#26
NGANGA NJIINU
CEO, TRANSCENTURY PLC
Kenya has come of age as far as the pool of youthful, vastly qualified and experienced business leaders is concerned.
This pool continues to grow by the year, and one example is Nganga Njinu, currently serving as the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at TransCentury PLC.
By far, TransCentury is not an ordinary firm; it is an investment holding company headquartered in Kenya with a focus on infrastructure, specifically in the Energy, Transport, Water, Industrial, and Agriculture sectors. The Company is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and has investments across East, Central and Southern Africa.
Tracing his journey to the executive helm of TransCentury, Njiinu attended Thika High School for his secondary education before proceeding to the United States International University-Africa (USIU-A), where he was awarded a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in International Business Administration (IBA). For his postgraduate studies, Njiinu opted to pursue a career in investments management. He secured a slot to study for his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas, United States (US), where he graduated in Finance and Investment Management. He also pursued professional certification by studying for a Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) designation which he completed and was awarded in 2003.
When Njiinu speaks about his academic journey, you can identify the passion, pride and sense of accomplishment that drives the youthful business leader at the helm of a leading investment conglomerate. As they say, the future of Kenya and Africa is in good hands with executives like Njiinu in the driving seat.
Like a captain at sea, Njiinu is clear that business and investment journeys will always face headwinds. In the face of a CEO, however, the Captain must have the audacity, experience and passion to guide the ship through the rough waters. Indeed, a ship in a harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for. Neither are profit-making and investment firms which face headwinds and diverse risks.
From his education, the most significant impact he experienced was through the people he interacted with, especially at the postgraduate level. At the University of Dallas, the people in his class were high-level individuals in the finance and investment industry. The interaction with people where theory came to life across the board, from classmates to lecturers, was very impactful.
During this time, they had simulations of investments, and it was very affirming to hold his own among industry titans in high-value economies. It is one thing to think you want something and a completely different thing to watch it come to life and be sure you want to pursue it. These interactions guided him to where he is now, plus the time invested in school was not a bad motivator either. After all, economic principles that guide investments apply in all economic circumstances, whether in New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Johannesburg or here in Nairobi.
Njiinu shares that his career began during his internships as he completed his undergraduate degree. He was fortunate to work in accounting at one of the local oil companies and for accounting and finance consulting firms at different businesses after obtaining his degree. He states that the broad experience was good as it was eye-opening, got his foot in the door to grow across departments, and gave him focus.
Before moving back to Kenya, Njiinu worked for Coldwell Banker LLC, a real estate agency in the US, for seven years, where he oversaw strategic initiatives, financial planning, analysis, and evaluation and integration of acquisitions.
While he was successful at work in the US, success stories of businesses such as TransCentury pushed him to move back home. He joined TransCentury in 2008, a company which has emerged as a leading player in providing innovative solutions in power, engineering, and infrastructure. With its commitment to sustainable practices and social impact, the company has left an indelible mark on Africa’s economic and social fabric.
TransCentury was founded with a visionary goal – to mobilise local capital for investments and bridge the infrastructure gap in Africa. Recognising the pressing need for modern, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure, the company set out to create innovative solutions that would drive economic development and improve the quality of life for millions of people on the continent. As CEO of TransCentury, Njiinu has taken this on headfirst with enthusiasm. His daily work allows him to drive companies and projects that work for the betterment of Africa by African companies.
Nganga is passionate about the vast potential that exists across a continent that has been lagging when it comes to the development of crucial infrastructure in electrification, road networks, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and distribution in support of the agriculture sector, ensuring the actualisation of both food sustainability and food security.
His strong belief in TransCentury led him to steer the ship through wary waters of financial threat and uncertainty and come out on the other side of a rights issue. An attempt not made by many, and successfully nonetheless, the company led a successful process and managed to raise a significant sum. Additionally, TransCentury has reduced its debt by USD 55 million during Njiinu’s time and restructured its outstanding debt. This speaks to the spirit of strength, resilience and determination.
Like any successful leader, Njiinu has faced challenges along his journey. Economic fluctuations, regulatory hurdles, and operational complexities have tested his resilience and determination. However, through these challenges, he has learned invaluable lessons, including the significance of adaptability, ethical leadership, and maintaining a strong focus on long-term goals.
His journey from a visionary entrepreneur to a transformative CEO embodies the spirit of African innovation and leadership. With a deep understanding of the continent’s potential and a genuine commitment to social impact, Njiinu has become a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Through his achievements and dedication, he continues to shape Africa’s business landscape and contribute to sustainable development, leaving an indelible mark on the continent’s future. As he continues to lead and inspire, his legacy serves as a beacon of hope and progress for Africa’s bright future.
