2014 Tutu Fellow Risper Alaro Mukoto has been named by Business Monthly East Africa in a year-end series as one of the top 20 Most Powerful Women in Finance in East Africa in 2024. The publisher of the magazine, Hanningtone Gaya, that "in the grand theatre of finance, traditionally a playground for men dominated by calculated risk, numbers, and cold logic, the tides are shifting. This evolution of leadership is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of women, who are reshaping the industry with a focus on human centricity – a quality now synonymous with authentic leadership. We are witnessing a renaissance, where women bring a fresh approach that balances strength with empathy and integrity, transforming the financial world."

Risper is the CEO of Centum Business Solutions. Centum’s has a diversified investment portfolio that Business Monthly says is valued at Ksh48 billion. Risper’s role involves ensuring the financial health of the company, providing strategic oversight, and implementing financial controls to safeguard Centum’s portfolio. In this role, Risper leverages her exceptional skills in financial management and operations to ensure that the company remains a leader in the East African investment sector space. At Centum, she has successfully led the structuring of various debt and equity financing deals, including the issuance of a $49 million bond – the largest private placement in the history of Kenyan capital markets at the time, marking a significant achievement for both Centum and the broader financial community.

Business Monthly East Africa said that the attributes of human-centric leadership allow women to lead in a way that puts people, rather than profits alone, at the centre. The series is part of the publication's focus on Kenya at 60.  The publisher says "Among these phenomenal women are trailblazers who have not only navigated the complexities of finance but have also redefined what it means to lead with both strength and compassion. They have broken glass ceilings, forged new paths, and emerged as leaders whose influence extends beyond the financial sector into the realms of innovation, philanthropy, and social impact. They are the heartbeat of their companies, steering them towards prosperity while ensuring that no one gets left behind."

The full article can be read on the Publisher's website. 

Header Image - Risper Alaro image source: the Nairobi Securities Exchange site in the leadership section.