Gina Din-Kariuki is a trailblazing entrepreneur, communications strategist, and philanthropist who revolutionized public relations in Kenya and beyond. From her early days as a journalist to founding Gina Din Corporate Communications (GDCC), she has built some of East Africa’s most influential brands, including Safaricom and Kenya Airways.
Her journey is a testament to vision, resilience, and the power of storytelling—a career spanning decades of shaping corporate narratives, managing crises, and mentoring the next generation of African leaders.
This is the story of Kenya’s PR queen.
From Nanyuki to the Global Stage
Born in 1961 in Nanyuki, Kenya, Gina Din was raised in a tight-knit Indian-Kenyan family. She inherited a strong work ethic from her father, who was one of Nanyuki’s most respected businessmen. Her love for communication and storytelling began early, setting the stage for a career that would later transform how corporate Kenya speaks to the world.
She pursued journalism at the London School of Journalism, where she developed a sharp eye for crafting compelling narratives. Upon returning to Kenya, she worked as a journalist before transitioning into corporate communications—a field that was still in its infancy in Kenya at the time.
This transition would set the foundation for her legendary PR career.
Rising Through the Corporate Ranks
Gina’s first major corporate role was at Barclays Bank Kenya, where she joined as a communications officer. Despite securing the job through family connections, she quickly proved her value and rose to head the bank’s corporate communications department.
During her time at Barclays, she played a key role in:
✔ Rebranding the bank’s image in Kenya
✔ Handling corporate messaging during its IPO on the Nairobi Stock Exchange
✔ Modernizing how the bank communicated with customers and investors
While she thrived in the corporate world, Gina soon realized she wanted more—to build something of her own.
In 1997, she made the boldest move of her career: leaving a stable job at Barclays to launch her own PR agency.
“PR in Kenya was still a new concept at the time. I saw an opportunity and decided to take the leap.” – Gina Din
This decision would change the face of corporate communications in East Africa.
Building a PR Empire: The Birth of Gina Din Corporate Communications
Gina founded Gina Din Corporate Communications (GDCC) with a vision to provide high-level PR services to Kenyan businesses.
At the time, few companies understood the power of strategic communication. Gina saw a gap in the market and set out to bridge it.
GDCC quickly became Kenya’s leading PR firm, landing high-profile clients, including:
✔ Safaricom – Kenya’s largest telecom company
✔ Kenya Airways – The national airline
✔ Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB)
✔ Old Mutual
✔ The Kenya Red Cross
Her ability to craft compelling brand stories made GDCC the go-to agency for East Africa’s biggest businesses.
Shaping Iconic Brands and Crisis Management
1. Safaricom & M-Pesa: A PR Masterclass
One of Gina’s most iconic achievements was her work with Safaricom, Kenya’s telecom giant.
She led the launch of the famous “Niko Na Safaricom” campaign, which connected deeply with Kenyan consumers. But her biggest impact came with the launch of M-Pesa—Kenya’s revolutionary mobile money platform.
At a time when many doubted mobile banking, Gina crafted messaging that made M-Pesa relatable and trustworthy. Today, M-Pesa is a global success story—and Gina’s strategic communication played a crucial role in its early adoption.
“People needed to trust mobile money. Our job was to make it feel safe and familiar.” – Gina Din
2. Crisis Management for Kenya Airways
In 2007, Kenya Airways faced one of its darkest moments—the crash of Flight 507, which claimed 114 lives.
Handling PR for an airline during a tragedy is extremely delicate, but Gina stepped in and managed the crisis with professionalism and empathy.
Her communications strategy helped:
✔ Ensure transparency in updates to the public
✔ Support the victims’ families through careful messaging
✔ Rebuild trust in the airline’s brand
This crisis was deeply personal for Gina, as her husband was a Kenya Airways pilot. But she handled it with grace and skill, proving her ability to manage high-stakes situations.
Awards and Global Recognition
Gina’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including:
🏆 100 Most Influential Africans (New African Magazine, 2013)
🏆 CNBC Business Woman of the Year, East Africa (2015)
🏆 Outstanding Individual Achievement (SABRE) Award – Holmes Report
🏆 UN Honorary Ambassador for Gender Equality (2016)
Her global recognition reflects her impact beyond Kenya, as she continues to shape the PR industry across Africa.
Philanthropy and Empowering Women
Beyond business, Gina is passionate about giving back.
She established the Gina Din Foundation, which:
✔ Mentors young women in business and communications
✔ Provides funding for education initiatives
✔ Advocates for women’s rights and gender equality
She also serves as:
✔ Goodwill Ambassador for Kenya Red Cross
✔ Honorary Ambassador for UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund)
For Gina, PR is more than just business—it’s a tool for social change.
“I want to use my influence to empower the next generation of African women.” – Gina Din
The Acquisition: GDCC Joins Edelman
In 2020, Gina’s company was acquired by Edelman, the world’s largest PR firm.
This landmark deal:
✔ Cemented GDCC’s legacy as Kenya’s leading PR firm
✔ Gave Kenyan businesses access to global PR expertise
✔ Positioned Gina as one of Africa’s most powerful PR executives
She now serves as Group Executive Chairperson & East Africa CEO for Brand Leadership, continuing to shape the future of PR in Africa.
Telling Her Story: “Daughter of Africa”
Gina’s memoir, Daughter of Africa, gives a deeply personal account of her journey.
It details:
✔ Her rise from journalist to PR mogul
✔ The struggles of being a woman in business
✔ Encounters with world leaders like Barack Obama and Desmond Tutu
Her story inspires African entrepreneurs to dream big, take risks, and own their narratives.
Legacy: More Than Just a PR Mogul
Gina Din isn’t just a PR executive—she’s a storyteller, a leader, and a change-maker.
✔ She redefined PR in Kenya and built an industry from the ground up.
✔ She shaped East Africa’s biggest brands, from Safaricom to Kenya Airways.
✔ She continues to empower women through mentorship and philanthropy.
At 63 years old, Gina remains a powerful force in African business, proving that authentic storytelling and strategic communication can transform industries.
“Communication is not just about words—it’s about impact.” – Gina Din
Her legacy is cemented as one of Africa’s most influential businesswomen.
