Lizzie Wanyoike Obituary
Lizzie Muthoka Wanyoike, also known as Elizabeth Muthoka, left an indelible mark as a Kenyan businesswoman, entrepreneur, educator, and philanthropist. Born in the 1950s in Murang’a County, she emerged as a trailblazer despite humble beginnings in a family of ten siblings, where financial means were limited, with her father serving as a village chief and her mother as a peasant housewife.
lizzie wanyoike preparatory school
Lizzie’s educational journey started at Gathuki-ini Primary School in Wathenge, Muranga County, and later continued at Kahuhia Girls High School in Karuri, Muranga County, where she graduated with a High School Diploma. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to Kenyatta University College (now Kenyatta University), where she earned a Diploma in Education.
Beginning her career in 1972 as a secondary school teacher at State House Girls’ School in Nairobi, with a monthly salary of KSh 961 (approx. US$140 at the time), Lizzie quickly realized that her true calling lay beyond working for others. In 1975, in collaboration with her husband and other business partners, she co-founded Temple College of Secretarial Studies, based in Nairobi.
As Principal and instructor at Temple College, Lizzie Wanyoike envisioned expanding the course offerings and increasing student intake. However, her proposals were met with resistance from the management. Undeterred, in 1999, armed with savings of KSh 6 million (US$60,000) and a KSh 4 million (US$40,000) bank loan from Equity Bank Kenya Limited, she took a courageous step. Lizzie departed from Temple College and founded the Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS).
NIBS, under her leadership as the founder and CEO, became a testament to Lizzie Wanyoike’s resilience, vision, and commitment to education. Her journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing how determination and entrepreneurship can overcome challenges, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on the educational landscape in Kenya.