Dr. Ben Kajwang Wins Global Change Makers Award, Puts Kenyan Corporate Leadership on International Stage
The College of Insurance CEO becomes the first Kenyan chief executive to receive the international honour, adding to a growing list of recognitions for his contribution to leadership and professional development.
Kenyan corporate leadership has received another international spotlight following the recognition of Dr. Ben Kajwang, Chief Executive Officer of the College of Insurance, as the winner of the 7th Global Change Makers Award in Cairo, Egypt.
The recognition, announced on November 5, 2026, reportedly makes Dr. Kajwang the first Kenyan CEO to receive the award, adding an international milestone to a year marked by several professional and national honours.
Organised by Project 100, the Global Change Makers Award recognises individuals making notable contributions in corporate leadership, governance, education and social impact.
A Year of Recognition for Leadership
The international award comes after a series of recognitions for Dr. Kajwang in 2026.
In July, he received the Best-Performing CEO Award at the 2026 BOBEA Leadership Awards, in recognition of his leadership and contribution to insurance education and institutional development.
His achievements were further recognised during Kenya’s 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, 2026, when he was named among the country’s National Heroes. He was reportedly recognised under the category of Scholarship, Professionalism and Research for his contribution to the advancement of the insurance sector in Kenya and across Africa.
The latest international recognition adds another dimension to his professional journey, extending his achievements beyond the national stage.
Transforming Insurance Education and Professional Development
Dr. Kajwang’s leadership has been closely associated with the growth of the College of Insurance into a regional institution supporting professional training and development within the insurance and financial services sectors.
His work has focused on strengthening insurance education, advancing professional standards and equipping industry practitioners with relevant skills.
He has also contributed to regional insurance development through leadership roles within the African Insurance Organisation (AIO), where he served as president between 2022 and 2023.
Beyond executive leadership, Dr. Kajwang is an author and researcher with nine books and more than 70 academic and professional publications to his name. His work covers areas including insurance, risk management, governance and institutional development.
He has also been involved in training thousands of insurance professionals and pension trustees, contributing to capacity building across Kenya and other African markets.
What This Recognition Means for Kenyan Leadership
International awards provide an opportunity to recognise individual achievements while drawing attention to the institutions, industries and professional communities behind them.
Dr. Kajwang’s recognition places a spotlight on the role of leadership in strengthening professional education, building institutional capacity and supporting the development of specialised industries.
For Kenya’s insurance sector, such recognition also brings attention to the importance of investing in knowledge, professional development and leadership structures that can compete regionally and internationally.
As organisations navigate changing market conditions, technological advancements and emerging risks, leadership that prioritises institutional growth and skills development remains an important part of long-term industry progress.
Dr. Kajwang’s latest achievement adds to a growing list of recognitions and highlights the contribution of Kenyan professionals to leadership and institutional development beyond the country’s borders.
At Research8020, we recognise that leadership is not only reflected in individual achievements but also in the institutions strengthened, industries influenced and opportunities created for others.