LEADERSHIP

As much as we all want things at work to just return to the way things were, they won’t. Trust that your staff are trying their hardest, and be flexible and generous in helping them thrive during these unprecedented times.

Engaged employees commit themselves to their employer's goals, find satisfaction and meaning in the work they do, and have the potential to enhance business profitability.

Even with more than 30 public universities and nearly the same number of private institutions of higher learning in Kenya, the demand for university education still outstrips supply.  “We need to expand the level of opportunities in higher education for Kenyans,” says Prof Simon Gicharu, the chairman and founder of Mount Kenya University (MKU), arguably the leading private university in Kenya in terms of geographical presence and student population.

Jennifer Karina has been in corporate leadership for over 40 years. She is a Psychologist, Certified Professional Coach, Energy Leadership Practitioner, acclaimed Speaker& Author.  She is a thought leader in relationship strategies and has been a researcher for over three decades. Ms Karina holds a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology from Durham University and a Higher Diploma in Psychological Counselling from Kenya Institute of Professional Counselling. 

East Africa family businesses are more optimistic in 2021, with 60% of them expecting to see growth, and very positive from 2022, as 91% expect` growth. The key priorities facing East African family businesses over the next two years are expanding into new markets & client segments, increased use of new technologies, introducing new products & services and rethinking their business models.

Members of the banking industry’s advocacy organization, Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), on 24th June elected NCBA Bank Managing Director and CEO John Gachora and Family Bank Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Mbithi as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, respectively, for the period 2021 to 2022. Mr Gachora, who previously served as Vice Chairperson, takes over from Mr Joshua Oigara, who chaired the KBA Governing Council for the past three years.

Flora Mutahi is a Certified Public Accountant, entrepreneur and corporate executive. She is chairperson of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers and the founder and chief executive officer of Melvin Marsh International Limited, the manufacturer of Melvin's Tea, a Kenyan brand. “My appointment as the first ever female chair is a testimony to KEPSA taking a giant step in the right direction of entrenching inclusivity and meritocracy in our leadership," Ms Mutahi said. "We should continue with this drive and include not just women but also youth, persons living with disabilities, and MSME owners and leaders.”

Allianz Africa has made leadership changes at its newly acquired entities in Kenya and Senegal. In Kenya, Allianz has fired top Jubilee Insurance (now Allianz General Insurance) managers and replaced them with its own appointees. Among the biggest causalities in the Kenyan operation is Catherine Igathe, the current CEO of Jubilee Allianz General Insurance Limited Kenya, who will leaving the company in mid-July “to pursue other opportunities”.