DOT Kenya

Esther Wanjiru Gathigi is passionate about empowering young and aspiring entrepreneurs to develop the skills and insights they need to transition their startups into high-potential business ventures.

Prior to joining DOT, Esther was the Executive Director for WECREATE Kenya, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State that establishes entrepreneurial community centers in safe and centralized locations for women to gain access to the essential resources required for starting or growing businesses. Esther has also worked in business development at NIC Bank. She has extensive experience in relationship management, project and operations management, and strategy mapping and implementation.

As a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, Esther collaborates with young business leaders in Kenya and abroad to impact the lives of others through projects in education, environment, and entrepreneurship. She also offers her expertise as a mentor with the African Entrepreneurship Awards, focusing on entrepreneurial capacity development. Esther believes in enhancing skills and knowledge of young entrepreneurs to transform the entrepreneurship landscape in Kenya, and to highlight success stories across the continent.

Beryl has more than 15 years of experience as an accountant and financial consultant. She is responsible for financial management and reporting, asset management and financial accounting. She advises the management team and program teams on various operational decisions. She manages funds in a judicious manner while minimizing risk, and ensures adequate controls over the use of funds.

Beryl has a track record of success in establishing and managing finance and administration systems and structures, costs allocation and financial governance structures. She is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and holds an Executive Master of Science in Organizational Development from United States International University Africa.

Petronila has more than 12 years of educational publishing, procurement and project management experience. She excels at producing competitive content and managing vibrant and energetic teams.

In her role with DOT Kenya, Petronila coordinates the development and implementation of employee training and professional development programs. She advances learning at DOT Kenya through research, partnerships and advocacy initiatives.

Petronila has a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Extension from Egerton University. She also has a Master of Arts in Communication for Development and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nairobi.