NIBS founder leaves legacy of charity and hard work

The late Elizabeth “Lizzie” Muthoni Wanyoike was known to be an embodiment of strong, independent and go-getter mentality.

She is known to have inspired and empowered many with her philanthropic nature throughout her life. She was well-known as the chief executive and founder of NIBS Technical College, Lizzie Wanyoike Preparatory Schools and the famously known Emory Hotel.

Her journey through life was marked by myriad challenges, with her family facing adversity after her father’s involvement with the Mau Mau movement.

Born on November 28, 1951, as the sixth born in a family of 10 siblings, the educationist grew up in a poor family to become one of the most famous female businesspersons who have beaten all odds to achieve the legacy she leaves behind.

Her father, a village chief and her mother, a peasant housewife struggled to educate her, first at Gathuki-ini Primary School in Murang’a before she moved to Kahuhia Girls High School where she graduated with a High School Diploma.

Her splendid performance earned her admission at Kenyatta University where she studied education before graduating with a Diploma in the field.

Muthoni got her first job as a secondary school teacher in 1972 and was posted at State House Girls School in Nairobi, earning less than Sh100 monthly.

She quit the job in 1975 and, together with other business partners established Temple College of Secretarial Studies in Nairobi. Having served as the institution principal and instructor, ideological differences between her and the other partners about expansion of the school made her quit the job.

In 1999, Muthoni began another journey of faith and, using the savings plus another bank loan established the famous NIBS college in rented premises. The school started with 25 students and two teachers in the year 2000.

NIBS headquarters would later be put up at the Kimbo area of Juja, Kiambu attracting a higher population of students.

By 2018, the institution that expanded to Thika Town, Nairobi Central Business District and Ongata Rongai had over 6,000 students and over 200 teachers.

Beyond education, Muthoni, in January 2018 ventured into the hospitality business establishing a five-star hotel in the neighbourhood of Kileleshwa.

Commercial services

Identified as Emory Hotel, the development has been offering commercial services besides serving as NIBS’ hospitality students’ practical training ground.

Wanyoike’s wealth can also be traced in the real estate and stock market sectors where she diversified in her quest to establish an empire.

As a young and quite educated lady, she had set her goals for the future. In an interview, she revealed her young thoughts where she pictured herself married in Nairobi with five kids. But as fate would Have it, her perfectly visualised happily ever after became a fairy tale.

In her final year in college, she went to a parastatal where she worked on holidays. In one of her interviews on (metha ya gathoni) she opened up on finally dating the senior manager of where she worked on her holidays who later became her husband.

Subsequently, she found out she was pregnant. This was tough news for her since at that time she was not yet married and she did not want to go back home. Her parents were Christians and therefore she didn’t want to tarnish the reputation of her family. The man took full responsibility and they bore three kids additionally with her three step children.

With the help of her husband and other investors they established Temple College of Secretarial Studies in Nairobi.

They divorced after 25 years of marriage.

She received several awards such as Trailblazer Business of the year award, the order of the Grand warrior of Kenya (OGW), The Moran of the order of the burning spear (MBS) and was recognised as the top 100-woman Entrepreneur in 2012. Muthoni who is said to have been battling cancer died on January 14 aged 72.

She will be remembered for her charitable work such as sponsoring disadvantaged students at NIBS and supporting others through their secondary education.

Her family described her as a remarkable educator with a passion in igniting minds and who dedicated her life to touching hearts.

“A beacon of wisdom, she left an indelible mark on countless lives, shaping futures with grace,” statement by the family.