Tabitha Mukami Muigai Karanja is a Kenyan businesswoman, entrepreneur, industrialist and Nakuru County Senator. She co-founded Keroche Breweries, the first major brewery in Kenya, which a local entrepreneur owned.
In 2022, Karanja was elected as a Senator for Nakuru County, where she continues to influence policy and contribute to the growth of Kenya’s economy. She has moved from a small-scale business owner to an influential figure in business and politics. Her platform as a politician has become an avenue to advocate for policies that support growth, making her one of Kenya’s notable leaders.
Karanja found Keroche Breweries
Although Karanja did not have the privilege of attending prestigious international institutions- as she was born into a humble home- she grew up with a strong work ethic.
In the 1990s, she noticed a gap in Kenya’s brewing industry, which led her to pursue her dream of creating a local brewery. This vision challenged the big players in Kenya’s brewing industry and employed many people. Founded in 1997, Keroche Breweries started with a small factory but has since come a long way, becoming one of Kenya’s most recognised and successful local breweries. In its early days, it produced affordable, quality beer for Kenyans who wanted a local alternative to imported brands.
With Tabitha Karanja leading the brand, Keroche became the first major brewery in Kenya owned by a local entrepreneur, offering Kenyans an alternative to foreign beer brands. The company focused on creating affordable, locally brewed beer that appealed to the Kenyan market, especially in the face of stiff competition from international brands. The brewery also diversified its product line, introducing new flavours and brands to cater to a broader consumer base. This flexibility in responding to market demands helped them build a loyal customer base.
However, the company faced multiple hurdles, including battles with government regulations, tax disputes, and other legal challenges. For years, Keroche was involved in a tense relationship with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), which resulted in frozen bank accounts and financial difficulties. But despite all these, the brand stood the test of time.
Tabitha Karanja in Politics
In 2022, after years of building a strong business legacy, Tabitha Karanja decided to enter politics and run for Senate, representing Nakuru County. She wanted to advocate for policies supporting local businesses and economic growth in Kenya and saw politics as a way to effect that change.
As a Senator, Tabitha Karanja has focused on issues important to her community and the country. She supports the local economy, promotes women in business, and advocates for fair business regulations. Her business experience leading Keroche Breweries has helped her handle complex political issues, as she applies the same principles of innovation, strategic planning, and resilience that made Keroche successful in her political career.
