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DR JULIUS KIPNG’ETICH
GROUP CEO, JUBILEE HOLDINGS
In 2019, Dr Julius Kipng’etich took on the prestigious role of Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Jubilee Holdings, after serving as the Regional CEO at the same company for a year.
Throughout his career, Dr Kipng’etich has garnered recognition and acclaim for his outstanding achievements and invaluable contributions to numerous companies. His remarkable track record speaks volumes about his dedication and leadership abilities.
Dr Kipng’etich’s journey has remained deeply committed to good corporate governance practices. He serves on various boards dedicated to numerous causes, including the Blue Company – an anti-corruption initiative for private sector players and institutions who have the public interest at heart on the fight against corruption.
Despite his accomplishments, he maintains a private and humble demeanour, preferring to let his work and reputation speak for him.
Dr Kipn’getich’s education began in a rural village in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. He made a significant leap from his village life to Starehe Boys Centre, a world-class school, where his aspirations began to take shape. Initially, he dreamt of becoming a teacher or an engineer, but his passion for economics was sparked by an exceptional teacher, Joram Ayoo. This led him to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree at the University of Nairobi (UoN).
The values instilled in him during his time at Starehe, especially by the founding director, Geoffrey Griffin, greatly influenced his professional architecture. Griffin’s emphasis on service with impact and a strong value system guided Dr Kipng’etich’s decision to enter public service. His first foray into this domain was teaching at UoN and contributing to the establishment of the parallel degree programs, boosting the needed revenue for the universities. This pivotal moment in history brought about a transformative change by significantly expanding public university access space in Kenya.
Eventually, Dr Kipng’etich was appointed as the Director of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) by President Mwai Kibaki, who sought someone with a transformational management background to turn around the organisation outside of political influence. During his eight-year tenure, he poured his youthful energy and wisdom into the role, revitalising the organisation, making it one of the most fulfilling periods of his life. It is this job that Dr Kipng’etich is mainly known for, and it is this job that earned him the nickname ‘Mr Fix It’.
Dr Kipng’etich then moved to Equity Bank Group Holdings, assuming the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO), where he dedicated six years before joining Jubilee Insurance.
Transitioning from public service to the private sector had its challenges. Dr Kipng’etich quickly found that the principles of effective management remained consistent across both domains, remaining mindful of his value system.
Dr Kipng’etich’s 50s have been a time of reflection, focusing on his family as his sundown beckons. As a devout and practising Roman Catholic and father, he takes immense pride in the accomplishments of his wife and two daughters, emphasising the importance of providing them with a solid value-based foundation.
Dr Kipn’getich’s guarded and private nature has allowed him to maintain a sense of balance in his life. He scripts to the last detail his public and private spheres and believes in decoupling various aspects of life to allow for individual growth and flourishing.
For him, a happy marriage requires dedication, time, and smart investment in resources to support the family’s well-being. He remains an ‘office-home guy’, preferring a simple and focused lifestyle. His astute insight and wise counsel come from a lifetime of learning from influential figures.
As he continues to lead Jubilee Holdings as Group CEO, his legacy as a visionary and a compassionate leader in the financial services sector is engraved in stone.
Jubilee Holdings, formerly known as Jubilee Investment Company, is a prominent Kenya-based insurance group with a rich history dating back to 1937. With operations spanning across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and Mauritius, it stands as one of the oldest and leading insurance companies in East Africa.
The company offers comprehensive insurance solutions, encompassing life and non-life risks, such as those related to death, disability, health, property, and liability. Additionally, Jubilee Holdings provides a diverse range of investment contracts to address its customers’ asset management requirements for savings and retirement.
