
Betty Maina Biography
Hon. Betty C. Maina is a seasoned leader with over 27 years of experience in industrialization, trade, and enterprise development in both the public and private sectors.
Her expertise in strategic planning, business growth, and resource mobilization has made her a key figure in shaping Kenya’s economic landscape.
She has held several high-ranking positions, including Principal Secretary in multiple government ministries and CEO of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) for 11 years.
During her tenure at KAM, she significantly increased membership, expanded regional offices, and boosted revenue from KSh 24 million to KSh 400 million annually.
Hon. Maina is highly skilled in trade policy, regional integration, and sustainable business development.
She holds a Master’s degree from the University College of London and a Bachelor’s degree in Land Economics from the University of Nairobi.
Additionally, she has received specialized training from institutions like Harvard University and the World Bank.
Her dedication to economic growth and governance earned her the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) in 2013, a prestigious presidential honor.
Before joining the government, she worked with policy think tanks, UN agencies, and consulting firms, contributing to urban development, governance, and financial reforms.
With her vast experience, Hon. Maina continues to play a vital role in Kenya’s industrial and trade development, influencing policies that drive economic progress.

Quick Facts About Betty Maina
- Full Name: Betty C. Maina
- Title: Hon. Betty Maina, CBS
- Date of Birth: January 22, 1969
- Age: 56
- Nationality: Kenyan
- Occupation: Politician, Economist, Business Leader
- Current Role: Former Cabinet Secretary for Industrialization, Trade, and Enterprise Development
- Previous Roles:
- Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry
- Principal Secretary, State Department for Industrialization
- Principal Secretary, State Department of East African Affairs
- CEO, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) (2004–2015)
- Chief Executive, Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Kenya
- Education:
- Master of Science in Development Administration and Planning – University College of London
- Bachelor’s Degree in Land Economics – University of Nairobi
- Additional training from Harvard University, World Bank, and Strathmore University
- Key Areas of Expertise:
- Trade Policy & Regional Integration
- Private Sector & Industrial Development
- Business Leadership & Economic Growth
- Sustainable Development & Governance
- Awards & Honors:
- Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) – Presidential Award (2013)
- Notable Contributions:
- Led KAM to double its membership and increase revenue from KSh 24 million to KSh 400 million annually
- Played a major role in Kenya’s trade and industrial policies
- Served on Denmark’s Africa Commission and several public sector boards
Betty Maina Age
Betty Maina was born on January 22, 1969. In 2025, she will be 56 years old.
Betty Maina Career
Hon. Betty C. Maina, CBS, is a highly experienced leader with a strong professional background spanning over two decades in both the public and private sectors.
Her expertise and leadership skills have been instrumental in shaping Kenya’s industrialization, trade, and enterprise development.
With over 27 years of experience in organizational leadership and strategic planning, she excels in designing and executing business strategies, mobilizing resources, and driving economic growth.
These qualities have positioned her as a key figure in coordinating Kenya’s industrialization and trade sectors.
Throughout her career, Hon. Maina has held various high-profile positions, including serving as the Principal Secretary in multiple government departments such as the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the State Department for Industrialization, and the State Department of East African Affairs.
She also served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) for 11 years (2004–2015).
Under her leadership, KAM’s membership doubled, and she established seven regional offices to expand its reach.
Additionally, she played a crucial role in implementing the organization’s strategic plan, securing funding, and increasing revenue from KSh 24 million to KSh 400 million annually during her tenure.
Hon. Maina has a strong passion and expertise in trade policy, regional integration, private sector growth, industrial development, public-private partnerships, and sustainable business practices.
She holds a Master of Science degree in Development Administration and Planning from the University College of London (1998) and a Bachelor’s degree in Land Economics from the University of Nairobi (1988).
She has also completed specialized training in areas such as financial management (Harvard University), anti-corruption strategies (World Bank), and gender and development planning (University College London).
With a deep commitment to regional integration, industrial development, and sustainable business growth, she brings a strategic approach to policy formulation and economic advancement.
Her remarkable contributions earned her the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS), a prestigious Kenyan presidential honor awarded in 2013.
Hon. Maina’s career began in 1997 as the Chief Executive of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Kenya, a policy think tank advocating for economic reforms and public awareness on governance issues.
Before this, she worked as a consultant for the Local Government Reform Program (1996–1997), where she contributed to revenue enhancement strategies for several municipalities, including Kisumu, Nakuru, Naivasha, and Kakamega.
Her earlier roles include leading the Migori Integrated Urban Development Programme (1994–1996) and serving as a Gender Advisor in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Programmes in what is now Elgeyo Marakwet County.
She also worked at UN-Habitat (1991–1993) as a Research Assistant and at Shelter Afrique (1990–1991) as an Assistant Project Officer, where she launched the company’s newsletter, ShelterNews.
Before joining the government, she was the Director of BECEM Solutions, a consulting firm, and the East Africa Regional Representative for Genetics: Analytics, an economic consulting group with offices in Nairobi, New Delhi, and Johannesburg.
Her extensive experience and expertise continue to shape Kenya’s economic policies and business landscape.
Betty Maina Marriage
Betty Maina, the Murang’a County Woman Representative, and Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi formalized their relationship through a traditional Kikuyu ceremony known as ‘Kùhanda ithīgí’ on April 22, 2023.
This ceremony signifies the official commencement of dowry negotiations between the families.
Betty Maina Awards and Recognitions
Throughout her distinguished career, Betty C. Maina has received several honors for her contributions to industrialization, trade policy, governance, and economic development in Kenya.
Key Awards and Recognitions:
1. Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) – 2013
- Awarded by the President of Kenya in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Kenya’s economic development and leadership in industrial and trade policy.
2. Recognition for Leadership at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)
- Acknowledged for expanding KAM’s membership, increasing its revenue, and enhancing industrial policy advocacy during her tenure as CEO (2004–2015).
3. International Trade and Development Recognition
- Recognized in regional and global economic circles for her efforts in trade policy, regional integration, and sustainable business development.
Betty Maina’s dedication to economic growth, trade facilitation, and industrial development continues to earn her respect both in Kenya and internationally.
Betty Maina’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Betty Maina, who serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Industrialization, Trade, and Enterprise Development in Kenya, reported her net worth at Ksh 117.5 million
Betty Maina’s Legacy
Betty Maina has left a lasting impact on Kenya’s industrial, trade, and business sectors through her leadership in both government and private organizations.
Key Aspects of Her Legacy:
1. Industrial and Trade Development – As Cabinet Secretary for Industrialization, Trade, and Enterprise Development, she played a crucial role in shaping policies that promoted economic growth, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship in Kenya.
2. Strengthening the Private Sector – During her 11-year tenure as CEO of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), she doubled the association’s membership, expanded its operations, and significantly increased its revenue, strengthening the role of manufacturers in Kenya’s economy.
3. Public Service & Economic Policies – She has held various Principal Secretary positions, contributing to policies that support regional integration, trade policy, and sustainable business growth.
4. Women’s Leadership & Advocacy – As one of Kenya’s most prominent female leaders, she has been an inspiration for women in business, policy, and governance, paving the way for future generations.
5. Honors & Recognition – Her achievements earned her the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS), a prestigious presidential award in 2013 for her contributions to Kenya’s economic and industrial sectors.
Betty Maina’s legacy is defined by her commitment to economic transformation, private sector growth, and policy reforms.
Her work has strengthened Kenya’s position in regional and global trade, making her a key figure in shaping the country’s industrial future
Betty Maina’s Social Media
Twitter: @maina_betty
Facebook: Betty C. Maina, EGH
LinkedIn: Betty Maina – Genesis Analytics

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