From Civil Engineer to CEO: Tom Gitogo on Leadership, Curiosity & Growth

From Civil Engineer to CEO: Tom Gitogo on Leadership, Curiosity & Growth

Not every successful career starts with a plan. In this episode of Njeri Talks, Tom Gitogo, Group Managing Director and CEO of Britam Holdings PLC, shares how an unexpected opportunity at PwC led him from studying civil engineering to leading one of East Africa's largest financial services groups. Together, Njeri and Tom explore the role of curiosity in career growth, leading through change, building high-performing teams, and why culture and communication are at the heart of every successful organisation. They also discuss Britam's growth strategy, the future of insurance in Africa, and how AI is transforming customer experience. In this episode you'll learn: * Why "an accident that found me ready" changed Tom's life. * The importance of curiosity over having everything figured out. * How to build trust and culture as a leader. * Lessons from working in Kenya and the UK. * Why strategy only works when everyone understands it. * How AI is reshaping financial services. * The future of insurance and innovation across Africa. Whether you're an aspiring leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to grow your career, this conversation is full of practical insights and timeless leadership lessons.

Sentenced With Her Baby, Betrayed By Her Lawyer & The Fight To Change Kenya's Justice System | Teresa Njoroge Part 2

She walked into court holding her 3 month old daughter. She walked out in handcuffs. No evidence. No witnesses. Sentenced anyway. And from inside Langata Women's Maximum Prison, her own lawyer told her he had been working with the prosecution the entire time. Teresa Njoroge was eventually vindicated by the court of appeal. But the job market never got that memo. In Part 2 of this conversation, Teresa covers the sentencing, life inside Langata, the lawyer's betrayal, the long road to appeal — and why she used all of it to found Clean Start Africa. She also breaks down why 76% of Kenya's prisoners shouldn't be there in the first place — and what it will actually take to change that. ───────────────────────────────────── In this episode: — The judgment that changed everything — Life inside Langata Women's Maximum Prison — The lawyer who was working against her — The appeal and what it actually cost her — Vindicated but still unemployable — Founding Clean Start Africa — Colonial laws still criminalising Kenyans today — Her message to anyone caught in the system ───────────────────────────────────── Njeri Talks is a Kenyan podcast hosted by Njeri Wagacha that goes deep on the business, law, and policy stories shaping everyday Kenyan life. New episodes every month. Follow so you never miss one.

Wrongfully Arrested, Jailed & Vindicated: Teresa Njoroge on Kenya's Broken Justice System Part 1

What happens when the system designed to protect you is the one that destroys you? Teresa Njoroge was a premier relationship banker at the height of her career when a 9.9 million shilling fraudulent transaction — one she didn't commit — changed her life forever. What followed was arrest, termination, Langata Women's Maximum Prison, bribe demands, a lawyer working against her, and a magistrate who sentenced her anyway. After nearly five years navigating Kenya's criminal justice system, Teresa was fully vindicated. And instead of walking away, she built Clean Start Africa — an organisation working to rehabilitate offenders, protect children of incarcerated parents, and remove colonial-era laws that are still sending vulnerable Kenyans to prison today. In this conversation, Teresa and Njeri cover: — The fraudulent transaction that ended her banking career — Being handpicked to "carry the cross" for the bank — Life inside Langata Women's Maximum Prison — The bribe demands at every stage of the process — How she rebuilt after vindication — with nothing — Why 76% of Kenya's prisoners are there for petty offenses — The colonial laws still criminalising poverty in Kenya — What Clean Start Africa is doing to change the system ───────────────────────────────────── Njeri Talks is a Kenyan podcast hosted by Njeri Wagacha covering business, law, and policy — with the conversations Kenyans actually need to be having. New episodes every [cadence]. Follow so you never miss one.

LSK President Speaks: Abductions, Corruption & The Future of Justice in Kenya | Charles Kanjama

What is really happening to the rule of law in Kenya? In this powerful episode of Njeri Talks, we sit down with LSK President Charles Kanjama to unpack some of the most urgent legal and societal issues facing the country today. From abductions and constitutional violations to corruption within systems, Kanjama speaks candidly about the gaps between law and reality — and what must change. We also go beyond the headlines: * The role of faith and ethics in professional life * Why corruption persists despite a “religious” society * The future of the legal profession in Kenya * How technology and AI will reshape legal practice * What real reform in the justice system should look like This is not just a conversation for lawyers — it’s for every Kenyan who cares about justice, accountability, and the future of the country. 🎙️ If you’ve ever asked “Is the system working for us?” — this episode is for you.

From 3 Runners to 500+: How Emily Chepkor Built a City Movement

What if the thing that changes your life… isn’t part of the plan? In this episode, we sit down with Emily Chepkor, founder of We Run Nairobi—a community that began with just three people and has grown into a powerful movement bringing together hundreds across the city every weekend. Emily shares her journey from growing up in Kapsabet to pursuing law, and how life took an unexpected turn into endurance running, community building, and entrepreneurship. What started as a simple idea—“show up and run together”—quickly became something much bigger. We explore: * The reality of leaving behind a traditional career path. * How We Run Nairobi grew organically without marketing. * The role of community in a fast-paced, often disconnected city. * Why running is less about fitness and more about identity and belonging. * The challenges of scaling something that was never meant to be a business. * And how Emily is now navigating leadership, influence, and impact. This conversation is about reinvention, taking risks, and building something meaningful—without having all the answers.