Born in 1961 in the small town of Nanyuki, Kenya, Gina Din-Kariuki’s name is now synonymous with corporate communications in East Africa. Of Asian descent, Gina’s journey from a corporate career at Barclays Bank to becoming the face of public relations in Kenya is one of bold moves, big risks, and groundbreaking achievements. She is married to Chris Kariuki, a Kenya Airways captain, and they have two children, Dr. Natalya Din-Kariuki and Mr. Naythan Din-Kariuki.
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A journalist’s beginnings
Gina’s story began with a passion for storytelling. After studying at the London School of Journalism, she returned to Kenya, working for The Standard and other local publications. Writing sharpened her communication skills and nurtured her ability to craft compelling narratives—a skill she would later use to reshape Kenya’s corporate world.
In the late 1980s, she joined Barclays Bank Kenya, securing her position through family connections but quickly proving her worth. Rising to head the bank’s communications department, she played a pivotal role during Barclays’ Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Nairobi Stock Exchange. Gina’s efforts to modernize the bank’s image and messaging during this critical time marked her as a communications powerhouse.
A leap into entrepreneurship
By 1997, Gina had reached a crossroads. With nearly a decade in corporate communications, she decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurship. Public relations was still an emerging field in Kenya, but Gina saw its potential. She founded Gina Din Corporate Communications (GDCC) with the ambition to provide businesses with professional and strategic PR services.
The gamble paid off. GDCC quickly attracted high-profile clients, including Safaricom, Kenya Airways, Kenya Commercial Bank, Old Mutual, and the Kenya Red Cross. Over the next three decades, her agency became the go-to for East Africa’s biggest brands.
Shaping iconic brands
One of Gina’s most notable achievements was her work with Safaricom. She spearheaded the Niko Na Safaricom campaign, which resonated deeply with Kenyans and solidified the brand’s position in the market. She was also instrumental in the launch of M-Pesa, Safaricom’s mobile money service. At a time when mobile banking was a foreign concept to most, Gina’s strategic communication made it accessible and relatable, helping transform M-Pesa into a global success story.
Her work wasn’t just about building brands; it was also about crisis management. Gina’s firm stepped in during one of Kenya Airways’ darkest moments—the 2007 crash of Flight 507, which claimed 114 lives. GDCC managed the airline’s response with a delicate balance of corporate responsibility and compassion for the victims’ families. This event was particularly personal for Gina, given her husband’s career as a Kenya Airways pilot. Her approach showcased her ability to manage high-stakes situations with sensitivity and professionalism.
Accolades and recognition
Gina’s contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2013, she was listed among the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African magazine. Two years later, she was named CNBC Business Woman of the Year East Africa at the All Africa Business Leaders Awards.
She also received the prestigious Outstanding Individual Achievement (SABRE) Award from The Holmes Report, an honor that recognized her exceptional impact on corporate communications and branding.
Giving back and driving change
Gina’s influence extends far beyond business. She has always been passionate about empowering others, particularly women and young people. She serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Kenya Red Cross and runs the Gina Din Foundation, which mentors youth and women with high potential.
In 2016, she was appointed an honorary ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), where she champions gender equality and women’s rights. Her commitment to philanthropy reflects her belief in using success as a platform to uplift others.
A leader in many arenas
Gina’s leadership is not confined to communications. She has served on the board of Erin Energy, an oil and gas exploration company with operations across Africa, and is the Chair of Boma Pan African, overseeing projects like Boma Hotel, Boma International Hospitality College, and Switch TV.
Her influence spans industries and continents, with board roles at Kakuzi, the Royal African Society in the UK, and the Science, Technology, and Innovation-British High Commission.
In 2020, her company GDCC was acquired by Edelman, the world’s largest PR firm. The acquisition was a testament to the legacy she built, and Gina continues to lead in her new role as Group Executive Chairperson and East Africa CEO for Brand Leadership.
Telling her story
Gina’s memoir, Daughter of Africa, offers an honest account of her life’s journey. It highlights her challenges, triumphs, and the sacrifices that shaped her career. The book also chronicles her encounters with global figures like former U.S. President Barack Obama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, offering insights into the connections and values that have guided her path.
A lasting legacy
Gina Din-Kariuki is more than a corporate leader; she is a trailblazer, a mentor, and a philanthropist. Through her work, she has redefined how businesses communicate, while also empowering countless individuals to believe in their potential.
For Gina, being a “daughter of Africa” is about giving back, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for future generations. Her story is a powerful reminder that courage, vision, and hard work can not only change industries but also inspire a continent.
