“Success is going beyond some expectations with excellence, not perfection but with excellence. Because excellence is where you consistently do something well. I have made a difference with excellence. And I think I have broken boundaries,” these were Rebecca Miano’s words in an earlier interview and true to her words she has indeed broken boundaries.
She is a source of hope, inspiration and a mirror as to how hard work, determination and excellence can impact one’s life. In a world where top corporates in the country are managed by men, she stepped up and became one of the few women in Kenya who have shattered the glass ceiling.
She became the first female CEO of KenGen since 1954, a feat no weak and fearsome woman can achieve. This also made her one out of two women to head a parastatal in Kenya with the other being MaryJane Mwangi. KenGen is the largest producer of Electricity in East Africa. She holds the position with dignity and believes in taking bold steps to pursue her dreams.
In 2010, she was awarded the Order of Grand warrior (OGW) as an acknowledgement of her work.
When she is not playing corporate boss, Mrs. Miano loves watching plays, reading and knitting (she even knitted her husband’s favorite sweater). She is also a mother and a wife.
Education
Born in 1966, she holds a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree with Honors from University of Nairobi, a Master in law and Post graduate studies in Comparative Law from Australia National University. In 2010, she finished the Advanced Management Program from Strathmore University. She is also a registered certified public secretary of Kenya and is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPSK) and the Law Society of Kenya.
Career
She first worked at a Nairobi based law firm known as Musyoka Anna & Company Advocates before working at Slater & Gordon in Queensland, Australia.
In 1998, she joined KenGen- Kenya Electricity Generation Company, where she rose through the ranks steadily over the years.
In 2008, she became the director of legal affairs and company secretary, a position she held until August 2015 when she was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in an acting capacity. On 1st November 2017, she was confirmed as the CEO. She beat ninety other capable and experienced applicants to emerge at the top.
She revealed how hesitant she was to apply for the CEO role. Miano thought it was a reserve of the male engineers and doctors. Inspired by her notions, she gave it a try and got the job. The board started her off with the salary of the previous CEO and when it was all said and done, she became the first female CEO of KenGen. With over two decades working in the energy company, it is obvious this is a role she was qualified to do.
On July 2, 2020, the KENGEN MD and CEO was appointed as a member of the Advisory Council and Development by the World Bank on a two year term. Speaking on her appointment, Mrs. Miano said:
“I am greatly honoured to join World Bank Group’s Advisory Council on Gender and Development. As a participating member, I look forward to impacting positively in the advancement of the gender agenda towards shared prosperity…”
Madam CS, KenGen will remain indebted to you for gracing its first ever Sustainable Energy Conference. Through the conference, we brought together industry thought leaders to design and drive critical strategies that will shape the sector in Kenya and Africa. #EnergyChampion pic.twitter.com/yOmvTBkdS1
— Rebecca Miano, MBS (@rebecca_miano) September 8, 2022
Current Position
She has been named a cabinet Cabinet Secretary for EAC by President William Ruto.
