Sylvia Wairimu Mulinge is a prominent Kenyan businesswoman, currently serving as the CEO of MTN Uganda since October 2022.
Previously, she held various leadership roles at Safaricom, including Chief Consumer Business Officer and Chief Customer Officer, where she significantly boosted brand equity and revenue growth.
Mulinge holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology from the University of Nairobi and has been recognized as one of Kenya’s Top 40 Women Under 40 and a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
She is also involved in various boards and initiatives focused on women’s empowerment and community development.
Education
Mulinge attended St. Xavier’s Primary School and Mary Mount Secondary School in Nakuru, Kenya.
She later pursued higher education at the University of Nairobi, where she graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and Technology.
Career
Mulinge began her professional journey at Unilever in 2004, where she served as a management trainee and later as a brand manager.
During her time at Unilever, she gained valuable experience in brand management and marketing strategies, which laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in the consumer goods and telecommunications sectors.
In 2006, Mulinge joined Safaricom, one of Africa’s leading telecommunications companies.
Over the years, she held several key positions within the organization.
Initially, she served as the Head of Prepay Product, where she was responsible for developing and managing prepaid products that are crucial for customer acquisition and retention in emerging markets.
Her success in this role led to her appointment as the Head of Retail, where she enhanced the retail experience for customers by optimizing distribution channels and improving customer service.
Mulinge’s career at Safaricom continued to flourish as she took on the role of General Manager of Enterprise Business.
In this capacity, she led the enterprise business unit, focusing on providing tailored solutions to corporate clients.
This included developing strategic partnerships and expanding Safaricom’s offerings to businesses.
Her expertise culminated in her position as Chief Customer Officer, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing customer experience across all touchpoints.
Her initiatives during this time resulted in significant improvements in customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
In her subsequent role as Chief Consumer Business Officer, Mulinge was instrumental in driving revenue growth through innovative consumer products and services.
She spearheaded marketing strategies that resonated with diverse customer segments, further solidifying Safaricom’s position in the market.
In October 2022, Mulinge reached a significant milestone in her career when she was appointed CEO of MTN Uganda.
In this leadership role, she is focusing on digital transformation and strategic growth initiatives aimed at enhancing MTN Uganda’s offerings beyond traditional telecommunications services.
Under her guidance, the company is working to increase market penetration and improve service delivery while also committing to corporate social responsibility initiatives that empower local communities and promote sustainable development.
Mulinge is recognized for her visionary leadership style and her commitment to fostering innovation within the organizations she leads.
Her contributions have earned her accolades such as being named one of Kenya’s Top 40 Women Under 40 and recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
Additionally, she is actively involved in initiatives aimed at empowering women in leadership roles across various sectors.
Through her remarkable career journey, Mulinge has exemplified resilience, strategic thinking, and a dedication to driving positive change within the telecommunications industry.
Awards and achievements
Mulinge has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, reflecting her significant contributions to the telecommunications industry and her leadership impact.
Notably, she was awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear in 2022, a prestigious honor recognizing her exceptional service to the nation.
In 2020, she was named one of the 100 Most Influential African Women, highlighting her influence and leadership across the continent.
Additionally, Mulinge has been recognized as one of Kenya’s Top 40 Women Under 40 for three consecutive years, underscoring her status as a leading figure among young professionals in Kenya.
She was also honored as one of Kenya’s Top 25 Women in Digital in 2019.
Furthermore, she received the Young Global Leader (YGL) award from the World Economic Forum in 2015, which acknowledges distinguished leaders under the age of 40 from around the world.
Beyond these individual accolades, Mulinge serves on multiple boards and initiatives, including her recent appointment as Chairperson of the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancy Association in 2022 and her involvement with the Presidential Award Scheme in Kenya.
