British American Tobacco Kenya - Phyllis Wakiaga
Nationality: Kenyan
Age: 44
Position:
Independent Non-Executive Director since October 2023. Member of the Board Remuneration Committee and the Nominations and Governance Committee. She is Chairperson of the Anti-Illicit Trade Sub-Committee.
Leadership and experience:
Phyllis is an accomplished governance and public policy expert with more than two decades of experience spanning corporate leadership, government relations, sustainability and private sector development.
She currently serves as a Senior Advisor at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change where she supports governments and institutions in shaping and implementing policy reforms that drive economic growth, industrial development and investment competitiveness. Prior to this, Phyllis was the CEO and Secretary to the Board at Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), where she played a pivotal role in advancing industrial policy, strengthening private sector advocacy and fostering publicprivate dialogue to support economic growth.
Academic and Professional Background:
Phyllis is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and holds a Master’s degree in International Trade and Investment Law from the University of Nairobi and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, where she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership and Governance.
Recognition:
In 2025, in recognition of her contribution to public policy, private sector development and national economic advancement, Phyllis was awarded a state honour, of the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) by the Head of State.
Distinct Board Expertise:
Public policy and regulatory affairs | Sustainability leadership | Stakeholder engagement
Key Appointments:
- Non-Executive Director - Institute of Economic Affairs
- Non-Executive Director - Kenya Roads Board
- Non-Executive Director - I&M Group plc
- Non-Executive Director - Jubilee Allianz
- Non-Executive Director - Mabati Rolling Mills
- Non-Executive Director - International Centre for Research on Women (Africa Board)
- Member, Board of Trustees - United States International University