#13
JACQUELINE MUGO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO, FEDERATION OF KENYA EMPLOYERS
“…lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2
“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.” Albert Camus
My childhood was shaped by both happy and traumatic events. Today people say that I am courageous and bold, and that I do not shy away from speaking the truth to power even when my view is not the popular one. I do not question this assessment, but it has taken many experiences to get me to where I am today.
As a child, we lived in Eldoret and Kericho in a large, happy family. The mesmerising beauty of the boundless green fields that draped the vast tea estates left a lasting impression on me. These estates, including places like Kapkorech, Chagaik, and Chebwon, were overseen by my father in his role as a manager for Brooke Bond, the only tea company at the time. My mother stayed at home.
However, a sudden shift occurred when my father’s passing necessitated a relocation to our rural residence. The beautiful, spacious home in the tea estate had come courtesy of my father’s job. This transition marked the initial turning point in my life; even the commencement of my schooling faced a delay. My perspective on life also changed as I learnt at an early age that nothing is permanent.
Life upcountry was different and tough. It was the family values instilled in us: faith in God, family love, hard work and determination that kept us going. Our mother had to fill the gap, which she did with courage and determination. She moved to Nairobi, got a job and provided for us very well. This made me resolve never to let her down, especially when she kept reminding us that my father wanted us to get a good education and succeed in life. This inspires me to do my best in everything I set my sights on.
Being enrolled in a boarding school upcountry during my primary years was another turning point. The living conditions were frugal to say the least, the diet was limited, and we had to do so many chores before the start of class. Additionally, I was put in charge of timekeeping. I had to be the first to wake up every morning to ring the bell for everyone else to wake up. I had no choice but to become responsible at an early age. However, it was also the school that propelled me to the high school of my dreams, despite being too scared to choose it. It was my headmaster who, in a transformative move, revised my school choices because he believed I could make it.
Having excelled, I joined Alliance Girls High School from Form 1 to Form 6. Thereafter, I proceeded to study Law at the University of Nairobi (UoN), culminating in my admission to the Roll of Advocates. I am forever grateful to the teachers who consistently guided me along the correct path and propelled my progress.
I started my career as a Magistrate with the Judiciary in late 1983. The induction lasted one week, after which I was entrusted to run the Court on my own. At the Judiciary, I earned a reputation for being perceived to be tough but fair. Justice and Fairness are some of the values I hold dear.
I have been privileged to fulfil my aspiration of not doing just one line of work in life. Following a 7-year tenure at the Judiciary, I transitioned to the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), the national umbrella body and the voice of employers in Kenya as a Legal/Industrial Relations Officer, to pursue my interest in labour and employment law.
Subsequently, I ventured into the private sector, serving as Employee Relations Manager, Regional Operations Manager, and Head of Operations within prominent blue-chip companies and the aviation industry. Following this enriching experience, I returned to FKE as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ultimately assuming the role of CEO.
I have had the honour of guiding FKE through a transformational phase marked by rebranding and innovation. The organisation has grown in terms of reach and influence both domestically and across borders. The evolving landscape of the world of work, along with shifts in work practices, has provided impetus for the organisation to embrace technology and deliver online services to members.
In my capacity as Executive Director and CEO of FKE, my gratification stems from witnessing the Federation’s advocacy wins and its significant impact on labour, social policy, and regulatory frameworks that support enterprise sustainability and job creation. While substantial challenges remain, I am building upon the solid foundation laid before my time and have taken the organisation to a higher level.
I am the product of many who have put faith in me, including those who have provided mentorship and the inspired confidence to step into roles that I sometimes hesitated to embrace. When I assumed the leadership position at FKE, I had an alternative offer for a regional role that was exceedingly appealing and less public in terms of advocacy and representation. I found myself torn between this option and the role of FKE’s Executive Director. At that juncture, one of my mentors posed a crucial question: how many female Executive Directors did I know in Kenya, and how many CEOs of employers’ organisations were there in Kenya? This steered my decision to seize this unique opportunity despite its challenges. I have never regretted my choice, as I consider it an honour to hold this position and I am continually uplifted by the support and prayers of many.
I consider the ability to exhibit tenacity, adaptability, accommodate change, maintain focus, and consistently deliver as one of my accomplishments. I have built many networks and friendships that have often provided me with speaking opportunities. These opportunities have extended to high-level forums where I have had the privilege of chairing global meetings and contributing interventions, often in the presence of Heads of State and Governments. As a leader, one must remain focused and avoid the accolades going into one’s head, and overshadowing good judgement.
In my role as Lead here at FKE, there have been challenges, often contesting policymakers’ proposals due to their potential adverse effects on employers. There is political pressure at all levels to pass resolutions to support projects that may not benefit employers or may increase the cost of doing business irrationally. This situation occasionally leads to a sense of isolation, given the stances that must be adopted. However, I constantly remind myself that I am an advocate for employers.
In addition to FKE, I am proud of the achievements and positions I have held in my career, including Secretary-General of Business Africa Employers Confederation, Titular Board Member of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Vice President for Africa of the International Organization of Employers (IOE) and Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
I have received various accolades in recognition for my service to Kenya, Africa and the Labour Movement both nationally and internationally. These include: Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW), Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS), Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS), and the Africa Change Makers Award for pushing for the Eradication of Child Labour in the world. Furthermore, I have been recognised among the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Africa by Jeune Afrique.
Locally, I have had the privilege of serving on over 12 boards to enhance their governance and accountability.
