Lizzie Wanyoike: Visionary Founder of NIBS Technical College and Emory Hotel Laid to Rest
Lizzie Muthoni Wanyoike, the visionary founder of Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS) Technical College and Emory Hotel, who lost her battle with cancer a decade ago, has been laid to rest at her rural residence in Gatanga, Murang’a County.
During the burial ceremony, family and friends paid tribute to the late Muthoni, celebrating her as a savvy businesswoman, a philanthropist, and a trailblazer whose impact will resonate for generations.
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Anthony Wanyoike, her son, expressed, “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.”
Muthoni Wanyoike, her granddaughter, added, “Cucu has taught us many things throughout her life like how to have a generous life no matter what.”
Political leaders present at the burial emphasized the late Muthoni’s role as a mentor for the girl child in the country. Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata remarked, “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.”
Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth concurred, stating, “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. The family attributes her success to hard work, a passion for youth empowerment, and a desire to create positive change in the community.
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Allan Njenga, the NIBS Administrator, remarked, “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.”
Her exemplary contributions to education and business garnered admiration both locally and internationally, earning her prestigious 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 away at the age of 73, leaving behind three children and 12 grandchildren.
Lizzie Wanyoike: Visionary Founder of NIBS Technical College and Emory Hotel Laid to Rest
