Feature on NJERI JOMO

CEO & PRINCIPAL OFFICER, JUBILEE HEALTH INSURANCE

Theme: Human-centric Leadership in the Digital Age

In the ever-evolving corporate landscape, where technological advancements redefine industries and leadership expectations continue to shift, one leader stands out for her unwavering commitment to people-first leadership: Njeri Jomo.

As the CEO and Principal Officer of Jubilee Health Insurance, she has not only steered the company towards remarkable growth but has also championed a culture that places employees, customers, and stakeholders at the heart of decision-making.

Recently recognized as the first runner-up for the “Best People-Focused CEO/MD of the Year” at the HR Awards 2024, Jomo embodies the essence of human-centric leadership. Her journey, marked by resilience, adaptability, and a deep-rooted passion for transformative leadership, is nothing short of inspiring. In this exclusive feature, she shares her leadership philosophy, experiences across different markets, the role of faith and family in her decision-making, and how she is leading Jubilee Health Insurance into the future through innovation and digital transformation.

Introduction & Personal Journey

Beyond the Title: Who is Njeri Jomo?

When asked to describe herself beyond her executive title, Jomo smiles, as if reflecting on a journey filled with lessons, triumphs, and challenges. “I am very passionate about professional and personal growth. I believe in transformative leadership and creating impact wherever I go. Regardless of the space I find myself in, my goal is to leave it better than I found it,” she says.

But her leadership journey didn’t start at the top. “I am a girl next door,” she chuckles. “I like to believe that leadership is an assignment. You are placed in a particular season to bring change and, once that season is over, you move on to another impactful journey.” Her insurance career has taken her across different markets, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Each of these experiences has shaped her leadership perspective, teaching her invaluable lessons about cultural diversity, adaptability, and the importance of an inclusive approach to leadership and business.

Winning the first runner-up position at the HR Awards 2024 for “Best People-Focused CEO” was more than just a personal achievement—it was a validation of her belief that great leadership begins with people. “This recognition is particularly special because it speaks to what I believe—that you cannot truly lead an organization and drive impact if you do not recognize that you are leading people first,” she explains.

For Jomo, leadership is about creating an environment where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best work. “I never shy away from saying that Jubilee Health Insurance is successful today because of my team. It is easy to see a leader standing on a podium, receiving accolades, but behind that recognition is a team that has worked tirelessly to bring that vision to life.”

Leading Across Borders .

Her career as a leader has spanned across East Africa; Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, Jomo has developed a keen understanding of how culture influences leadership and business dynamics. “One of the biggest lessons I learned is that leadership cannot be copy-pasted from one market to another. Each country has its own identity, unique customer preferences, and regulatory landscape. You have to learn, adapt, and appreciate that diversity.”

Her interactions in Uganda, for instance, revealed the ambitious drive of women professionals in the industry—something she deeply admires and draws inspiration from. “The diversity in leadership styles across Africa has enriched my approach, making me more adaptable and inclusive in decision-making,” she adds.

She shares humorous stories of moments when she had to learn on the job, adapting her communication style to fit different cultural contexts. One of her most profound experiences was adjusting to new ways of communication in different countries. “You think you know everything until you tell a joke in one country, and no one laughs because they don’t get it! In Kenya, we have inside jokes, cultural nuances and ways of working that we assume everyone understands. That’s when you realize the importance of understanding different people’s perspectives,” she laughs. You then realize that leadership requires learning beyond the business- it’s about understanding people on a deeper level.

Leadership Style.

Jomo’s leadership style has evolved significantly over the years. “In my early days, I was more autocratic. I believed that everyone would work the way I did. But experience has taught me the value of a human centred approach,” she reflects. Today, she leads with empathy, focusing on collaboration and leveraging the strengths of her team.

“A leader’s role is to create a vision so clear that everyone understands why it matters and how their contributions fit into the bigger picture,” she says. For Jomo, leadership is an ongoing journey of self improvement, learning, and adaptation.

She candidly shares that leadership is not always easy. “There are tough days, moments of self-doubt, and difficult decisions that keep you up at night. But I have learned that the best leaders are not those who have all the answers, but those who are willing to listen, learn, and grow.” Today, she defines her leadership style as human centred. “My focus is on ensuring that my team understands the vision, sees their role in it, and feels motivated to contribute. Leadership is about balancing strategic direction with emotional intelligence.

Faith, Family & Personal Drive.

The Role of Faith and Family in Leadership.

For Jomo, faith is more than just a personal belief— it is the foundation of her leadership philosophy. “Faith has shaped my value system, my decision making, and my perspective on success. I believe that leadership is a stewardship; you are entrusted with an opportunity to make a difference, and you must do so with integrity.” For Jomo, faith is a very integral part of what her leadership is anchored on. As a mother of three daughters, she believes in raising them with the same principles of integrity, hard work, and service that she upholds in her professional life. “I want my daughters to look at me and see a woman who pursued her purpose fearlessly, but who was also present for them. It’s not always easy, there is clarity about who I am and what I do; but I believe that family is my grounding force.” It reminds you why you do what you do. “Leadership does not operate in a vacuum, it’s part of a society and so the aspects that impact society impact leadership,” she adds.

Jubilee Health Insurance & Business Excellence.

Driving Business Growth and Innovation.

Towards the end of 2024, Jubilee Health Insurance was recognised as Organisation of the Year- at the Women on Boards Network Awards. This award was for recognising the role of organisations in driving inclusivity and diversity. Jomo emphasises that at Jubilee Health Insurance, inclusivity and gender parity are core values everyone has a role to play. She highlights some of the organization’s flagship initiatives that have significantly impacted underserved communities in the region, such as Afya Mashinani. Through this program, Jubilee Health has touched over 10,000 lives, providing much-needed medical care in partnership with The Aga Khan University Hospital. In addition, Jubilee Health runs several in-house programs that have made a meaningful difference for both working mothers and underprivileged staff.

These include:

An on-site crèche to support employees with young children,
A dedicated mothers’ room for breastfeeding moms,
Free medical treatment for underprivileged individuals — the majority of whom are women,
Free counselling sessions at the workplace.

Further, she points to another major achievement— Jubilee Health Insurance’s menopause cover, a first-of its-kind benefit designed to support women’s health. This innovative approach to inclusivity and well-being played a significant role in earning recognition.

“This recognition is proof that we are moving in the right direction to recognise the goal of providing gender parity and an environment that supports it. Our focus on customer-centricity, innovation, and digital transformation has positioned us as a leader in the industry”

Human-Centric Leadership and Employee Well-being

Under Jomo’s leadership, Jubilee Health Insurance has been at the forefront of digital transformation. With AI-driven claims processing, corporate wellness programs, and innovative apps like Maisha Fit- that enables for health and fitness tracking, they are revolutionising healthcare insurance. “Employee engagement and well-being are now central to business success. At Jubilee, we ensure this remains a priority by fostering a workplace culture that values diversity, mental health, and career growth.”

Digital Transformation and the Future of Work

“Technology is not a replacement for people; it is an enabler. It allows us to focus our human resources on high-value tasks while automating repetitive processes,” she explains. She states that with increased digitisation, data protection is paramount. Jubilee Health Insurance invests in robust cybersecurity measures to ensure transparency, efficiency, and trust in HR management. Jomo adds that the future of work demands a balance between technology and human-centric leadership, and that’s the balance she strives to maintain at Jubilee Health Insurance.

Women in Leadership & Mentorship

Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women.

As a woman leading a major insurance institution, Jomo has had to navigate challenges unique to female executives. “Women in leadership often have to prove themselves twice as much. But I have learned that confidence, competence, and a strong support system make all the difference.”

She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders, especially young women. “Mentorship is about lifting others as you climb. I actively guide young professionals, helping them navigate career challenges and build their leadership capacity.”

One of the things that set Jomo apart is her humility in acknowledging those who have come before her. “There are people who paved the way before me, and I have benefited from their experiences and guidance. I want to be that kind of leader for others—someone who lifts as she climbs.”

The Future of HR Leadership in Kenya.

The HR landscape is evolving rapidly. With the rise of AI, remote work, and digital HR systems, leaders must rethink how they engage and retain talent. The future is about agility, inclusivity, and continuous learning.

Advice to Emerging Leaders.

As the interview concludes, Jomo leaves a powerful message for aspiring leaders: “Leadership is not about titles—it’s about impact. Be resilient, be adaptable, and always lead with integrity. Success is not about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about being the most effective at bringing people together to achieve a common goal.”

Through her journey, Njeri Jomo is redefining leadership, proving that in an era dominated by technology, the most successful leaders will be those who never lose sight of what truly matters—people.

Her story is not just about corporate success—it is about courage, resilience, and the determination to make a difference. “I want people to know that leadership is not about titles; it is about impact. If I can inspire just one person to step into their greatness, then I have done my job.”