Press Release: Ms. Wakiuru Njuguna Appointed Managing Partner at HEVA

Wednesday, 19th October 2022

PRESS RELEASE

MS. WAKIURU NJUGUNA APPOINTED MANAGING PARTNER AT HEVA

HEVA is pleased to announce that Ms. Wakiuru Njuguna has unanimously been appointed managing partner. Ms. Wakiuru takes over the advisory group’s leading position from Mr. George Gachara, who previously served as managing partner since 2013. 

Under the leadership of Mr. George Gachara, HEVA is proud to have established itself as a well respected finance mechanism for creative industries in Africa which has raised approximately USD 10 million through effective partnerships; directly invested in over 100 creative enterprises and projects across Eastern Africa through home-gown and innovative finance models; mentored and supported over 8,000 creative practitioners; developed ground-breaking insights and knowledge products which have been referenced by researchers, academics and public sectors around the world. 

Commenting on his reflection of the last 9 years Mr. Gachara shared that, “HEVA’s achievements are not only a testament to the tenacity of our team but a demonstration of our competence and dedication. I am convinced that these milestones will provide a great basis upon which we can build the future. As we successfully come to the conclusion of our second strategy (2018-2022), and with the appointment of new partners to our board and our new manager, I am convinced that we shall be able to augment our position, to re-energize our brand, and most importantly, our new and dynamic leadership team will be able to craft a new strategy which will guide HEVA and its community into the future.” 

In her first official comment on her new role Ms. Wakiuru expressed,

“I am deeply honoured to accept this nomination from the board and to take over as managing partner from George Gachara, who has made a lasting contribution to the growth of HEVA, and the sector in Kenya, not to mention the invaluable guidance and support of our previous board. 

As we look forward to HEVA’s 10th anniversary and usher in the new 2023-2028 strategic period, I am extremely grateful to be supported by a dynamic team whose commitment enables HEVA to be.

My resolve to build on the work of those before me is anchored in deepening HEVA’s impact across the continent by raising a USD 100M fund which will be used to increase our investments, expand our research and insights, and continue to offer ecosystem support for the industry. 

The role of women and young people continues to be central to the work we do. I am committed to increasing our investments in women and youth led businesses, with the appreciation that they form 60% of our current investments.

I also recognise the role of technology in creative industries. Whether it’s in the potential for artists to embed their IP rights in block chain technology, or the emergence of new revenue models as a result of smart contracts among many others. I look forward to growing our investments in this space. 

Finally, our commitment to continue innovating our facilities for the sector persists, and I'm excited to lead HEVA into this new season of growth.”

In addition to the appointment of Ms. Wakiuru, Ms. Kendi Kamwambia and Mr. Sunny Dolat accepted positions to join the board as new partners. Ms. Kendi Kamwambia also holds the title of support and compliance manager whose responsibilities include managing our business investment portfolio, ensuring recovery of disbursed funds for recapitalization, and identifying investees capacity building needs. Mr Sunny Dolat, a fashion and design curator, cultural producer and creative director, leads the management of creative strategy at HEVA. This includes HEVA’s scoping studies in the Textile and Apparel value chains in several countries across the continent. Congratulations to both partners on their newly assumed roles. 

We also take this opportunity to appreciate the support we received in the establishment of HEVA from our founding members and the former chair of the board who have recently departed from the team. We wish great success to Dr. Njoki Ngumi and Mr. Jim Chuchu. Their unique and critical contributions to HEVA and the creative sector will always be valued.

Once again, congratulations to our new Managing Partner, Ms. Wakiuru Njuguna. The HEVA team and board extend their full support to you as you take on this new challenge. We trust that through your leadership we will continue to support producers of creative and cultural goods and services to build high-value, profitable businesses where new ideas will come to life, and where the highest potential for great profits, great jobs, and happy people will be found.

HEVA is an innovative investments and knowledge solutions advisory group. We are the region’s first dedicated finance and business support facility for the creative economy. Since 2013, HEVA has generated insights, rolled out investments, and innovated financial models specifically for the growth of the creative economy in 14 countries across the Eastern Africa region. 

For more information contact: 

Olivia Muia,

Communications Manager at HEVA

Telephone: 020 4400 870