#17
CAROLINE WANJERI
DIRECTOR – KCB MORTGAGE
“Out of difficulties grow miracles.” These words articulated by French philosopher Jean de La Bruyère capture the essence of Caroline Wanjeri. More than Director of KCB Mortgage, Wanjeri is a beacon of resilience, transformation, and empowerment.
With over 20 years of experience in real estate finance, Wanjeri has not only navigated the complexities of the financial world but also shattered barriers to create opportunities for others. Her role today spans across developing innovative mortgage products at KCB and influencing the broader real estate sector in Kenya.
Far more than a corporate tale of success, Wanjeri’s journey is a story of overcoming hurdles during her humble beginnings, personal tragedies, and fierce determination to change the world, one financial tool at a time.
Born in Marinyin, a small village in Kericho, Wanjeri’s early life was shaped by circumstances many would find daunting. Raised by her grandmother while her teenage mother returned to school, she became intimately familiar with hardship – an experience that shaped her North Star early on. “Education is an equalizer,” she says, a mantra that would go on to define her journey. Each day, she walked several kilometers to school, often barefoot, yet she never wavered in her belief that education was her guiding light out of tough circumstances. Her grandmother, a tough and hardworking woman, instilled in her a deep sense of resilience and self-reliance – qualities that became the bedrock of her success.
Despite the challenges, Wanjeri flourished academically. Her brilliance in school earned her a place at Maryhill Girls, followed by Kenyatta University (KU), where she pursued her degree while working at British American Tobacco (BAT). She graduated in 1999 and, with her sights set on empowering women, began her career at the Kenya Women Finance Trust (KWFT). There, she gained invaluable experience working with women’s groups, a mission that has continued to be a central theme throughout her career. It is at KWFT that Wanjeri realised the true power of financial tools in driving social change, a lesson that would prove pivotal as she moved up the corporate ladder in the finance services sector.
Her next stop was Housing Finance (HF), where she honed her skills in the real estate finance space, eventually becoming a well-respected figure in the industry. Her tenure at HF was just the beginning, as her expertise in mortgages and banking would soon catch the attention of KCB Bank. She was headhunted by KCB in 2007, marking the start of a distinguished journey that would span several years and culminate in her current role as Director of KCB Mortgage.
At KCB Mortgage, Wanjeri is already blazing the trail, with profound impacts, particularly in the realm of green mortgages, a space she is passionate about. As one of the key players in developing regulations for Kenya’s Lands Management Information Systems (Ardhi Sasa), Wanjeri is one of the key prime movers in the mortgage industry while also pushing the envelope on sectoral sustainability. “Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it is the future of real estate,” she asserts, demonstrating how deeply she believes in the long-term value of environmentally-conscious financial real estate products.
Wanjeri is a sought-after voice in the real estate sector. She frequently contributes expert articles in leading regional publications like Business Monthly EA. Through her writing, she educates the public on sustainable urban development and real estate investment that creates value for all the stakeholders. Her ability to blend technical expertise with a compelling narrative has made her an influential thought leader in that space.
Wanjeri’s journey has not been without its heartache. In a deeply personal and tragic chapter of her life, she lost a child shortly after birth. The experience left an indelible mark on her and has shaped her views on work-life balance. “Losing my baby made me realise how crucial family is,” she reflects. It was during this painful time that Wanjeri’s understanding of career and family took on new depth. She began advocating for the importance of support systems, especially for working women navigating the intersection of personal and professional life.
Her advocacy has translated into action within KCB Group, where she created a support group for women who have experienced miscarriages or struggled with infertility. This initiative has become a cornerstone of her leadership style – empathetic, human-centric and empowering. “We are more than just workers; we are human beings. The path to motherhood or dealing with loss should never be walked alone,” Wanjeri opines.
A devout Roman Catholic, Wanjeri is deeply committed to her family. She has been married for 24 years to Vincent Kihara, a senior banker, and together they are blessed with four children. She cherishes every moment with them, knowing that family is her greatest anchor. “Family is my source of strength,” she says. Her vision of a large family stems from her own upbringing, where she took on the role of raising her younger brother, born when she was already a young adult. Yet, beyond her professional achievements, it is her steadfast belief in the power of education, resilience, and family that truly sets her apart. “No matter the challenge, always push forward. Life doesn’t get easier, but you get stronger,” she advises – a philosophy that has carried her from a small village in Kericho to becoming one of the most influential women in Kenya’s financial and real estate sectors.
Through her work at KCB, her role on various boards – including the Kenya Property Developers Association – and her active participation in industry task forces, Caroline has continuously demonstrated her commitment to elevating the image and practices of the real estate and mortgage sector in Kenya.
Looking to the future, Caroline remains focused on one goal: creating lasting, sustainable change. “I want to be remembered for making a difference in people’s lives,” she states, with the simplicity of an accomplished professional leading business with an edge.
AUTHOR: KAREN NDUKU
EDITOR: DR. HANNINGTONE GAYA
