I am the eighth of 10 children, and took careers advice from one of my elder sisters. She suggested accountancy and paid my fees to attend Strathmore University in Nairobi, where I took my ACCA qualification. Subsequently I studied for a CPA qualification in Kenya, and took an MSc in accountancy at the University of London.
Working for a single firm for 24 years has given me a solid platform for growing my career. The only potential disadvantage in staying with a single organisation over many years is that you may not have the opportunity to grow professionally, but that is not an issue I have faced. I started off as a junior and today I head the tax practice, leading a large number of staff. I am also involved in the mentorship of younger staff, lead the tax training (I love it, as it keeps me on my toes, particularly when presenting to highly knowledgeable accountants), handle our media engagements and work with the National Treasury. I am appreciated in the market and have a voice that matters.
Standing up for what is right has brought out the inner me
‘Not everyone will like you’ is my favourite saying. It applies no matter how good or bad you are, so it is best to keep moving on. When you appreciate yourself, know your value and who you are, your confidence will keep you going.
I advocate for proper tax governance. It triggers mixed reactions, especially when my perception differs from my audience’s expectations. However, standing up for what is right has brought out the inner me. People appreciate that I stick to my principles and that they can rely on me.
Trying to change government’s mindset is one of the things I enjoy most about my job. Government in Kenya is not always aligned with the reality of life on the ground and as a result businesses often suffer as a result of ambiguously drafted tax laws put on the statute book despite the advice of tax advocates. Parliament is mandated to make and change tax laws but too often the executive wields its influence to align taxes to its own needs rather than those of Kenyan businesses and citizens.
The business community in Kenya is resilient. It needs to be as there are various economic storms and a lack of consistent tax policy that often causes instability. There are also challenges from high operational and energy costs, and the lingering concerns about civil unrest following recent nationwide protests. It can feel like the government does as it pleases and not what the people want.
If I wasn’t an accountant, I’d like to be a mechanical engineer. I am fascinated with anything related to motor vehicles and always wanted to be involved the automotive industry. It’s why I spend much of my own time on motor sports – I love them all, but the World Rally Championship in particular.
