Dr. Jennifer Riria is an entrepreneur and Corporate Executive. She serves as a CEO of Kenyan Holding Group, a micro-finance, banking and insurance group. Dr. Riria joined Kenya Women Finance Trust (KWFT) in 1991, a microfinance financial institution, founded in 1982. In 2010, the institution was split into Kenya Women Microfinance Bank and Kenya Women Holding Limited. The holding company re-branded to Echo Network Africa Limited, in February 2018. Jennifer is the incumbent CEO of the holding company.
Dr Riria was the winner of the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year Award, of Kenya in 2014. She also serves as chairwoman of Women’s World Banking, a global microfinance network consisting of over 53 MFIs from 30 countries. She is a supporter and promoter of the Educate the Net 235 Girls programme. The initiative supports needy girls in their education.
She has served on the boards of Kenyan and international organizations, including at the Nairobi Stock Exchange, being the first female to serve in that capacity. She has also served on the boards of Jitegemee Trust Limited, a microfinance company, National Bank of Kenya, and Kenya Post Office Savings Bank. Jennifer Riria is the author of two books; an autobiography and A History of Higher Education in Kenya. Both books were launched in June 2014.
She was awarded the 3rd Class, Moran of the Burning Spear