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CEO, Kenya Private Sector Alliance
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Carole Kariuki is a prominent Kenyan business executive and public policy leader, best known for her tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA). Since assuming the role of CEO in 2010, she has been a pivotal figure in shaping Kenya’s economic landscape, bridging the divide between the government and the private sector to foster an environment conducive to business growth, investment, and sustainable development. Born circa 1975 in Nakuru County, Kenya, Kariuki was raised in an academic environment; her father, the late Professor Samuel Kariuki Kabuitu, was a lecturer at Egerton University with a specialization in botany and environmental studies. This upbringing instilled in her a strong appreciation for education and intellectual rigor. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Nairobi, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Sociology. Recognizing the need for advanced skills in governance and global affairs, she later attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio, United States, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Public Administration and International Affairs. Kariuki’s professional journey began with roles that provided her with a multifaceted view of organizational management and international development. She worked briefly at Barclays Bank of Kenya and the Nairobi Chapel. A significant turning point in her early career occurred during her time with the Sagamore Institute for Public Policy Research in Indianapolis, Indiana. While at the institute, she served as a liaison between the Sagamore Institute and KEPSA. This role facilitated her return to Kenya and her eventual rejoining of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance in 2009 as a Program Manager. Her effective management and strategic vision led to her appointment as CEO in 2010. Under her leadership, KEPSA transformed from a relatively low-profile business organization into the preeminent apex body of the Kenyan private sector. Kariuki is widely credited with elevating KEPSA’s influence, particularly through the institutionalization of the Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) framework. This mechanism has allowed private sector stakeholders to engage directly with the government on policy formulation, legislative improvements, and economic reforms, effectively positioning KEPSA as a key partner in the country’s development agenda. Her advocacy efforts have focused on diverse areas, including youth employment, small and medium enterprise (SME) development, and climate-conscious business practices. In recognition of her contributions to national development and her impact on the business ecosystem, Kariuki has received numerous accolades. She was awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) in 2012 by President Mwai Kibaki and the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) in 2021 by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Her expertise is further reflected in her service on the boards of several influential institutions, including the United States International University–Africa (USIU-Africa), the Special Economic Zones Authority, and the National Council of Administrative Justice, among others. Her career serves as a significant example of the impact of structured private-sector advocacy in emerging economies.
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Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Sociology from the University of Nairobi.
Earned a Master of Public Administration and International Affairs from Bowling Green State University, Ohio.
Worked at the Sagamore Institute for Public Policy Research in Indianapolis, serving as a liaison between the institute and KEPSA.
News articles featuring Carole Kariuki
Rejoined the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) as Program Manager in 2009.
Appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) in 2010.
Received the Head of State's Commendation (HSC) in 2011 for national development contributions.
Named one of the Top 40 Under 40 Women in Business in Kenya by Business Daily Africa in 2011.
Received the Contribution to Society Award from Nairobi Chapel in 2011.
Received the 'Outstanding Role in Creating Public Private Partnerships' award from ILO Kenya Women Entrepreneurship Development in 2011.
Named one of the Top 40 Under 40 Women in Business in Kenya by Business Daily Africa in 2012 (consecutive award).
Voted 'Extraordinary Personality to Inspire the Future' by Entrepreneurship Clubs of Kenyan Universities in 2012.
Awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) by President Mwai Kibaki in 2012 for contributions to national development.
Ranked 14th in the 'Choiseul 100 Africa: Economic Leaders for Tomorrow' by Institut Choiseul in 2015.
Received the Women Leadership Achievement Award from the World Women Leadership Congress and Awards in 2015.
Received the International Advocacy Award from Institut Amadeus in 2014.
Inducted into the Global Women Leaders Hall of Fame by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development in 2017.
Received the Global Female Leadership Impact Award in 2017.
Received the Women Super Achiever Award from the World Women Leadership Congress and Awards in 2017.
Appointed to the board of directors at East African Cables Limited in 2019.
Ranked second in the Top 25 CEOs list in the Business Monthly East Africa 25th Anniversary edition in 2020.
Awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2021 for contributions to national development.
Nominated among the Top 25 CEOs setting the Business Agenda by Business Monthly East Africa in 2021.
Recognized as one of the Top 100 Women CEOs in Africa by Reset Global People, Pulse, and Avance Media in 2019.