The founder of the Nairobi Institute of Business Studies, Lizzie Muthoni Wanyoike has passed away at the age of 72 years old.
In a statement confirming her departure on Sunday 14th January, the family stated that Wanyoike succumbed to an unknown disease.
Wanyoike whose unwavering love for education was quite clear, is also the the founder of Lizzie Preparatory Schools.
Her family has mourned her as a key player in terms of scaling the heights of education to a greater level in the country and also an entrepreneur powerhouse.
“In loving memory of a remarkable educator. Her passion ignited minds, and her kindness touched hearts, ” the eulogy read in part.
Wanyoike’s unwavering good humour, courtesy and determination have inspired many individuals across all walks of life, including her family.
” A beacon of wisdom, she left an indelible mark on countless lives, shaping the future with grace, ” Stated in the eulogy.
Lizzie Muthoni Wanyoike’s businesses
The departed Lizzie Muthoni Wanyoike was born in 1951. Her father was a chief whereas her mother was a housewife.
Wanyoike graduated with a Diploma in Education, a course she pursued at Kenyatta University (K.U) before she proceeded to open a Secretarial training college in Nairobi.
An education expert, Wanyoike, invested KSh 100 million to start the Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS) with several students placed at 25.
NIBS today has a total number of students of more than 7,000 with its branches in Thika Town, Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), Ong’ata Rongai, Ruiru and Kimbo.
The deceased is also the founder of Kileleshwa-based four-star hotel Emory Hotel.
On Thursday 28th 2019, the fallen Wanyoike was asked in an interview some of the challenges she went through before becoming successful considering she is a woman.
” It was tough fighting over the property with the landlord who had leased it to me because I had started just out . I also faced stiff competition from other older institutions, and that meant that I had to be trustworthy and meet the set standards. Since my business mainly involves nurturing the youth. I have faced many challenges. ” Wanyoike said in a past interview.
What Kenyan leaders said about Lizzie Wanyoike’s death
The death of Wanyoike has left Kenyans with broken hearts with leaders continuing to send outflowing messages of condolence to the family and her close friends.
” The nation mourns the loss of an education icon, Madam Lizzie Wanyoike, founder and Director of Nairobi Institute of Business Studies, ” National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, wrote on X.
“Sudden by the passing of Lizzie Wanyoike, a true education pioneer in Kenya. Her dedication to Nairobi Institute of Business Studies as a founder and Director, and the countless students she touched over the years, is an inspiration to us all. Sending heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and the NIBS community, ” Esther Passaris, Nairobi Woman Representative, on X
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