Connect with us

Feature

Naomi Munyi: Trail blazing in the insurance maze

Published

4 years ago

on

By Harriet Ogayo

Naomi Munyi is the general manager, strategy and innovation, at ICEA Lion Group and the highest-ranking female officer in the organisation. With three decades in the industry, it has taken grit, sacrifices and hard work to get to this position. She takes HARRIET OGAYO down memory lane, recounting her greatest influences and her take on women empowerment.

Coming from a home where her mother was very hands-on and keen on her eight children making the best out of life, Naomi Munyi, 56, knew from a young age the importance of hard work. House chores and schoolwork took centre stage and at the instruction of their mother, the leader of the women’s fellowship at their local church, their duties extended to helping out at church activities every other day. They would particularly help out with cleaning and cooking for the elderly around their village.

“I think that experience and my interaction with the elderly is the source of my blessings today,” says Naomi.

Right from her secondary school years at Chuka Girls High School, Naomi excelled in accounting and it only made sense that she pursues it. After her A-levels in St. Mary’s Girls’, she went on to the University of Nairobi where she majored in accounting. She felt that her introverted personality suited accounting as it is consistent with people who are not very outgoing.

“I wasn’t the outgoing type so I directed my time and energy towards my studies. I also made a lot of friends who came from similar backgrounds. We would help each other with assignments and from that I made lifelong friends,” she narrates.

Back then, companies would recruit undergraduates as trainees while they were still in campus and Naomi was part of the cohort of about 20 people who went to the Kenya National Assurance Company (KNAC) as management trainees. It is here that she would get a foundation in insurance as in the one year that she was a trainee at the organisation, she got to handle the different functions of an insurance company, giving her a basic understanding of all aspects of the insurance industry. After her training period, she was absorbed into the company where she worked for four years. At the time of leaving, she had climbed up the ranks to senior accountant in charge of accounts.

 

Loise Kamau: Carving her niche in delivery services
Loise Kamanu is the founder and managing director of Modest Collections, a delivery service company that seeks to elevate the conveyance industry, focussing mostly on online traders. She shares her entrepreneurial journey with MONICA MBOGO.
Parents MagazineEditorial

 

“The way KNAC was structured, you only handled an element of finance – either accounts, cash office or investments. I found that arrangement limiting because as an accountant, you should be able to handle all aspects of finance. When ICEA advertised for the position of deputy chief accountant, I applied and got it,” she explains.

Making career headway

In 1994, she joined ICEA and within the first year, the chief accountant resigned. While it was inopportune for the company as it was during an auditing period, the timing was just perfect for Naomi as she was asked to take up the role. Confident in her abilities and those of her team, she happily took it up. Soon after, another staff member’s exit from the company saw her take up administrative duties, which had a more managerial aspect. With the influence of her mother and her experience as head girl during her secondary and A-level years, leadership came easy to her.

After about three years, a change in law required company secretaries to have Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Public Secretary (CPS) qualifications. As if by a stroke of fate, the then group’s company secretary lacked the qualifications which Naomi happened to have, as she had done them on completion of her university course. Having been promoted to financial controller, she once again took on the extra responsibility.

“When I became the company secretary, my boss then decided that the title – financial controller – did not fit my scope of capabilities and I was made the general manager, administration and finance. It was a bigger responsibility because it encompassed more departments, but one of my strengths is being able to work well with people whether they are directly under me or parallel to me,” expounds Naomi who considers her steady progression in the company as a milestone.

Cognizant that the position required continuous learning, she undertook an MBA in strategic planning from the University of Nairobi. In 2012, when the business was reorganised to form ICEA Lion Group, she became the general manager, finance and strategy, and oversaw the group strategy for 2013-2017, as well as the 2018-2022 strategy in her current role.

 

Fred Waswa: Making waves in the pension business
Fred Waswa is the founder and CEO of Octagon Africa Financial Services Ltd, a formidable force in the pensions sector. He speaks with HARRIET OGAYO on his career trajectory, which is a testament of his entrepreneurial spirit.
Parents MagazineHarriet Ogayo

 

The true mark of a leader

Having been in a leadership position for a majority of her career, Naomi’s ultimate goal is to support others to become leaders as well. As such, she attests to having trained at least one person in most of the major insurance companies in the country.

As a woman in leadership, she is also happy to see more women are taking up leadership roles and that more and more places are opening up to having women at the helm. However, she cautions against tokenism as according to her, it slows down progress in society.

“I don’t believe in giving women positions just because they are women. In fact, I find that quite belittling because women are capable of getting there by merit. We might be disadvantaged because we are fewer in the decision-making process but it is something that can be undone,” she says emphatically.

With several people passing through her hands, she is keen that people who interact with her make the most out of their careers. Consequently, she advises young people starting out in their careers to always have the end in mind urging them to live within their means and save for the future.

“Start learning as early as possible the things that pertain to your profession as you interact with others in the field. You need to be focussed and have a personal plan that covers your career and social life. The problem is that a lot of young people are impatient yet career growth calls for some patience,” she muses.

And as the world gears to celebrate International Women’s Day, Naomi is grateful for the lessons from her mother who acknowledged the importance of the day and would commemorate it with women from her church. She also would assign her and her siblings equal responsibilities, regardless of their gender, which was empowering.

Passionate about the girl-child, Naomi is happy that it is truly coming full circle as she also mentors young ladies on life skills. She is also fortunate to be surrounded by great mentors herself who have been instrumental in her career as well.

She, however, decries some of the practices in the insurance sector such as competition over value to customers.

“Insurance is meant to build capacity for the citizens, government and other entities but sometimes the people in insurance devalue that aspect and compete based on price which is really disappointing,” remarks the seasoned insurance professional.

That said, she is excited for the opportunities that technology presents for the sector, especially as she is in charge of innovation.

 

10 tips for female entrepreneurs
Fear of failure is a major factor influencing most women from venturing into entrepreneurship. The only way to overcome this is to just start.
Parents MagazineFundi Kevin

 

Work-life balance

While most would definitely term her career trajectory as a success, Naomi considers the fact that her two children turned out well as her greatest success. Despite challenges with work-life balance, she opines that motherhood is very rewarding, especially seeing the values she imparted reflected in their lives.

She also credits her husband of 32 years for being a strong support system. Her extended family and an empowered house manager also ensured that she did not drop the ball at work and at home. This especially came in handy when pursuing her Master’s degree and had to maximise her time, studying in the morning and at lunch hour to ensure she still had time for her family. Her friends, most from her campus years, were also very understanding as her social life had become non-existent and they remain as close as ever.

As such, she encourages those in her team to dedicate time to their families the same way they would to their work.

“I’m very supportive of families and I encourage my team to ensure they give time to their families. If you have a meeting at school, slot in it your calendar the same way you would a work meeting. With parenting, you may not be able to pick things up if you drop the ball,” she concludes.

This article was first published in the March issue of Parents Magazine

 

The edition that celebrates fathers!
Commentator extraordinaire, Hassan Mwana Wa Ali graces our cover with his wife and son in our June issue. He takes us through his 10-year journey in the media industry, marriage life and his heart’s desire to mentor young people.

 

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Feature

The Festival of Breaking the Fast: Understanding Eid al-Fitr

Published

3 weeks ago

on

March 19, 2026

By

As the crescent moon appears in the night sky, marking the end of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, millions of people around the world transition from a period of deep reflection to one of vibrant celebration. Eid ul-Fitr, often called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of the most significant dates in the calendar, representing a harmonious blend of spiritual accomplishment and communal joy.

Why is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?

Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a month-long period where observers fast from dawn until sunset. The celebration is, at its core, a way to show gratitude. After thirty days of practising self-discipline, patience, and increased charity, the festival serves as a reward for the spiritual “marathon” completed during the holy month.

It is also a time to celebrate the revelation of the Quran, which is believed to have begun during the final ten days of Ramadan. By completing the fast, individuals celebrate the strength and willpower they gained, reinforcing their commitment to their values for the year ahead.

The importance of the day

Eid ul-Fitr is far more than just a day off from work or a festive meal; it serves several critical functions:

  • It acts as a bridge between the intense devotion of the previous month and a return to daily life, carrying forward the lessons of empathy and mindfulness.

  • The day begins with a special congregational prayer. This gathering brings together people from all walks of life, emphasising equality and unity within the community.

  • A key pillar of the holiday is Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity given before Eid prayers. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial status, can enjoy a festive meal and join the celebration.

What does Eid al-Fitr mean?

While the literal translation is “the feast of breaking the fast,” the deeper meaning of Eid revolves around renewal.

  1. Many view the day as an opportunity to start fresh. It is a traditional time for reconciling differences, forgiving past grievances, and strengthening bonds with family and neighbours.

  2. After experiencing the hunger and thirst of a fast, the “Fitr” (breaking of the fast) takes on a profound meaning. It is a moment to appreciate the necessities of life (food, water, and health) that are often taken for granted.

  3. Beyond the religious context, it is a day defined by hospitality. Homes are opened, special sweets are shared, and children often receive gifts or Eid (money), creating a sense of wonder and belonging that lasts a lifetime. 

Common traditions around the world

While customs vary by region, a few hallmarks remain constant:

  • Wearing new or best-quality clothes to honour the occasion.

  • In many cultures, the holiday is nicknamed the “Sweet Eid” due to the variety of desserts, like sheer khurma or baklava, served to guests.

  • The universal phrase used to wish others well is “Eid Mubarak,” which translates to “Have a blessed Eid.”

In essence, Eid al-Fitr is a beautiful reminder that discipline leads to joy, and that the greatest celebrations are those shared with others.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

Continue Reading

Feature

The Festival of Breaking the Fast: Understanding Eid al-Fitr

Published

3 weeks ago

on

March 19, 2026

By

As the crescent moon appears in the night sky, marking the end of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, millions of people around the world transition from a period of deep reflection to one of vibrant celebration. Eid ul-Fitr, often called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of the most significant dates in the calendar, representing a harmonious blend of spiritual accomplishment and communal joy.

Why is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?

Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a month-long period where observers fast from dawn until sunset. The celebration is, at its core, a way to show gratitude. After thirty days of practising self-discipline, patience, and increased charity, the festival serves as a reward for the spiritual “marathon” completed during the holy month.

It is also a time to celebrate the revelation of the Quran, which is believed to have begun during the final ten days of Ramadan. By completing the fast, individuals celebrate the strength and willpower they gained, reinforcing their commitment to their values for the year ahead.

The importance of the day

Eid ul-Fitr is far more than just a day off from work or a festive meal; it serves several critical functions:

  • It acts as a bridge between the intense devotion of the previous month and a return to daily life, carrying forward the lessons of empathy and mindfulness.

  • The day begins with a special congregational prayer. This gathering brings together people from all walks of life, emphasising equality and unity within the community.

  • A key pillar of the holiday is Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity given before Eid prayers. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial status, can enjoy a festive meal and join the celebration.

What does Eid al-Fitr mean?

While the literal translation is “the feast of breaking the fast,” the deeper meaning of Eid revolves around renewal.

  1. Many view the day as an opportunity to start fresh. It is a traditional time for reconciling differences, forgiving past grievances, and strengthening bonds with family and neighbours.

  2. After experiencing the hunger and thirst of a fast, the “Fitr” (breaking of the fast) takes on a profound meaning. It is a moment to appreciate the necessities of life (food, water, and health) that are often taken for granted.

  3. Beyond the religious context, it is a day defined by hospitality. Homes are opened, special sweets are shared, and children often receive gifts or Eid (money), creating a sense of wonder and belonging that lasts a lifetime. 

Common traditions around the world

While customs vary by region, a few hallmarks remain constant:

  • Wearing new or best-quality clothes to honour the occasion.

  • In many cultures, the holiday is nicknamed the “Sweet Eid” due to the variety of desserts, like sheer khurma or baklava, served to guests.

  • The universal phrase used to wish others well is “Eid Mubarak,” which translates to “Have a blessed Eid.”

In essence, Eid al-Fitr is a beautiful reminder that discipline leads to joy, and that the greatest celebrations are those shared with others.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

Continue Reading

Feature

Living with Parents vs Moving Out Featuring Hoch Muhoro

Published

2 months ago

on

February 2, 2026

By

Modern times have pushed the narrative of moving out at 20 or 21, and it has largely been embraced. While the parents’ home is seen as a free place you pay for with your mental health, it is a strategic base for many and a point of debate for others.

Let’s explore both sides of this dilemma, using the case of Kenyan creator Hoch Muhoro to anchor the conversation.

Is moving out a strategic sanctuary or stunted growth?

For decades, the metric of success for a young African adult was defined by finishing school, getting a job, and getting your own roof. To stay a day longer was to invite whispers of a failure narrative. However, as the cost of living in cities like Nairobi skyrockets and the digital economy changes how we work, the rules of independence are being rewritten.

Hoch Muhoro redefining narratives

The conversation recently reached a fever pitch following the story of Hoch Muhoro, a  Kenyan digital creator who lives with his mother. To traditionalists, his situation is an anomaly, perhaps even a failure. But to a growing number of digital nomads and strategic savers, Hoch represents a bold counter-narrative.

Hoch argues that his choice isn’t about an inability to provide but about companionship, care, and the rejection of societal timelines that don’t serve the individual. His relationship with his mother, documented with transparency, highlights a shift from dependence to intentional cohabitation.

The argument for moving out

Proponents of moving out early argue that the cold world is the only place where true character is built. There is a unique psychological drive that comes from knowing your next meal depends entirely on your hustle. This survival mode often sparks the creativity and resilience needed to excel in competitive industries.

Living alone offers the freedom to fail, to host, and to explore one’s identity without the background noise of parental expectations or curfews. In many circles, including the dating market, living at home carries a stigma of immaturity that can be hard to shake, regardless of your bank balance.

The argument for staying home

On the flip side, the Hoch Muhoro approach offers benefits that the struggle-to-pay-rent lifestyle cannot match. By eliminating rent, individuals can funnel that capital into investments, equipment for digital creation, or emergency funds.

The isolation of life alone can be brutal. Multigenerational living provides a support system that wards off the loneliness often associated with early adulthood. Living at home also allows adult children to support ageing parents, creating a symbiotic relationship rather than a parasitic one.

Context is necessary

Is it better to move out? The answer is not a yes or no, but a when and why. If staying at home makes you lazy, complacent, and fearful, it is a cage. But if, like Hoch Muhoro, it provides the peace of mind to create and the opportunity to cherish family bonds, then it is a strategic advantage.

Independence isn’t just about having your name on a lease; it’s about the ability to make decisions that best serve your future self. Maybe the most adult thing you can do is ignore the neighbours and stay where you are supported.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2017 Zox News Theme. Theme by MVP Themes, powered by WordPress.