Lizzie Wanyoike Biography
Lizzie Muthoni Wanyoike, formerly Elizabeth Muthoni, was a Kenyan entrepreneur, educator, and philanthropist, known for founding and leading the Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS). Sadly, Liz Wanyoike passed away at the age of 73 on January 14, 2024, after a battle with cancer.
Lizzie Wanyoike Early Life and Education
Lizzie Wanyoike was born in the 1950s in Murang'a County. She was the sixth of ten siblings in a family of limited means, with her father working as a village chief and her mother as a housewife. She attended Gathuki-ini Primary School in Wathenge, Muranga County, before moving to Kahuhia Girls High School in Karuri, where she graduated with a High School Diploma. Later, she attended Kenyatta University College (now Kenyatta University), where she earned a Diploma in Education.
Lizzie Wanyoike Career
In 1972, she began her career as a secondary school teacher at State House Girls' School in Nairobi, earning a monthly salary of KSh 961 (approximately US$140 at the time). However, she soon realized that working for others was not her calling. In 1975, together with her husband and business partners, she established Temple College of Secretarial Studies in Nairobi.
Despite her efforts to expand the college's offerings and student intake, her proposals were rejected by the management. In 1999, she left Temple College with savings of KSh6 million (US$60,000) and a bank loan of KSh4 million (US$40,000) from Equity Bank Kenya Limited to establish NIBS.
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| Lizzie Wanyoike Photo |
Lizzie Wanyoike Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS)
With KSh10 million, Wanyoike founded NIBS in rented premises with 25 students and two teachers in 2000. Despite initial challenges, the institute grew rapidly, and by 2010, it had raised KSh134 million (US$1.34 million) to build its headquarters on a 10-acre property in Ruiru-Kimbo, Kiambu County. By 2018, NIBS had over 6,000 students and 250 instructors across four campuses.
Lizzie Wanyoike NIBS Hotel Kileleshwa
Wanyoike was also involved in developing a five-star hotel in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, which would provide commercial services and serve as a training ground for NIBS' hospitality students during their practical training and internships. The hotel, estimated to cost KSh400 million (US$4 million), received funding from Equity Bank Kenya Limited.
Lizzie Wanyoike Other Ventures
Apart from her work in education, Wanyoike had investments in real estate and the stock market.
Lizzie Wanyoike Foundation
Wanyoike's philanthropic efforts included the Lizzie Wanyoike Foundation, which sponsored over 20 disadvantaged students at NIBS and supported students in other Kenyan high schools.
Lizzie Wanyoike Death
Wanyoike unfortunately passed away on the 14th of January 2024. This is after a battle with cancer. She passed away at the age of 73 leaving many Kenyans dismayed and surprised as she was a great mentor, especially to youths in the society. We will update this information once more information is available to the public.
Our condolescences from the creativemoviearts.blogspot.com team. She was in deed great inspiration. May her soul rest in eternal peace😭😭😭🕊🕊
