BY LEONARD KIBOR
On the evening of December 8 last year, women – leaders and aspiring –thronged into the 5-star Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi converging for the annual Managing in Heels Dinner (MIH) organized by the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM).
This was the eleventh edition of the event which brings together women from diverse professional fields and different leadership cadres to celebrate women’s progress and achievements.
Themed “ Innovative Leadership; Women Inspiring Change”, the event was graced by Central Bank of Kenya Deputy Governor Dr. Susan Koech and attended by women trailblazers like Dr. Lydia Muriuki, Chair of the KIM governing Council, Commissioner Njoki Kahiga among others.
Attendees were greeted by the golden ambiance of the Stanely Hotel’s Simba ballroom with tables dressed to match the theme of the occasion. Dinner was served as soon as the house was full with many having begun with by taking appetizing soup; others opted for dips or salad.
The bold dress code of elegant African with some formal touch demonstrated the royalty and confidence of the women in attendance. Music was a mix of old and modern Afro beats with a focus on women artists.
Dr. Muriithi Ndegwa, CEO of KIM in his introductory speech reiterated the Institute’s commitment to supporting women’s endeavors and urged that “innovation in leadership goes beyond adopting the latest technologies or implementing new strategies. It starts with a mindset — a willingness to challenge the status quo and embrace creativity in problem-solving.”
The chief guest, Dr. Susan Koech noted that women still face an uphill task navigating a world that often seems designed to keep them down. She rallied women leaders not to play victims but instead be the architects of their destinies. She urged women to break down stereotypes and demonstrate capabilities that they can bring to the table.
