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SALLY MAHIHU
CHAIR KENINVEST
Sally Mahihu currently serves as Chair of the Board at Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), a pivotal entity in the national landscape for attracting and retaining both domestic and foreign investments, ultimately fostering prosperity in Kenya. In her role, Sally adeptly builds upon the groundwork laid by her predecessors, steering KenInvest towards the enhancement and maximisation of investments in the country.
Since assuming the position in February 2023, Sally has maintained a positive momentum, recognising the pressing need for radical branding, heightened awareness, and full digitisation to elevate KenInvest’s global visibility and dynamism. Crucially, she emphasises the shift in mindsets, portraying Kenya not as a nation seeking favours but as a prime destination for investors, debunking the negative narrative of an unfriendly investment environment.
Under Sally’s guidance, KenInvest unveiled a robust Strategic Plan in December 2023, aligning with the government’s commitment to fostering an enabling investment environment. With a strategic focus on crucial sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, technology, and infrastructure, KenInvest aims to cultivate a conducive atmosphere for thriving businesses, contributing to enhanced sustainability. The comprehensive plan outlines six Key Result Areas (KRAs), covering Investment Promotion and Attraction, Integrated Investment Facilitation, Research and Policy Advocacy, Transformation of the Investment Promotion Agency, Legal and Regulatory Framework Strengthening, and Promotion of Bankable Investment Opportunities. The overarching goal is for the country to attract a total investment of KES 1 trillion by 2027 across diverse sectors of the economy. Sally’s leadership positions KenInvest on a trajectory of strategic growth and economic prosperity for Kenya.
Sally’s entry to the KenInvest board represents a notable pivot and a fresh challenge in her distinguished career, which spans an impressive 38-year tenure in the legal profession since her admission to the Bar in 1985. Her professional journey has been richly rewarding, shaped in part by the desire to honour her late father’s dreams.
Undoubtedly, Sally harboured personal ambitions of becoming a journalist, fueled by her profound love for English literature and her avid reading habits. However, the convergence of her academic excellence at Alliance Girls High School and her father’s fervent encouragement led her to pursue a different trajectory. Post A-levels, she found herself at Bristol University in the United Kingdom (UK), where she earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. Following this, Sally’s quest for legal expertise led her to the esteemed halls of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where distinguished figures like former Presidents HE Mwai Kibaki and HE Jomo Kenyatta had once studied. The pursuit of a Master of Laws (LLM) degree at LSE solidified her standing in the legal domain.
Upon her return to Kenya, Sally joined DV Kapila and Co Advocates in Nairobi, a firm she was already familiar with from her school days. Here, she assumed the role of an intern. Following this stint, and equipped with her Postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law (KSL), Sally made a significant move to Mombasa, motivated by matrimonial considerations.
She secured an Associate position at the prestigious law firm Bryson, Inamdar and Bowyer Advocates, a powerhouse in its time. Guided by the mentorship of the three iconic founders, she swiftly cultivated indispensable skills and amassed valuable experiences, propelling her ascent up the legal hierarchy.
An invaluable lesson from Bryson, Bowyer, and Inamdar was the cultivation of unwavering integrity and a meticulous approach to every case. This ethos, avoiding shortcuts and upholding high standards in delivering legal services, became an integral part of Sally’s professional identity.
In a significant turning point, Sally collaborated with Bowyer to establish Bowyer Mahihu and Co.Advocates in 1993. Later, she assumed sole proprietorship of the firm following Bowyer’s passing in 2008. This transition, while marked by a moment of loss, underscores Sally’s resilience and leadership. The firm, with offices in both Nairobi and Mombasa, stands as a testament to her enduring commitment and success in the legal realm.
Throughout her career, Sally’s passion for literature remained steadfast. Now, as the published author of seven inspirational books addressing pertinent life issues, she extends her influence beyond the legal arena. These literary works serve as the foundation for seminars, workshops, motivational talks, corporate training sessions, and appearances at local and international conferences, where Sally continues to inspire and empower others.
Sally’s career reaches a pinnacle through her multifaceted roles as a counsellor, coach, and mentor, with a particular focus on empowering women. A decade ago, she established ‘The Seasoned Woman’, where she currently serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This platform operates as a dynamic catalyst for women’s empowerment in the marketplace, encouraging them to discover their identity, purpose, and calling. Sally’s impactful work through ‘The Seasoned Woman’ has resonated globally, earning her prestigious accolades such as The Susan Maxine Gibson Global Messenger of Hope Award from the I Change Nations (ICN) Organisation in the USA and The Dr. Christine Kozachuk Guiding Light Award from the Every Girl Wins Institute, also based in the USA.
Sally holds influential board positions across diverse sectors. She serves as a Director at St. Andrews – Turi, and holds the position of Chair at the Help A Child Africa (HACA) Organisation, underscoring her dedication to making a positive impact on society. Actively participating in the National Investment Council (NIC), a pivotal consultative body chaired by HE President Ruto, Sally contributes to addressing challenges and fostering solutions within the investment landscape. Additionally, she represents Kenya at The International Law Centre for Excellence (ICLE), collaborating closely with the ILI – South African Centre for Excellence (SACE).
