Fashion Designer Wandia Gichuru
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Prominent Kenyan fashion designer Wandia Gichuru has received significant recognition as she was included in Forbes' esteemed 50 Over 50.
The Global 2025 list honours individuals over 50 who have made impactful contributions across various sectors. Gichuru, the Co-Founder and CEO of Vivo Fashion Group, has effectively blended African fashion into the global marketplace, making notable strides both locally and internationally. In 2011, Gichuru made a pivotal career shift at the age of 40, departing from a successful tenure in international development to pursue her passion for fashion.
Partnering with a colleague, she launched an online retail platform in Kenya, which later transformed into Vivo Fashion Group, a prominent women’s apparel brand in East Africa. The brand has expanded to 29 stores regionally and employs approximately 450 staff members, 70% of whom are women. Vivo has established itself as a leader in offering stylish, practical, and affordable clothing tailored to the contemporary African woman.
Gichuru’s mission is to position African fashion prominently on the global stage. In an interview with CNN, she articulated her goal: “I want us to dress ourselves, number one, and dress the rest of the world. If other regions are sourcing apparel from different parts of the world, why not make Africa one of those destinations?” This ambition was realized in May 2024 with the opening of Vivo’s first US outlet in Atlanta, Georgia.
The event was graced by Kenyan President William Ruto, who commended Gichuru for showcasing Kenyan talent internationally, noting, “Wandia Gichuru and her team represent the best of what Kenya has to offer.” Under Gichuru’s leadership, Vivo Fashion Group has extended its reach beyond Kenya, with expansions into Rwanda, Uganda, and the United States, alongside plans for further growth.
The company’s flagship brands—Vivo Woman, Safari, and Zoya—focus on empowering modern Africans through a combination of style, comfort, and affordability. Additionally, Vivo operates a local manufacturing facility to ensure that a majority of its products are produced within the region. In parallel with her role at Vivo, Gichuru co-founded ShopZetu, a multi-brand e-commerce platform that offers fashionable and affordable clothing, beauty products, and accessories.
Before she transitioned into the fashion industry, Gichuru accumulated over 15 years of experience as an international development advisor, working with organizations such as the UK government, the United Nations, and the World Bank. She is also a certified life coach and business mentor, dedicated to creating employment opportunities and supporting entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond.
Academically, Gichuru holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Western University in Canada and earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Cape Town. Her educational foundation was laid at Loreto Convent Msongari, where she completed high school.
Wandia Gichuru’s journey embodies entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to advancing African fashion on the global stage.