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.