Some achievements are measured by titles. Others are measured by the lives they change.

Every year, the Business Daily Top 40 Under 40 Women list shines a spotlight on young leaders whose work is redefining industries and shaping the future of Kenya. This year, four Strathmore University alumnae have earned a place on that prestigious list, a remarkable affirmation that the pursuit of excellence begun in our classrooms continues to create lasting impact far beyond graduation.

From pioneering breakthroughs in cancer care and transforming agricultural value chains to advancing inclusive technology and strengthening trade across Africa, these women represent different professions but share a commitment to serving society through innovation, integrity, and purposeful leadership.

We proudly celebrate the achievements of Dr. Tracy Irura (MBA in Healthcare Management, Class of 2018), Lilian Mwai-Ndegwa (ACCA, Class of 2011), Wanjiru Mambo (Owner Management Programme and ACCA, Class of 2024), and Norah Kimathi (Bachelor of Informatics and Computer Science, Class of 2026), whose accomplishments continue to embody the values of a Strathmore education.

The Strathmore quartet (From left) Norah, Wanjiru, Dr. Irura and Lilian

Dr. Tracy Irura: Advancing Hope Through Cancer Care

An MBA Healthcare Management graduate from the Class of 2018, Dr. Tracy Irura has dedicated her career to transforming cancer care in Kenya. As Co-Founder of the Integrated Cancer Research Foundation (ICRF) Kenya and Head of the CyberKnife Unit at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), she stands at the forefront of efforts to improve cancer treatment, research, and advocacy.

Beyond the hospital, Dr. Irura continues to expand access to cancer screening services for underserved communities while mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals as a lecturer. Her work demonstrates how expertise, compassion, and visionary leadership can improve countless lives.

Wanjiru Mambo: Growing Prosperity from the Ground Up

For Wanjiru Mambo, entrepreneurship has become a vehicle for transforming lives. A graduate of Strathmore’s Owner Management Programme and ACCA, Class of 2024, Wanjiru is the founder of WedgeHut Foods Limited, a business that is reshaping Kenya’s potato value chain. By connecting more than 3,000 smallholder farmers directly to reliable markets, she is helping increase farmers’ incomes, reduce post-harvest losses, and create more sustainable agricultural systems through value addition.

Her journey illustrates how business can be both profitable and purposeful, proving that innovation rooted in local challenges can create lasting economic opportunity.

Norah Kimathi: Technology That Gives Every Child a Voice

Fresh out of university, Norah Kimathi is already changing the future of education. A member of the Bachelor of Informatics and Computer Science Class of 2026, Norah co-founded Zerobionic, a pioneering venture that uses AI-powered humanoid robots to translate spoken language into sign language in real time. The innovation is breaking communication barriers for deaf learners and making classrooms more inclusive.

Today, Zerobionic has reached more than 500,000 deaf learners across seven countries, demonstrating how African innovation can solve global challenges while ensuring that no learner is left behind.

Lilian Mwai-Ndegwa: Connecting Africa Through Trade

For more than a decade, Lilian Mwai-Ndegwa has championed economic transformation across Africa. An ACCA alumna from the Class of 2011, Lilian serves as Country Director for Kenya at TradeMark Africa, where she leads initiatives that strengthen intra-African trade, create employment opportunities, and foster inclusive economic growth.

Throughout her career, she has consistently championed opportunities for young people, entrepreneurs, and underserved communities, helping build stronger trade ecosystems that unlock prosperity across the continent.

As a university, we are immensely proud of the quartet. Their journeys remind us that the true value of education is revealed long after graduation, in the courage to lead, the humility to serve, and the determination to create meaningful change.

Dr. Irua, Wanjiru, Norah and Lilian, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Your success is an inspiration to the entire Strathmore community and to the generations of leaders who will follow in your footsteps.

Article written by Denzel Kwanga