Mercy Gakii-Muiruri, head of investor relations at Kenya Pension Funds Investment Consortium (Kepfic), has outlined her career progression and initiatives to direct pension fund investments toward infrastructure development. With 12 years of experience in pension management, investment banking, and insurance, she emphasizes strategic financial planning and portfolio diversification.
Born in Kibirichia, Meru County, Gakii-Muiruri earned a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Science in Finance with a focus on investments in 2015. Her professional journey began in 2009 as an intern at Remu MicroFinance, later transitioning to roles at Heritage Insurance and African Alliance Investment Bank. After a career break during the 2020 pandemic to care for her third child, she rejoined the workforce in 2021, leading Kepfic's efforts to allocate 10% of pension funds toward infrastructure projects under Retirement Benefits Authority guidelines.
Gakii-Muiruri highlighted key career decisions, including a 2019 move to Enwealth Financial Services, where she launched a Ugandan subsidiary, and a 2020 pause to prioritize family. She credited her husband's support and emphasized mentorship, citing her sponsorship of a disadvantaged student aspiring to become a neurosurgeon. Her current role involves expanding Kepfic's infrastructure investments while advocating for youth financial literacy and pension scheme engagement.
She envisions Kenya's private sector driving infrastructure development, stating, "Private sector financing can make Kenya self-reliant." Gakii-Muiruri also stressed the importance of long-term savings, urging Kenyans to understand pension fund investments and participate in governance through trustee roles.
