WHO IS NURU MUGAMBI?

Nuru Mugambi's journey is a powerful testament to resilience and determination. At just 19, she made the bold decision to pursue her studies in the USA, driven by the desire to follow her elder sister and forge her own path. She embraced part-time jobs on campus, including catering, to make ends meet while studying business strategy at Kennesaw State University. Over the years, Nuru’s grit paid off as she transitioned from casual jobs to securing a coveted internship at Edelman PR, the world's largest public relations firm. After years of experience and a Master’s degree, Nuru was headhunted by Barclays Bank in Kenya, allowing her to return home after over a decade abroad. Today, she has spearheaded the Kenya Sustainable Finance Principles and a Capacity Building Program, training over 33,000 bankers. Nuru also helped draft the Kenya Economic Strategy and designed the Kenya Green Bond Program, establishing the first green bond market in East and Central Africa. Additionally, she developed the first digital accessibility framework for persons with disabilities in Kenya’s banking industry, democratizing access to banking services and setting a new standard for mobile banking across the continent.

At 33, Nuru Mugambi faced a dire prognosis when doctors informed her that she would be lucky to see 40, after enduring a series of inconclusive tests that ultimately diagnosed her with lupus, an autoimmune disease. Initially, her thirties began positively with the birth of her daughter, Makena, but her health took a dramatic turn when unexplained symptoms arose. After a pharmacist's insistence on further testing, she learned the truth about her condition, leading to a blunt and tactless consultation with a specialist who delivered grim predictions about her future. Instead of succumbing to despair, Nuru chose to reject the negative outlook and focus on building her mental resilience. Having learned to adjust her lifestyle to manage her condition while maintaining a positive perspective on life and motherhood, she is now 47 and we all continue to give thanks for the blessing of the many years she has shared with her family.