NIBS founder Lizzie Wanyoike dies at 72

Lizzie Muthoni Wanyoike, the founder of the Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS), has died.

Wanyoike, who is also the founder of Lizzie Preparatory Schools and the Hotel Emory, died on Sunday, January 14, 2024 aged 72.

Her family said she was an educator who touched many hearts with her kindness.

“In loving memory of a remarkable educator. Her passion ignited minds, her kindness touched hearts. A beacon of wisdom, she left an indelible mark on countless lives, shaping the future with grace,” read part of a statement announcing her death.

Her funeral and memorial services would be announced at a later date, the family said.

According to records, Lizzie was born in 1951 and her father was a chief while her mother was a housewife.

She studied at the Kenyatta University College, now Kenyatta University (KU) and graduated with a diploma in education. After graduating, she opened a secretarial training college in Nairobi in a partnership, which she later quit.

The former secondary school teacher, Wanyoike launched the business school project in 2000 with a capital of Sh6 million, half of it being credit from Equity Bank, and 25 students.

Read: How I got 6,000 students at city business college

Today, NIBS, which has branches in Thika Town, Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), Kimbo, Ruiru and Ong’ata Rongai, has over 7000 students.

The Emory Hotel is located in Kileleshwa and is a four-star hotel.

Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura mourned Ms Wanyoike, saying she was an educationist and a mentor.

“My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Lizzie Muthoni Wanyoike of NIBS College. An educationist and mentor to many, may she rest in eternal peace,” he said.

Mr Moses Kuria, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Performance and Delivery Management, also mourned the passing of Ms Wanyoike.

“I join the rest of the country in mourning an education icon, Madam Liz Wanyoike of the Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS), who passed away today. Your contribution to the education sector will forever remain in our hearts, you were great in every way. Go well my sister. Our condolences to your family, the Nibs fraternity, the education sector and the nation,” Kuria said in a statement.

Wanyoike was once married to a former Member of Parliament (MP) but they later divorced.