Njeri Rionge
Kenyan technology entrepreneur (1966–2023)
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Christine Njeri Rionge OGW (12 January 1966 – 2 October 2023) was a Kenyan technology entrepreneur who was a co-founder of the Internet Service Provider (ISP) Wananchi Online Limited (WOL), one of Kenya’s first internet providers.
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Njeri Rionge OGW | |
|---|---|
Rionge in 2007 | |
| Born | 12 January 1966 Nairobi, Kenya |
| Died | 2 October 2023 (aged 57) |
| Alma mater | United States International University Africa |
| Occupation | technology entrepreneur |
| Known for | co-founding Wananchi Online Limited (WOL) |
Biography
Rionge was born on 12 January 1966 in Nairobi, Kenya.[1] Her brother was the Communication Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru.[2]
Rionge's first business was "selling yoghurt from a friend's car trunk to the International School of Kenya and Loretto Convent Musongari High School over their school breaks. I saw a business opportunity and acted on it, determined to turn it into a reality."[3] She also worked as a hairdresser.[4]
Rionge studied Business Administration and Management at the United States International University Africa.[5] She then began working at the local internet provider Inter-Connect.[6]
Rionge co-founded the Internet Service Provider (ISP) Wananchi Online Limited (WOL) in the late 1990s.[1][2] Wananchi is a Swahili word which means citizen.[7] Rionge was CEO for the first seven years, the enterprise became a multi-million dollar firm[8] and had operations in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Zambia, Malawi and Mauritius.[6]
In 2008 Rionge was headhunted to lead the restructuring of Telkom Kenya.[3] Rionge also established the business Ignite Consulting.[1][4] She was Co-Chair for Elevate Tech 2018 Toronto.[6]
In 2012, Rionge was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) for her contribution in entrepreneurship and women's empowerment.[2]
Rionge became a born-again Christian and died on 2 October 2023.[2][6]