Tabitha Mukami Muigai Karanja is a Kenyan entrepreneur, businesswoman, and politician serving as the Senator of Nakuru County. She is the founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries, Kenya’s first large-scale brewery owned by a local company. Her leadership has transformed Keroche into a major player in the beverage industry. In the 2022 elections, she won the Nakuru senatorial seat under the UDA party, further solidifying her influence in business and politics.

Early Life and Education
Tabitha Mukami Muigai Karanja was born in Kijabe, Kenya. She pursued her early education in local Kenyan schools before securing a position as an accounting clerk at the Ministry of Tourism. Her early career provided her with financial management skills, which later proved instrumental in her entrepreneurial journey. After getting married, she and her husband ventured into business, initially running a hardware store in Naivasha before transitioning into the alcoholic beverage industry.

Entrepreneurial Journey and the Rise of Keroche Breweries
In 1997, Tabitha Karanja and her husband identified a gap in the Kenyan alcohol market. They launched a fortified wine targeting budget-conscious consumers. However, in 2007, changes in government taxation policies significantly increased the cost of locally produced wines, forcing the couple to pivot their business. They adapted by producing ready-to-drink gin and vodka, establishing Keroche Breweries as a leading name in Kenya’s alcoholic beverage industry.

In 2008, Tabitha took a bold step by venturing into beer production with the launch of the Summit Lager brand. Her company’s innovative approach disrupted the market, challenging multinational competitors. To meet growing demand, Keroche Breweries expanded in 2015, increasing production capacity from 60,000 bottles per day to 600,000 bottles. This expansion, worth KSh5 billion (US$55.5 million), was a major milestone in Kenya’s manufacturing sector.

Political Career and Leadership
Tabitha Karanja transitioned into politics in 2022, contesting for the Nakuru County Senatorial seat under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. Her political ambition was driven by a vision to support local industries, create employment, and champion policies favoring Kenyan entrepreneurs. In the general elections, she secured victory with 442,864 votes, defeating her closest competitor, Lawrence Karanja, who garnered 163,625 votes. As a senator, she has been vocal about business-friendly policies, economic development, and legislative reforms to support local enterprises.

Personal Life and Family
Tabitha Karanja is married to Joseph Muigai Karanja, who serves as the chairman of Keroche Breweries. The couple has four children: James Karanja Muigai, Anerlisa Muigai, Edward Muigai, and the late Tecra Muigai. Despite the challenges of running a business and being in the public eye, Tabitha has maintained a strong family presence while championing growth and innovation in Kenya’s business sector.

Achievements and Legacy

• Pioneering Kenyan entrepreneurship: As the founder of the first major locally owned brewery, she has transformed the industry.
• Economic impact: Her leadership at Keroche Breweries has provided employment and boosted local manufacturing.
• Political influence: As Nakuru’s Senator, she advocates for policies that promote business growth and industrialization in Kenya.

Conclusion
Tabitha Mukami Muigai Karanja’s journey from an accounting clerk to a successful entrepreneur and politician is a testament to resilience, innovation, and determination. Her role in transforming Kenya’s beverage industry and her entry into politics showcase her commitment to economic development and national progress. As she continues to serve in the Senate, her influence in shaping Kenya’s business and political landscape remains significant.