Written by Wyatt Foster with insights from Jane Kilonzo.
We are thrilled to announce that Jane, a dedicated member of our CFK Africa community, has been recognized with a prestigious 2024 Women on Boards Award by the Women on Boards Network (WOBN)-Kenya! Over the past two decades, Jane Kilonzo has dedicated countless hours to leadership roles in eight organizations, including CFK Africa. Her leadership is characterized by purpose, authenticity, innovation, and a focus on sustainable impact.
With over 28 years of experience in banking and accounting, Jane’s dedication to sustainability and social impact has been evident throughout her career. As a professional accountant, banker, and former Deputy Managing Director at Bank of Africa, Kenya, her professional experience has cut across bank operations and risk management practices, including environmental and social risk management training in several African countries. She was involved in the Kenya Bankers’ Association (KBA) CEO Roundtable Forums on Sustainable Finance for several years and has also worked with Teule Kenya, CBT Africa, and was a Patron and Founder of the Nawiri Women Network at the Bank of Africa, aimed at gender equality and creating an enabling culture for growth by addressing challenges specific to women.
Her commitment to community service is evident. She says she is inspired to serve on boards because it allows her to influence decisions and policies that positively impact humanity, especially those who are vulnerable. She is driven by the desire to empower others, and volunteering on boards that impact people’s lives and help them fulfill their life dreams is incredibly rewarding for her.
Jane’s journey with CFK Africa began in 2009 when she became the founding chair of our Board of Trustees in Kenya. Since the early days of CFK Africa, Jane has hosted volunteers from the United States for homestays during their time in Kenya, ensuring they feel right at home. Her leadership on the Kenyan Board laid the foundation for our financial health and sustainability, with organizational revenue increasing by 110% during her tenure. Jane’s return to CFK Africa in 2023, upon her retirement, has been a great asset as she helped develop our new 5-year strategic plan.
At CFK Africa, our work is informed by the saying, “Talent is Universal, but Opportunity is Not.” Jane’s passion and purpose embody this truism in everything she does. One of her proudest accomplishments during her tenure is her involvement beyond the boardroom. She has been a key attendee and guest speaker at football matches, community events, girls’ mentorship sessions, and graduation events. These experiences have deepened her connection to the community and our mission. Jane’s strategic business mindset has been crucial to our growth, helping us map out sustainability models and championing gender inclusion at all levels of our organization.
Jane has seen joy, growth, and impact at CFK Africa:
“One story that stands out in my mind is meeting a brilliant young lady who had dropped out of school due to teenage pregnancy but has been facilitated by CFK Africa’s Funzo Project to go back to school. This story of hope in a seemingly hopeless situation, amongst many similar ones, and its ripple effect on the future generations of this family is simply heartwarming.”
Since joining the board, she has seen CFK Africa grow from focusing on sports to addressing various community challenges, including primary health care, girls’ empowerment, and youth leadership development programs. This holistic approach has ensured a broader and more sustainable impact. She has witnessed how CFK Africa’s 23-year legacy has resulted in beneficiaries who are self-reliant and now give back to the community, some even working for CFK Africa. She remarked that the organization’s growth is mirrored in the career advancements of its employees to senior positions.
Jane’s dedication to community service extends beyond CFK Africa. Her contributions to seven other organizations reflect her drive to make a meaningful impact in Kenya and beyond. Despite her many commitments, Jane remains generous with her time, offering guidance and support whenever needed.
Looking ahead, she hopes that CFK Africa programs will impact all counties in Kenya and beyond their borders. She envisions more beneficiaries giving back to the organization and the community at large.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate Jane Kilonzo’s well-deserved recognition by the Women on Boards Network Award. Her 15+ years of impactful service with CFK Africa and her commitment to our mission make her a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
Want to support CFK Africa as Jane has for over a decade? Consider a year-end gift!
