College of Insurance CEO Ben Kajwang wins global leadership award

Kajwang received the 7th Global Change Makers Award, organised by Project 100, which recognises individuals for their contributions to corporate leadership, governance, education and social impact.

The award comes weeks after President William Ruto named him a National Hero during the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations held on October 20, 2026, at Uasin Gishu State Lodge.

Kajwang was listed as Hero No. 186 among 264 honourees, recognised under the category of Scholarship, Professionalism and Research for his contribution to the advancement of the insurance sector in Kenya and across Africa.

His latest recognition follows the Bobea Leadership Award, which he received in July 2026 for his work in governance and leadership.

Kajwang has built a career spanning insurance, risk management, education and institutional leadership, with several professional qualifications and leadership positions across the African insurance industry.

He holds a PhD in Strategic Management and is a Chartered Insurer (ACII, UK), an Associate of the Institute of Risk Management (AIRM, UK), and a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of Uganda and the Insurance Institute of Kenya.

He previously served as President of the African Insurance Organisation (AIO) between 2022 and 2023 and chaired the Association of Insurance Trainers and Educators in Africa from 2014 to 2022.

He currently serves as a council member of the Africa Re Foundation, a board member of the AIO Foundation and chairman of the Technical Committee at Kenya's Policyholders Compensation Fund.

At the College of Insurance, Kajwang has overseen the institution's development into a regional centre of excellence, while also spearheading the establishment of the Edge Hotel and Convention Centre, which hosted the 48th African Insurance Organisation Conference.

Beyond his administrative and industry roles, he has authored nine books and more than 70 academic papers, with his work in insurance education extending to Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi and the wider COMESA region.

He has also been involved in training more than 8,500 pension trustees and 5,500 insurance professionals.

His latest award adds an international accolade to a year in which his contribution to insurance education, professional development and leadership has attracted both national and continental recognition.