Lizzie Wanyoike was an alumni student from Nairobi Institute of Business Studies who passed away due to cancer at 70 years old, leaving behind an enormous legacy of charity and education work.
Lizzie Wanyoike passed away January 14, 2024 at age 72 after contributing significantly to education through founding Lizzie Preparatory Schools, Hotel Emory and Lizzie Prepatory Schools – also founding National International Business School with only 25 students at launch and an initial capital of Sh6 million in 2000. Her birth date was 1951. Wanyoike served as teacher before founding National International Business School based on this foundational principal of “Learner First, Profit Last!” (NIBS).
NIBS currently enrolls over 7000 students across various locations. According to her family, Wanyoike left an indelible mark on many lives through her kindness and wisdom; one such venture she ran was Emory Hotel Kileleshwa; Isaac Mwaura and Moses Kuria are among many government officials that have extended condolences at her loss; funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed by Wanyoike’s families.
Who Was Lizzie Wanyoike Lizzie Muthoni Wanyoike (formerly Elizabeth Muthoni), known simply by her initials “Liszi Wanyoike”, was an influential Kenyan philanthropist, businesswoman, teacher and principal until her untimely demise on January 14, 2024. Born in Kenya in 1951 and serving as founder and principal at Nairobi Institute of Business Studies when it opened for business; Wanyoike made lasting impacts within education field through numerous roles she held and positions played over her time here on earth.
She founded NIBS to shape Kenya’s future by opening up studies related to business. Beyond academics, her contributions extended far beyond academics as she earned respect in both education and business arenas. Kenyans still mourn her incredible life as an innovator of education and business alike.
| Full Name | Lizzie Muthoni Wanyoike |
| Birthdate | 1951 |
| Birthplace | Murang’a County, Kenya |
| Death Date | January 14, 2024 |
| Age at Death | 72 years old |
| Occupation | Businesswoman, Educator, Philanthropist |
Wanyoike started her education at Gathuki Ini Primary School in Wathenge County Muranga before transitioning to Kahuhia Girls High School, Karuri County Muranga where she achieved a High School Diploma. Wanyoike continued her studies through Kenyatta University College (now Kenyatta University). While attending Kenyatta U College she earned both an education diploma as well as business certificates despite experiencing economic challenges in later life. Wanyoike achieved great success despite economic challenges by adapting quickly as she learned her trade despite economic challenges by learning multiple trades simultaneously – something not many others could achieve due to being smartly choosing business partners over time despite economic challenges of life!
Lizzie Wanyoike launched her secondary teaching career at State House Girls’ School, Nairobi in 1972 with an average monthly salary of KSh 961 at that time (equivalent to US$140). However, by 1975 she found her work dissatisfying; with help from partners she established Temple College of Secretarial Studies, Nairobi.
Wanyoike was eager to expand Temple School but her ideas were repeatedly shot down, forcing her to leave in 1999 with KSh6m (US$60,000 in savings and loan) from both sources.
Since 2000, National International Business School (NIBS) has experienced unparalleled expansion. By 2018 alone, there were over 6,000 students enrolled across multiple campuses and 250 instructors working alongside Wanyoike to expand her real estate and stock exchange investments; she also established The Lizzie Wanyoike Foundation which engages in charitable work by awarding scholarships for disabled students attending both NIBS Kenya and Kenyan secondary school programs.
What Happened to Lizzie Wanyoike Lizzie Wanyoike died due to cancer on Sunday evening at age 73 after an impressive career ranging from teaching elementary students and driving the New Island Bus Services fleet; as well as leaving behind Emory Hotel and The Lizzie Wanyoike Preparatory School among her many possessions.
Liz was remembered by people from every walk of life. A pioneer educator and respected educator. Her family sent their eulogies as tributes from Liz’s funeral service in Las Vegas on August 6, 2009.
Lizzie Wanyoike passed away at 73 on Sunday evening due to cancer, as announced by her family who also noted her many contributions in education and entrepreneurship that made an indelible mark in many lives and led them forward with confidence and initiative. People of all backgrounds mourned this extraordinary woman including world leaders.
Lizzie Wanyoike died of cancer at age 73. When news of her demise broke on Sunday evening, her family mourned both the accomplishments she accomplished as an entrepreneur and educator as well as how it had an effectful legacy that has affected countless lives across her home nation. Our nation mourned as did its leaders.
