#25
AGNES KALEKYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR, KBC
In the rapidly evolving world of media, women in leadership roles have consistently demonstrated the ability to navigate complex landscapes, breaking barriers and driving innovation. Despite operating in an industry historically dominated by men, these trailblazing women have not only shattered glass ceilings but redefined the boundaries of success. They embody resilience, adaptability, and vision – qualities that enable them to pivot in the face of change, charting new paths for the future.
As Barbara Gardner Proctor, CEO and Founder of Proctor and Gardner Advertising, aptly said, “If someone were to tell me a glass ceiling was standing in my way, I would open a window, fly out and continue to soar.” This spirit of determination is distinctively embodied by Agnes Kalekye, a visionary media leader whose journey exemplifies the boundless potential women bring to the helm. Through strategic insight and empathetic leadership, she has redefined the media landscape, making her mark as a transformative figure in the sector.
With over 17 years of experience, Kalekye stands out as a transformational business leader known for driving growth and revitalising operations. She was recently appointed as the first female Managing Director (MD) of the public broadcaster Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
Dubbed a turnaround strategist, Kalekye has a proven record of steering organisations from financial distress to remarkable profitability. Her strategic vision, emphatic and hands-on leadership style have redefined business development strategies across various media houses in East Africa, consistently leading to 100 percent turnarounds and significant revenue growth.
Having worked in media for most of her career, Kalekye has adopted the personal mantra, “Inform, engage, and inspire every viewer, reader, listener, every time.” This mantra embodies her commitment to providing accessible and high-quality content that serves a wide range of audiences, maintains the organisation’s integrity and mission, and fosters a connection with audiences while consistently delivering programming that inspires and makes a difference in people’s lives.
Throughout her career, Kalekye has achieved milestones that underscore her expertise in operational management and strategic planning. One of her notable accomplishments includes turning around Star Publications, where she achieved a staggering 138 percent earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) growth and a complete profit reversal within a year. This was accomplished by expanding sales by 40 percent, eliminating fraud, and implementing targeted revenue strategies.
At Monitor Publications Uganda, she successfully realigned sales and operations, focusing on a 15 percent month-over-month revenue growth, which exceeded industry averages in a challenging market. Similarly, Kalekye spearheaded revenue growth at Mwananchi Communications in Tanzania, achieving a 35 percent increase month-over-month, marking the highest growth rate in the company’s history.
Kalekye is renowned for her empathetic leadership approach. Colleagues describe her as a ‘people-first leader’ who values every team member’s input. She believes the key to a thriving organisation lies in its people. Kalekye often takes time to connect with staff personally, making it a point to remember names, interests, and even milestones such as birthdays or work anniversaries. She believes in creating pathways for growth, stating that when we invest in our people, we invest in our future, fostering a culture where ambition and hard work are rewarded.
Acutely aware of the rapidly changing media landscape and the delicate relationship between media and the state, Kalekye advocates for a harmonious co-existence. Believing that while they do not need to be friends, both the media and state can work together for the benefit of democracy and the nation. She often emphasises the importance of maintaining editorial independence while fostering a constructive dialogue with government entities. To this end, she chairs the Media Owners Association (MOA) and is actively working toward finding common ground that is essential for a vibrant democracy. She is committed to leading the industry in navigating these complex dynamics.
Kalekye is also an active participant in governance and leadership roles within the country. She is a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Cancer Institute in Kenya and also serves on the Executive and Supervisory Boards of the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-INFRA), a global organisation of the world press whose mission is to protect the rights of journalists and publishers around the world to operate independent media. Recently, she was appointed as a member of the National Steering Committee on Disaster Response in Kenya. Notably, Kalekye was one of the most productive members of the ICT and Digital Economy Sector Working Group that was chaired by Prof. Timothy Waema, and deputised by Dr. Hanningtone Joel Gaya, Publisher of the Business Monthly EA magazine.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kalekye is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She finds solace in nature, often spending her weekends hiking, taking long walks, or going on scenic drives. She loves books and is always reading two at a time. These activities not only recharge her spirit but also serve as a source of inspiration.
Agnes Kalekye is more than a CEO – she is a visionary leader committed to empathy, growth, and innovation. Her journey from the ground up exemplifies resilience and determination, making her a role model for aspiring professionals in the media industry and beyond.
For this proud and practising Catholic, she takes over the reins of KBC into the future, through a deliberate and strategic recovery trajectory. Her passion for the industry and dedication to her team will ensure that the state-owned enterprise (SOE) remains a cornerstone for public broadcasting in the country, while her efforts to foster collaboration between the media and state promise to strengthen democracy for all.
AUTHOR: AGNES KALEKYE
EDITOR: KAREN NDUKU
