Brenda Mbathi
Brenda Mbathi is a distinguished Kenyan executive renowned for her transformative leadership across corporate relations, sustainability, and innovation in East Africa. With over three decades of experience, she has shaped impactful strategies in the realms of policy, government affairs, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Raised in Meru and having endured sexual abuse as a child, Brenda’s personal journey shaped her unwavering commitment to empowering young girls. She founded a pioneering programme that provides life skills, sexual abuse awareness, and mentorship to more than 10,000 girls across Kenya. Her initiative also trains teachers, caregivers, and religious institutions on gender-sensitive education and child protection—creating safe environments for girls to thrive.
Professionally, Brenda’s ascendancy in corporate Kenya is marked by several high-profile leadership roles: In 2015, Brenda joined General Electric (GE) as Executive Director for Government Affairs & Policy across Eastern Africa. She rapidly ascended to lead GE’s CSR operations under the “Kujenga” brand in Sub-Saharan Africa, steering the company’s vision for public-private partnerships and sustainable community development. In 2019, she was appointed CEO of GE East Africa, becoming part of GE’s Africa Leadership Team, where she expanded GE’s footprint in power, healthcare, and aviation sectors.
In July 2023, Brenda attained a historic milestone by becoming the first CEO of the Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Centre (TRIFIC)—a bold initiative by Centum Investment Company to establish Nairobi’s Two Rivers development as a world-class Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Under her guidance, the SEZ secured a substantial Sh 6.1 billion investment from Vantage Capital to build and fit out the TRIFIC North Tower, with plans to develop over 76,800 m² of additional office space—projected to generate 10,000 jobs and attract around USD 65 million in foreign direct investment.
Brenda’s leadership exemplifies a powerful blend of strategic vision and social responsibility. At GE, she elevated the company’s engagement with governments and communities across East Africa, fostering long-term partnerships and inclusive growth. At TRIFIC, she has driven the operationalization of a landmark SEZ, attracting global and regional enterprises and laying the foundation for economic transformation through infrastructure and investment. Her career stands out as a model of female leadership, local empowerment, and sustainable development in the corporate sector.
Famous Quote
I’m passionate about child support because children, especially girls, are suffering in silence.
— Brenda Mbathi
