPSA’s direction, I briefly departed, engaging in economic development consulting.
A renewed call from KEPSA’s Chairman at the time led to my return, as the organisation’s focus had evolved. Initially assisting as interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), I continued to shape KEPSA’s trajectory. Subsequently, I took on the role of CEO after a series of transitions, and I have now served in this capacity for over 13 years, championing KEPSA’s goals and driving positive change.
Reflecting on my journey, if armed with my present knowledge, I might have hesitated. The path I have walked has demanded my utmost, yet the profound impact achieved and my global ventures now bring immense joy.
Navigating a political economy, particularly within a developing nation, presents formidable challenges. Balancing diverse interests across sectors – private, governmental (local and foreign), civil society – resembles a constant juggling act, requiring attention 24/7. This is no mere job; it is a service that calls for continuous sacrifice. Across four administrations and now my fifth, I have served as a linchpin between differing ages, styles, and global influences.
Serving multiple boards locally and internationally, I credit my resilience and progress to foundational elements: unwavering faith in God, my formative upbringing, and steadfast bonds with family and friends. These pillars remain unshakable, grounding me amidst the dynamic whirlwind of change and governance.
As the apex organisation of the private sector in Kenya, KEPSA unifies local and foreign business associations, chambers of commerce, professional bodies, as well as diverse corporations ranging from multinational giants to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and startups across all sectors of the economy. This collective collaboration empowers them to collectively advocate for shared interests when engaging with government, development partners, and other stakeholders on vital policy matters and programs for driving the country’s socio-economic advancement.
Moreover, KEPSA facilitates businesses by providing avenues for training, networking, financial connections, mentorship, coaching, market access, integration into value chains, and opportunities for both inbound and outbound global investments. Through its inclusive array of membership categories, representing a vast network exceeding one million enterprises, KEPSA effectively envelopes these businesses within a unified framework.
