Much is still not known about Tabitha Mukami Muigai Karanja, the Kenyan successful businesswoman.
Tabitha’s History
Tabitha was born on the 29th of August, 1964 near Kijabe. She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the popular Keroche Industries, the leading alcohol producer in the country. Her company now accounts for almost 20% of the Kenyan Liquor Market. She has held this position since October 2012.
Her perseverance and hard work have earned her the envied M.B.S Award, given to her by the former President Mwai Kibaki in 2010.
Tabitha’s Humble Beginning
Tabitha’s journey is an endearing one. She began it has a small business back in 2002, approximately 18 years ago with only $5000, a business that is now worth Ksh5.5bn. A thing that people fail to see is the amount of struggle this esteemed woman put in her work. Her journey is not and was not a walk in the park.
Tabitha ventured into a business that was totally dominated by men. She was able to rise through it to become the first alcoholic beverage producer to own and operate an indigenous Kenyan company. Things were difficult but she was able to stick out, the reason she’s a gleam of dawn and an inspiration today.
Tabitha’s Family
Tabitha Karanja is married to Joseph Karanja. The Spouse is the acting Chairman of the Keroche Industries. Together they are parents of four children; James Karanja, Anerlisa Muigai, Edward Muigai, and Tecra Muigai. Their last born daughter Tecra Muigai is no more. God rest her soul in peace.
Karanja’s Family Business
The Keroche Industries is owned and ran by the Karanja’s. Tabitha Karanja is the head and co-founder of the industry. The Industries began has Keroche Breweries, where it locally manufactured wines.
It was due to the heavy taxes imposed by the government on local industries that it opted to Keroche Industries. They went from manufacturing wine to ready-to-drink gin and vodka, which the factory still makes today.
The Karanja’s had a change of heart in what they were manufacturing, to be able to cater for the middle level and the low-income earners – something the already established industries failed to offer.
Tabitha Karanja Court Battles
The Kenyan businesswoman first came to spotlight around last year in August. She was the talk of the media after Kenya’s Public Prosecutor (DPP), Noordin Haji called for her arrest.
Tabitha alongside her husband was wanted for failing to pay taxes that tuned to $140 million. They disguised the allegations over tax evasion by claiming it was a new waged war by her competitors and adversaries. The case is still active in court.
Conclusion
Tabitha Karanja is the first bullish woman to unilaterally own a brewery in Kenya. Keroche Industries is the now the second largest brewery in Kenya.
