Fredrick has over 25 years of experience in the tourism industry. Currently the Director of Research & Innovation and Lecturer at the Strathmore School of Tourism and Hospitality, he is an experienced faculty and has taught several executive education, undergraduate, and graduate courses in tourism, marketing, and competitive strategy at the university. He also previously lectured at KCA University, and the United States International University – Africa (USIU-A).
He has worked with and trained travel agents, tour operators, airline and hotel managers over the last 25 years. His work experience includes working for Kenya Airways, Kenya Utalii College as well as Compassion International in various roles. He has over the last 15 years led several consulting projects in tourism, hospitality and social development in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Southern Sudan Based in Nairobi, Fred has a long and successful record of helping clients with competitive strategy and other general management challenges. He has particular depth working with significant clients across the service industry and at the intersection of both the private, public and not-for-profit sector but draws upon a variety of cross-industry experience as well.
Fredrick holds a doctorate degree in Business Management and Administration from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa and has dual Master of Business Administration degrees from the United States International University (Strategic Management/International Business) and University of Nairobi (MBA Marketing). He has a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management from the United States International University-Africa and several professional diplomas in Travel Management, Airline Studies and Marketing.
Dr. Betty is an accomplished executive with over a decade of leadership experience in tourism and advertising. Known for achieving company growth and developing strong leaders, she currently serves as the Executive Chairperson at Daraja Plus, following her tenure as CEO of the Kenya Tourism
Board for six years.
With a background in entrepreneurship, marketing strategy, and operations, Betty has held key roles at firms like Scan Ad and JWT, as well as in the technology and telecom sectors with Microsoft and Samsung. Recognized as a top figure in tourism where she was voted Top 100 Women in tourism in Africa in 2018.
Beyond her executive roles, Betty is an adjunct lecturer at Strathmore Business School and a passionate mentor for women in business. She leads the Leads the conversation around “ selling beyond borders for the owner-manager program and the Branding Masterclass, guiding participants to develop strong destination brand identities and measure brand equity effectively. The Strathmore business school engagement has diverse audience audiences at the CXO level in a number of segments which include but not limited to Finance, telecommunication, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, travel, tourism, marketing, economics, media, public policy, and international relations.
Betty holds a PhD in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and an MBA in Strategy and Finance from the University of Nairobi.
Tonny Muiruri Mutungu, widely recognized as TMM, has over 25 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry. His journey began with a solid educational foundation, earning a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management from Florida International University and a Diploma in Hotel Management from Kenya Utalii College. He further enhanced his qualifications by becoming a Chartered Marketer from CIM London and a Certified Internet Marketing Practitioner (CIMP).
Throughout his career, Tonny has held significant positions in General Hotel Management, Sales & Marketing, and more recently, Project Management with top international and local hotel brands. His strategic influence was notably felt at Sheraton Hotels Kenya, Block Hotels Kenya, Imperial Hotels Uganda, Jacaranda Hotels Kenya, Tribe Hotel Nairobi, and The Laico Regency, especially in the years leading up to COVID-19.
Currently, Tonny is privileged to chair The Tourism Industry/Kenya Utalii College Liaison Committee and serve as a Non-Executive Board Member at Palm House Dairy. Additionally, he contributes part-time as an Associate at PIE Consultancy. His leadership has also extended to roles such as Past President of Skal Kenya Nairobi, Past Vice Chair of the Tour Operator Society of Kenya, and Past President of the Rotary Club of Hurlingham. He has also served as Secretary of the Kenya Utalii College Alumni Association. His passion for education is evident through his past role as a Board Member on the mentorship board of AIESEC at Kenyatta University.
Driven by a passion for enhancing guest experiences and promoting sustainable practices, Tonny is committed to leveraging his deep understanding of hospitality dynamics—both locally and internationally—to drive growth and innovation in the industry. His goal is to collaborate with teams to implement forward-looking strategies and foster impactful international partnerships, solidifying his reputation as a leader in the hospitality sector.