This archive report was first published on 30 September 2021.
September 30, 2021, marked a significant milestone in the life of Lizzie Wanyoike, a Kenyan billionaire woman who has inspired countless individuals with her rags-to-riches story.
Born in the 1950s in Murang'a County, Lizzie's journey began with humble beginnings. She attended Gathuki-ini Primary School and later Kahuhia Girls High School, where she graduated with a high school diploma.
Her academic pursuits continued at Kenyatta College (now Kenyatta University), where she earned a Diploma in Education. However, her life took a dramatic turn when she became pregnant and got married in 1972 to a divorced man with three children.
Despite the challenges, Lizzie persevered and began her life-long dream as a secondary school teacher at State House Girls' School in Nairobi. She earned Ksh 961 a month, but her marriage was not working, and she eventually left her husband's house without any assets.
Undeterred, Lizzie used her savings of Ksh6 million to secure a Ksh4 million loan and began the Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS). The business struggled initially but eventually picked up, and today, it has over 6,000 learners, staff numbering over 250 on four campuses.
Lizzie has also built a four-star hotel in Kileleshwa for business and hospitality training. Her newest addition is Lizzie Wanyoike Preparatory School, which boasts a warm learning environment and dedicated teachers providing an exciting, ever-evolving curriculum.
