Karen Barker with Kenya Ambassador Philip Thigo and Angela Aneka

Global community: (l-r) Karen Barker, WBS Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Kenya Ambassador Philip Thigo, and Angela Aneke, Regional Chair of the Africa Alumni Network

In a landmark event Kenya Ambassador Philip Thigo officially inaugurated Warwick Business School’s Nairobi Chapter of the Africa Alumni Network.  

The event marked a significant step in strengthening the ties between Warwick Business School and its African alumni in Kenya. 

Ambassador Thigo, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology and part of the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, said: “I visited Warwick in 2019 as part of the University’s Warwick in Africa strategy, so it is with great pleasure that I am here to meet Warwick Business School’s alumni and speak on shaping the future of global governance in the era of generative AI. 

“In this age, the role of universities will be crucial in creating a sustainable and resilient pipeline for talent across the value chain. 

“I look forward to working on collaborative use cases on how AI impacts businesses and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals agenda, which can be shared across local and international universities.” 

Sarah Pymm, Director of Global Alumni Engagement, highlighted the strategic importance of the Africa Alumni Network and thanked Maurice Otieno, Executive Chair Elect, and Kris Senanu, Social Chair for the Nairobi Chapter of the Africa Alumni Network, for bringing alumni together and launching the Nairobi Chapter.  

“Our alumni are our greatest ambassadors, and the Nairobi Chapter and the Africa Alumni Network will enable us to harness their collective expertise and experience,” she said.  

“It is an opportunity to build a vibrant community that supports professional growth and contributes to the socio-economic development of Africa. 

“Warwick Business School is for the Change Makers and our alumni are driven by a desire to change the world for the better. Having met so many alumni in Kenya I can see a restless passion to bring positive change to Africa. 

“The Africa Alumni Network is part of the School’s broader strategy to enhance its global presence and support its alumni worldwide. With more than 60,000 alumni in 167 countries, WBS is committed to fostering a strong and engaged alumni community.” 

Stand by me: The Nairobi Chapter of the Africa Alumni Network gather for a group photo at its launch

The network will provide a platform for alumni in Africa to engage with current students, offering mentorship and career guidance. 

The Africa Alumni Network joins WBS Alumni Networks in China, Hong Kong, India, North America, Singapore, UAE, and Europe. The networks typically organise business networking events, online networking, sports events, dinners, lectures, seminars, and conferences. 

Alumni have the opportunity to use the School’s careers resources, with one-to-one consultations, online career guidance, coaching, and online guides on offer. They can also use the School’s award-winning Global Mentoring Programme and have free access to journals and research tools, including ABI Inform and Global Data Explorer, with discounts on subscriptions for The Economist and the Financial Times. 

Angela Aneke, Regional Chair of the Africa Alumni Network, said: “By bringing together some of the brightest minds from across the continent, this network can become a catalyst for change. It is an opportunity to share knowledge, collaborate on projects, and create solutions that address the unique challenges facing Africa. 

“The Nairobi Chapter is a testament to the enduring relationship between Warwick Business School and its African alumni in Kenya. Such contacts and networks will help us drive sustainable development in Kenya and the rest of Africa.” 

Discover more about our Change Makers at Warwick Business School.