#22
LLE JACQUELINE MUGO
CEO, FKE
In the bustling halls of international labour forums, few figures command as much respect and admiration as Jacqueline Mugo. Her election as the first African female President of the International Organization of Employers (IOE) in June 2024 marked a significant milestone in the history of the global employers’ body. For over a century, no African woman had ever held this prestigious position. This historic election is a beacon of hope for countless young African women aspiring to take up leadership roles. It sends a powerful message that Africa’s daughters can sit at the highest levels of decision-making, not as tokens, but as key influencers and drivers of global change. Jacqueline’s success is not just personal, it is a victory for every African woman who has been told that certain doors are not open to them.
For those who know her well, Jacqueline’s journey to the top was inevitable. Known for her strategic mind and tireless work ethic, she has consistently been a leader who sees beyond immediate challenges and envisions a future of inclusive economic growth and fairness in the workplace. Her ability to navigate the complexities of labour and employment law and governance, whilst remaining conscious of ordinary employees’ needs , has made her a trusted figure among employers, trade unions and policymakers. Coming from a humble background, her path to global leadership was not handed to her; but was earned through sheer determination, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the power of people.
Before her ascent to the IOE presidency, Jacqueline had already built a reputation as a formidable advocate for employers and employees alike. She is the Executive Director and CEO of the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), and a seasoned lawyer and Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. Jacqueline is an elected Titular member of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Secretary-General of the BUSINESS Africa Employers Confederation.
Her extensive career spans both public and private sectors, including senior roles in the Judiciary, multinational enterprises, and the aviation industry. With expertise in labour law, industrial relations, human resource management, strategic leadership and governance, Jacqueline has championed policies that foster enterprise growth while ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for all.
Behind her many titles and accolades, Jacqueline is a deeply compassionate individual whose values are founded on her faith in God. Her leadership journey has been inspired by reasons beyond advancing her career but about driving meaningful change. “I believe that leadership is about service,” she opines, “…it is about making sure that the decisions we make today create opportunities for future generations.”
Jacquline’s passion for youth and women’s empowerment has defined much of her work. As a mentor, she has dedicated countless hours to coaching young African leaders, helping them navigate the often challenging path to leadership. She has championed policies that promote enterprise sustainability, skills development, diversity and inclusion, vocational training, and job creation, particularly for women and young people, who she views as the backbone of Africa’s future. Jacqueline had the foresight to launch the Female Future Leadership Program over ten years ago, empowering countless women to take up leadership roles in various spheres, including board positions.
One of Jacqueline’s remarkable traits is her humility. She remains well-grounded despite her immense responsibilities and global influence. She has a heart for people and is often seen engaging with workers, listening to their concerns, and advocating for solutions that improve their quality of life. Her approach to leadership is not one of top-down directives but one of collaborative problem-solving, where the voices of all stakeholders are heard and respected.
“I have learned that true leadership is not about being the loudest in the room,” she reflects, “…but it is about listening, understanding, and then taking decisive action that benefits everyone, not just a select few.”
In every speech she gives and in every policy she helps shape, Jacqueline’s message is clear: leadership is about lifting others as you climb. She has consistently emphasised the critical need for a better business environment that fosters enterprise growth, creating jobs and sustainable self-employment opportunities for young people.
As Jacqueline Mugo continues to inspire a new generation of African leaders, the world is watching, learning from the woman who is shaping the future of work with compassion, integrity, and an unshakeable commitment to social justice.
AUTHOR: FEDERATION OF KENYA EMPLOYERS
EDITOR: MARTIN O’NEIL
