Cynthia Karuri–Kropac, a seasoned executive with a wealth of experience in the telecommunications industry, recently made headlines as she bid farewell to Safaricom, one of East Africa’s leading telcos. Her departure marked the end of a transformative journey that brought innovation and strategic leadership to the company.
Joining Safaricom as Chief Enterprise Business Officer in September 2022, Cynthia brought with her an impressive track record from her time at AT&T in the United States. With over 19 years at AT&T, where she held key management roles, Cynthia was well-equipped to drive Safaricom’s growth in the enterprise sector.
Her tenure at Safaricom was characterized by a strong focus on business strategy, IoT technologies, and operational excellence. Cynthia spearheaded initiatives such as “Grow with Safaricom Business,
” an engagement platform designed to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in their digital transformation journey.
In her own words, Cynthia highlighted the importance of empowering MSMEs through knowledge-sharing and skills development: “
Through the Grow with Safaricom Business series, we aim to empower MSMEs with the knowledge and skills that can help them accelerate their growth sustainably.
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One of Cynthia’s notable achievements during her time at Safaricom was the launch of a revamped cloud computing platform aimed at helping businesses digitize their operations effectively. Powered by VMware Technologies, this initiative signaled a new era of possibilities for businesses looking to innovate and thrive in a digital-first world.
Reflecting on the impact of the cloud services launch, Cynthia emphasized its role in unlocking new opportunities for businesses: “
We believe that by providing businesses with world-class cloud computing capabilities, we empower them to achieve their growth aspirations more efficiently.
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Beyond her contributions to business solutions and technology advancements at Safaricom, Cynthia also played a pivotal role in driving initiatives like the myCounty app. This innovative platform aimed to streamline county operations across Kenya by offering citizens easy access to essential services such as payments and emergency assistance.
Speaking about the potential impact of the myCounty app on governance and service delivery, Cynthia expressed optimism about its ability to transform how counties engage with residents: “
With myCounty App integrated into all counties, we hope to witness increased efficiency in service delivery and revenue collection.”
As Cynthia bids adieu to Safaricom after two impactful years, Frankline Okata steps into the role of Acting Chief Enterprise Business Officer. With his extensive experience within Safaricom’s ranks spanning multiple departments since 2006, Okata is poised to continue driving innovation and excellence within the company.
Cynthia Karuri-Kropac’s legacy at Safaricom serves as a testament to visionary leadership and unwavering commitment towards empowering businesses and communities through technology-driven solutions. As she embarks on new endeavors beyond Safaricom, her influence will undoubtedly resonate across East Africa’s tech landscape for years to come.
