#16
AGNES GATHAIYA
COUNTRY DIRECTOR FOR EAST AFRICA, GOOGLE
In a world where technology and leadership intersect, few individuals stand out like Agnes Gathaiya, whose intellect, passion, and magnetic presence often captivate those around her. A tech brain combined with grace, she is a beacon of integrity, ethics, and visionary leadership. As Country Director for East Africa at Google, Gathaiya is the face of progress, driving change across the region through digital empowerment and innovation.
Today, Agnes Gathaiya spearheads Google’s mission in East Africa, a region undergoing intense digital transformation. Under her leadership, Google continues to bring the world’s most advanced tools to local markets, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. The tech giant’s major offerings – Google Search, Maps, YouTube, Gmail, and Drive – are tailored to local needs, allowing people and businesses to access critical information easily. Moreover, initiatives such as Google for Education and Google My Business have supported enterprises and educational institutions alike, contributing to both social and economic development.
One of the key drivers of this transformation is the recently unveiled report, “The Digital Opportunity of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).” Released in September 2024, the report emphasised the vast economic potential of digital technology, revealing that Google’s tools and platforms generated an astounding USD 16 billion in economic activity across SSA in 2023. Kenya, a country at the forefront of this technological revolution, earned her place as a leader in digital adoption, gaining the nickname ‘Silicon Savannah’. Under Gathaiya’s leadership, Google’s impact on the Kenyan economy has been profound – its products and services contributed an estimated USD 900 million in 2023 alone.
The Android App Economy has provided a vital boost, generating over USD 5 million in revenue for Kenyan developers and supporting more than 16,500 jobs. This economic momentum is further accelerated by the Umoja Subsea Cable, launched in May 2024, which connects Kenya to Australia and delivers faster, more reliable internet access, positioning Kenya as a central player in global digital innovation. These initiatives, alongside Google’s investment in critical infrastructure and the empowerment of Kenyan entrepreneurs through programs like the Hustle Academy and Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, demonstrate the enduring legacy that Gathaiya is building. The future looks even brighter, as every USD 1 invested in Kenya’s digital economy is projected to generate over USD 5 in broader economic value by 2030.
Gathaiya’s journey to the top of one of the world’s most influential technology companies did not happen by chance. Born into a family where discipline, hard work, and integrity were deeply valued, she grew up learning from her father, a civil and structural engineer, and her mother, a midwife and farmer. Managing dairy cows on her family’s farm while excelling academically instilled in her the art of balance – a skill that would serve her well in the high-pressure world of corporate leadership.
After completing her high school studies at Loreto Convent Valley Road (LCVR), Gathaiya pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Economics at Bryn Mawr College in the United States. Her academic achievements abroad laid the foundation for her future endeavours, but it was her return to Kenya that marked the beginning of her professional rise.
Starting her career at Deloitte, Gathaiya quickly proved her capabilities. For 13 years, she thrived in various transformative roles, helping numerous companies turn their fortunes around and achieve strategic goals. At Deloitte, she cultivated her expertise in corporate strategy and built her reputation as a leader with a sharp mind and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Her success at Deloitte paved the way for her next big challenge – SAP. As Public Sector Director, Agnes led SAP’s large enterprise business in East Africa and played a key role in its monumental growth. Within just one year, she propelled the company to a 250 percent sales increase. But it was not just numbers that marked her tenure; her vision for the Skills for Africa program helped certify a new generation of SAP practitioners, transforming lives and creating sustainable job opportunities across the region.
As a mother to a young child, Gathaiya sought balance between her demanding career and family life. Leaving SAP, she took on roles that allowed her to prioritise her family, including General Manager at Chase Bank (now SBM Bank) and later Head of Enterprise Sales for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at Safaricom. Her work at Safaricom showcased her ability to drive meaningful change for SMEs, ensuring they had the products and tools needed to grow in an increasingly digital world.
Gathaiya’s leadership and business acumen were further tested when she took on the role of CEO at Pesalink in 2018. At the helm of this newly launched banking service, she built trust among stakeholders and transformed Pesalink into a household name, pioneering affordable, real-time payment solutions that have reshaped the financial landscape.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Gathaiya’s personal commitment to ethical business practices and social responsibility stands out. A passionate advocate for gender equality in tech, she co-founded Hernovation, a mentorship and coaching platform that helps women in tech develop leadership skills. Her efforts have created a pipeline of empowered women excelling in their careers while contributing to the technology sector’s overall growth.
Additionally, as a leader in African Women in Fintech and Payments, Gathaiya fosters a community of over 200 women, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the fast-growing fintech world.
Underpinning all her efforts is a deep-rooted belief in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Gathaiya is committed to fostering ethical business models aligned with sustainable development goals. Whether mentoring women or collaborating with organisations to drive digital literacy, her leadership style reflects a desire to create lasting, positive impact both within and beyond corporate walls.
Agnes Gathaiya’s influence at Google extends far beyond her title. She is a trailblazer in the tech industry and a thought leader whose work continues to inspire many across the region. Her ability to blend business savvy with a passion for empowering others has solidified her status as a key player in shaping the future of East Africa’s digital economy.
AUTHOR: KAREN NDUKU
EDITOR: DR. HANNINGTONE GAYA
