Esther Passaris

Esther Passaris

Passaris in May 2016
Personal details
Born Esther Muthoni Passaris
(1964-10-20) 20 October 1964
Mombasa, Kenya
Political party Kenya National Congress
(2013–present)
Children Makenna Maria
Lefteris Ngugi
Residence Nairobi, Kenya
Alma mater Strathmore University
Website http://www.esthermpassaris.com/

Esther Muthoni Passaris OGW (born 20 October 1964) is a Kenyan social entrepreneur, philanthropist and politician. A member of the Kenya National Congress, she has run for member of parliament for Embakasi Constituency as well as for women's representative for Nairobi County.[1] She is regarded as one of the most well-known female public figures in Kenyan business[2] and politics.[3][4]

Early life

Passaris was born in the coastal city of Mombasa to a Greek father and a Kenyan Kikuyu mother. She enrolled in the Advanced Management Program course at Strathmore Business School, a program that was conducted in December 2006 between Strathmore University and the University of Navarra. She also has a Diploma in Law from the University of London.[5]

Public and Political Career

Esther Passaris is a known public figure in Kenya, who has sparked some controversy by her statements about other Kenyan politicians and businessmen.[6] She has been a runner-up in Miss Kenya contest and is actively campaigning for the rights of woman in Kenya.[7] Through her 'Adopt a Light' organization[8] Passaris has signed a deal with Nairobi city authorities in order to: "Restore decrepit street lighting in exchange for advertising rights on the lamposts."[9] Passaris ran for the women's representative for Nairobi County during the 2013 general election,[10] and was also a candidate for the post of Mayor of Nairobi. She is currently a member of Kenya National Congress, a Kenyan political party. Kenya will have their fifth election in August 2017[11] in which she is running for the governor of Nairobi.[12]

She was also the CEO and founder of 'One in a Million' campaign which was operating under Driving Kenya Foundation,[13] a non-profit charitable organization, aimed at fighting problems in Kenya, such as poverty and unemployment, and promoting urban and rural development.

Personal Life

Passaris has two children with Kenyan businessman Pius Ngugi. In 2003, she filed a lawsuit against Ngugi for a breach of promise to marry, demanding Ksh. 200,000 and a car to take their children to and from school.[14] In August 2011, Passaris was sued by Ngugi, claiming she continued to demand more money despite agreeing to a truce in their previous case.[15]

Passaris' daughter and eldest child, Makenna Ngugi, is a singer.[16]

Awards

References

  1. ↑ "Esther Passaris". Kenyan Politicians. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  2. ↑ "Women politicians feted for their role in busines". The Star. CYNTHIA ILAKO. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
  3. ↑ "Chapter 6: Access to Justice". Gender and Economic Growth in Kenya: Unleashing the Power of Women. World Bank Publications. 2007. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  4. ↑ "Voices of Women Entrepreneurs in Kenya" (PDF). International Finance Corporation. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  5. ↑ "Why Esther Passaris is fighting Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi". TUKO.CO.KE.
  6. ↑ Daily Nation, Passaris’ turn in the dock in new property battle with tycoon
  7. ↑ Women demand respect and recognition in Kenya, Art Matters Info, Sep. 2008
  8. ↑ "Founder and Chairperson - Adopt A Light Ltd". MSOF. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
  9. ↑ Feisty woman challenges Kenya's male culture - Reuters
  10. ↑ Capital News, Passaris cleared by IEBC for women’s rep February 1, 2013
  11. ↑ "Official Date For The Next General Elections Announced". Tuko. Joshua Masinde. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
  12. ↑ "Businesswoman Esther Passaris declares her interest to unseat Kidero". mediamax. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
  13. ↑ Be One in a Million - Kenya Foundation, About Us
  14. ↑ "Woman sues billionaire Ngugi for Sh9m upkeep". The Star. 28 July 2014. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
  15. ↑ Pamela Chepkemei (6 August 2011). "Passaris' turn in the dock in new property battle with tycoon". Daily Nation. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  16. ↑ "Esther Passaris' daughter launches singing career". Lifestyle Magazine. 26 October 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
  17. ↑ "Habitat Business Award" (PDF). UN Habitat. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
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