NIBS founder Lizzie Wanyoike buried in Murang'a

Lizzie Muthoni Wanyoike, the founder of Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS) Technical College and Emory Hotel who succumbed to Cancer 10 days ago, has been laid to rest at her rural home in Gatanga, Murang’a County.

Family and friends eulogized the late Muthoni as an astute businesswoman, a philanthropist, and a trailblazer whose legacy will live on for generations. 

“If I had the privilege of witnessing your grace and resilience in the face of challenges. You told me that strength isn’t about muscle but the fortitude of spirit. Your unwavering commitment to family and unbreakable spirit in times of adversity has been the bedrock of our family’s unity,” her son Anthony Wanyoike said.

“Cucu has taught us many things throughout her life like how to have a generous life no matter what,” her granddaughter Muthoni Wanyoike added.

Political leaders who attended the burial ceremony described the late as a mentor to the girl child in the country.

“You can imagine a woman who goes to Nairobi, she conquers Nairobi, she creates wealth in Nairobi, she employs people in Nairobi. We have a singular duty to make other young children in particular girls new Lizzies of the next generation,” Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata said.

Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth added: “One thing I saw in Mama Tony was the vision she had, but more importantly the passion she had in implementing her own vision. There are very many PhDs in town which means ‘Put her Down,’ she never allowed any of the PhDs to pull her down.”

The late Muthoni who succumbed to Cancer on January 14, 2024 was also the founder of Lizzie Wanyoike Preparatory and Senior Senior School, a successful journey that the family attributes to her hard work, passion to see young people excel and desire to create change in the community.

“Lizzie recognized that a community thrives when its members support one another and she took it upon herself to ensure no one in Ruiru went to bed hungry,” Allan Njenga, the NIBS Administrator, said.

Her excellent way of life in the education sector and business field drew a lot of admiration not just locally but abroad making her win accolades such as The Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year - Women Category 2018, The Diar Award Entrepreneur of the Year - Diversity and Inclusion Kenya - 2018, The Top Women in Business Award, The Trailblazer woman in Business of the year award 2018 and the Top 100 Kenyans 2021.

Lizzie Wanyoike passed on at the age of 73 years and has left behind three children and 12 grandchildren.