Author: The Fortune Leaders

In the evolving landscape of global commerce and governance, few leaders embody the intersection of technical expertise, public service, and visionary leadership as effectively as Esther Ngari, Managing Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards. At a time when economies are increasingly defined by trust, compliance, and quality, Esther stands at the forefront of shaping systems that quietly but powerfully influence markets, industries, and everyday lives.

Her leadership is not built on rhetoric but on results anchored in integrity, driven by purpose, and focused on long-term national and continental impact. As one of Africa’s leading women in regulatory leadership, Esther is redefining what it means to lead a standards institution in a fast-changing world.

A Purposeful Journey Rooted in Quality and Systems Thinking

Esther Ngari’s professional journey reflects a deliberate and strategic evolution. Beginning her career in industry, she developed a deep understanding of how standards function as invisible yet essential pillars of trust in markets. These early experiences shaped her appreciation for quality systems not as abstract frameworks, but as practical tools that enable efficiency, safety, and credibility.
Her transition into public service marked a significant turning point. In this space, she took on increasingly complex roles that required balancing scientific rigor, policy frameworks, and the often-competing interests of diverse stakeholders. Each step in her journey was defined by a commitment to strengthening systems and driving meaningful reform.

Key milestones along the way include leading institutional transformation initiatives, enhancing national quality systems, and positioning Kenya as a strong voice in international standard-setting platforms. Her appointment as Managing Director of KEBS represents both the culmination of years of disciplined growth and a platform to deliver systemic impact at a national and global level.

Leadership Anchored in Integrity, Courage, and Service

At the heart of Esther’s leadership philosophy are three core values: integrity, courage, and service. These are not abstract ideals but operational principles that guide every decision she makes.

Integrity, in her view, is the foundation of any regulatory institution. Without it, credibility collapses, and with it, public trust. Courage follows closely because leadership in a high-stakes environment often requires making difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions. For Esther, doing what is right consistently outweighs the need for approval.

Service completes this triad. She remains deeply aware that every standard set, every product certified, and every regulation enforced ultimately impacts the lives of ordinary citizens. This sense of responsibility shapes her approach, ensuring that policy decisions are always aligned with public good.

Transforming KEBS Through Strategic Reform

Under Esther’s leadership, KEBS has undergone a significant transformation driven by a clear and focused strategy. At the core of this transformation is a three-pronged approach aimed at strengthening standards development, market surveillance, and institutional culture.

The first pillar focuses on aligning Kenya’s standards with international benchmarks such as those developed by African Organisation for Standardisation, International Organization for Standardization, and International Electrotechnical Commission. By ensuring that standards are developed through inclusive and meaningful industry consultation, KEBS is enhancing both relevance and compliance.

The second pillar emphasizes a shift from reactive enforcement to predictive, risk-based market surveillance. By leveraging data and analytics, the institution is now able to identify potential risks before they escalate, improving efficiency and consumer protection.

The third pillar represents a cultural shift from a bureaucratic gatekeeping model to a facilitative, business-friendly approach. Esther strongly believes that standards should enable trade, not hinder it. This transformation has already led to increased business confidence and improved compliance rates across sectors.

Breaking Barriers and Redefining Leadership

As a woman leading a critical national institution, Esther has faced challenges that go beyond the technical demands of her role. Leadership in such environments often comes with heightened scrutiny, and gender-based expectations can add another layer of complexity.

Rather than allowing these challenges to define her, Esther has chosen to navigate them through consistency, competence, and results. She has built credibility not through assertion but through delivery demonstrating that effective leadership is grounded in performance and integrity.

Importantly, she views these challenges as opportunities to reshape perceptions and pave the way for future generations of women leaders. By setting new standards of leadership, she is contributing to a broader cultural shift within governance and business.

Embracing Digital Transformation and Innovation

In an increasingly digital world, Esther has positioned KEBS as a forward-looking institution that embraces innovation as a core operational strategy. Digital transformation at KEBS is not treated as a one-time initiative but as an ongoing evolution.

Key processes have been digitised, significantly reducing turnaround times and eliminating inefficiencies that previously burdened businesses. The integration of data analytics into market surveillance has enabled more precise and targeted enforcement, enhancing both effectiveness and transparency

Furthermore, KEBS is actively engaging with emerging sectors such as e-commerce and smart technologies. By anticipating future trends and adapting standards accordingly, Esther ensures that Kenya remains ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing global market.

Standards as Catalysts for Economic Growth

Esther often describes standards as the “silent architecture of prosperity.” This perspective underscores her belief that strong regulatory frameworks are essential for sustainable economic development.

By reducing uncertainty in transactions, standards create an environment where businesses can invest with confidence and consumers can make informed decisions. In the African context, the harmonisation of standards is particularly critical for unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade.

With initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area gaining momentum, Esther emphasizes that aligned standards will be key to ensuring seamless trade across borders. Through KEBS, Kenya is playing a leading role in driving this convergence and strengthening the continent’s economic integration.

Leadership in Times of Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic presented one of the most challenging periods for global systems, and Esther’s leadership during this time stands as a testament to her resilience and clarity of purpose. Serving in a senior technical capacity, she played a critical role in ensuring the availability and regulation of essential products such as personal protective equipment and sanitizers.

Faced with rapidly evolving circumstances, KEBS responded by fast-tracking standards, issuing timely guidance, and making critical information accessible. Despite the urgency, the integrity of standards was never compromised.

This experience reinforced a fundamental lesson: in times of crisis, the importance of standards is amplified. Esther’s ability to lead with calm, evidence-based decision-making ensured that the institution remained both responsive and reliable under pressure.

Mentorship and Building Future Leaders

Esther’s leadership philosophy extends beyond institutional success to include the development of future leaders. She strongly believes that leadership is not about individual achievement but about creating pathways for others.

Through mentorship programs and capacity-building initiatives, she has actively worked to nurture talent within and beyond KEBS. Her approach emphasizes not only technical competence but also leadership readiness, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to navigate complex challenges. For Esther, mentorship is also about honesty providing a realistic understanding of what leadership demands while inspiring others to rise to the challenge.

A Vision for KEBS and Beyond

Looking ahead, Esther envisions KEBS as Africa’s gold-standard institution recognized for its technical excellence, innovation, and policy leadership. Her long-term strategy includes integrating KEBS into regional digital trade systems and contributing to the development of pan-African standards that enhance global competitiveness.

With a focus on key milestones such as 2030 and beyond, her vision is both ambitious and grounded. She aims to build an institution that is trusted by all stakeholders from small-scale traders to multinational corporations. Central to this vision is the idea of intergenerational impact. Esther is not just building for the present but laying the foundation for a future where KEBS continues to lead and innovate.

Advice to the Next Generation of Women Leaders

Esther’s message to young women aspiring to leadership roles is both practical and empowering. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, urging them to develop deep expertise and build reputations based on substance.

She also highlights the need for sponsorship advocates who can open doors and create opportunities. Most importantly, she encourages women to challenge existing norms rather than conform to them, and to uplift others along the way.

A Legacy Built on Impact, Not Applause

For Esther Ngari, leadership is not about visibility or recognition. It is about impact often quiet, sometimes unseen, but always meaningful. The work of a regulator may not attract headlines, but its influence is profound.

From ensuring the safety of products to enabling businesses to thrive, her contributions are woven into the fabric of everyday life. Her legacy is one of trust, reliability, and progress a testament to the power of purposeful leadership.

As she continues to lead KEBS into the future, Esther is not just shaping an institution; she is shaping a nation’s confidence in quality and a continent’s path toward economic transformation.

I am Rana Alnasir-Boulos, Chairperson of the Global Women Forum (GWF) and Director Business Development of the EITEP Institute to which GWF belongs, dedicated to fostering leadership, empowerment, and opportunities for women and youth across the globe. With over a decade of experience in leadership, intercultural training, and public speaking, I have worked tirelessly to bridge cultures, industries, and generations to create platforms where women can thrive. Through initiatives like the World Woman Leader Award, I recognize and support women driving meaningful change. My journey has been shaped by a commitment to mentoring, inspiring, and equipping the next generation of leaders to confidently pursue their goals and redefine global leadership.

Here are the key highlights from the interview:

Can you share your professional journey and what inspired you to become a global advocate for women’s empowerment and leadership?

My professional journey has spanned leadership roles, cross-cultural training, and advocacy for women in business, STEM, and public policy. I was inspired to become a global advocate for women’s empowerment after witnessing the untapped potential of women and youth, particularly in regions where cultural and structural barriers limit their opportunities. My mission has always been to create platforms, networks, and initiatives that enable women to lead, innovate, and influence decision-making on a global scale.

As the Chairperson of the Global Women Forum, what is your vision for empowering women and youth worldwide?

As Chairperson of GWF, my vision is to empower women and youth worldwide by providing mentorship, education, and networking opportunities, while bridging the gap between industries, cultures, and generations. I aim to create an inclusive ecosystem where women can access resources, knowledge, and support to grow as leaders and agents of change.

Through initiatives such as the World Woman Leader Award, how do you recognize and support women leaders making an impact globally?

The World Woman Leader Award celebrates women who are driving meaningful impact in their communities and industries. By highlighting their achievements, sharing their stories, and connecting them with global networks, we aim to inspire other women to pursue leadership roles and create positive change.

As an intercultural trainer, how important is cultural understanding and diversity in building strong global leadership?

As an intercultural trainer, I strongly believe that cultural understanding and diversity are essential for building strong global leadership. Leaders who embrace diverse perspectives can foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation while creating inclusive environments that empower all voices to be heard.

You are also a public speaker. How do you use speaking platforms to inspire change and motivate women to pursue leadership roles?

Through public speaking, I use platforms to share insights, experiences, and strategies that motivate women to step into leadership roles with confidence. Speaking engagements allow me to challenge norms, highlight success stories, and inspire women and youth to pursue careers and initiatives that can transform industries and communities.

What challenges have you faced while advocating for women’s leadership, and what lessons have these experiences taught you?

Advocating for women’s leadership comes with challenges, including overcoming systemic biases and cultural barriers. These experiences have taught me the importance of persistence, empathy, and collaboration, as well as the power of building networks that amplify voices and create lasting impact.

What advice would you give to young women who aspire to become leaders and create meaningful change in their communities and industries?

To young women aspiring to lead, I would say: believe in your vision, embrace your unique strengths, and seek out mentors and networks that support your growth. Take initiative, challenge conventions, and remember that true leadership is not just about personal success, but about uplifting others and creating opportunities for meaningful change.

Hiran Daluwatta, Founder and CEO of Noteworthy Global, is a purpose-driven leader at the forefront of sustainable investment and climate-focused development. Guided by a strong sense of stewardship, he bridges global capital with high-impact projects that prioritize people, planet, and long-term progress. With a background spanning climate finance, international collaboration, and large-scale development, Hiran brings integrity and vision to every initiative. Under his leadership, Noteworthy Global is redefining responsible investment through innovation, transparency, and ethical growth. His work reflects a deep commitment to building resilient economies and leaving a meaningful legacy for future generations.

Here are the key highlights from the interview:

What inspired you to establish Noteworthy Global, and how has your personal and professional journey shaped the company’s mission?

Noteworthy Global was born from both conviction and calling. I have always believed that investment is not merely a financial exercise, but a responsibility — a form of stewardship. Through my professional journey in climate finance, international collaboration, and large-scale development projects, I witnessed a recurring gap: meaningful, high-impact opportunities existed, yet there were too few platforms built on trust, integrity, and long-term purpose to connect them with global capital.

Faith has shaped how I see this work. It reminds me that resources are entrusted to us not just to grow, but to serve. That belief inspired me to establish Noteworthy Global — a company grounded in values, designed to bridge capital with purpose-driven development that uplifts communities and safeguards the future.

As a father, communicator, and global citizen, I am deeply conscious of the legacy we leave behind. Our mission is guided by the principle that true success lies in creating sustainable change, restoring balance between people and the planet, and building economies that are resilient, just, and forward-looking.

What is the core vision behind Noteworthy Global, and how do you believe your organization is influencing or transforming its industry?

At its heart, Noteworthy Global exists to connect purposeful global capital with projects that serve both people and progress. Our vision is rooted in the belief that development should restore, not extract — and that prosperity should be shared, not concentrated.

We work across renewable energy, agrivoltaics, sustainable land development, and innovative technologies, always guided by principles of climate resilience and social responsibility. What differentiates us is our holistic approach. We do not simply facilitate investment; we help design, structure, de-risk, and implement projects with long-term impact in mind.

In an industry often driven by short-term returns, Noteworthy Global is helping shift the narrative. We demonstrate that ethical, responsible investment is not only morally sound, but economically strong. In doing so, we are transforming sustainability from a buzzword into a disciplined, values-led strategy for growth.

How would you describe your leadership style, and what values guide your decision-making as a CEO?

My leadership style is collaborative, servant-minded, and purpose-led. I believe leadership is not about control or status, but about responsibility — creating space for others to grow while remaining accountable for the direction we take.

Faith reminds me that leadership is ultimately about service. The values guiding my decisions are integrity, transparency, humility, and vision. In every decision — whether strategic or operational — I ask two fundamental questions:
Does this honour our responsibility to people and the planet?
Does this contribute to meaningful, lasting impact?

These principles keep me grounded, focused, and aligned with our mission, even as we pursue ambitious goals.

What major challenges have you faced while building Noteworthy Global, and what key milestones are you most proud of achieving?

Building Noteworthy Global has required perseverance, patience, and trust. Early challenges included earning credibility, aligning diverse international stakeholders, and navigating complex regulatory environments across multiple markets. In the sustainability space, trust is earned over time through consistency and action.

What I am most proud of is that we stayed true to our values throughout this journey. Key milestones include:

• Establishing Noteworthy Global as a trusted partner for high-impact climate and land-development initiatives
• Leading flagship projects such as the 100MW Agrivoltaics initiative in Sri Lanka, which integrates clean energy with community upliftment
• Building a global network of investors, experts, and collaborators who share a purpose-driven vision

Each milestone is a reminder that when work is guided by integrity and perseverance, progress follows.

How is Noteworthy Global leveraging innovation to stay ahead, and what upcoming initiatives excite you most?

Innovation, for us, is a tool for stewardship. We integrate technology, data, and sustainability intelligence to create projects that are resilient, bankable, and future-ready.

One of our most impactful innovations is advancing agrivoltaic and hybrid development models — where renewable energy, food security, farmer livelihoods, and environmental protection coexist. We are also embedding smart agriculture systems, climate-risk analytics, and advanced monitoring technologies into our projects.

Looking ahead, I am particularly excited about:

• Expanding agrivoltaic developments across Asia and Africa
• Strengthening UK–South Asia investment corridors
• Launching new venture partnerships focused on food security, renewable energy, and sustainable land use

These initiatives reflect our commitment to responsible growth that serves both present and future generations.

What advice would you give to aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs who aim to build impactful, purpose-driven companies?

Begin with purpose — and stay anchored to it. When your work is rooted in something bigger than personal gain, it sustains you through uncertainty and challenge. Financial success and recognition are outcomes, not foundations.

Faith teaches patience and resilience. Impact-driven leadership requires endurance, humility, and courage. Surround yourself with people who believe in the mission, challenge your thinking, and walk the journey with integrity.

Above all, lead with both conviction and compassion. The world does not only need smarter leaders — it needs wiser ones.

Can you share a success story or transformative project that reflects the real impact of Noteworthy Global?

One of the most meaningful projects we are developing is AgriVolt Trinco 100, a 100MW agrivoltaics initiative in Sri Lanka. This project goes far beyond power generation. It supports over 3,000 farmers, provides free seeds through two dedicated seed farms, introduces solar-powered drying facilities, integrates bee colony barriers for elephant protection, and strengthens climate-resilient agriculture across the region.

This project reflects the essence of Noteworthy Global:
stewardship, innovation, sustainability, and community upliftment.

It is living proof that when investment is guided by purpose and responsibility, it can transform not just industries, but lives — and contribute meaningfully to national and generational

Daniel Bett is the Founder of Tigal Water Splash, a youth-driven non-profit organization in Kenya focused on expanding access to sustainable water and sanitation solutions in underserved communities. Through community-driven projects and youth leadership initiatives, the organization works to improve health, education, and long-term resilience by ensuring reliable access to clean water.

My name is Daniel Bett, and I am the Founder of Tigal Water Splash, a youth-driven non-profit organization in Kenya dedicated to expanding access to clean water and sanitation in underserved communities. My journey began with a deep passion for community development and youth empowerment. What started as a small community initiative called Youth for Change has grown into Tigal Water Splash, delivering sustainable water solutions and hygiene education across several counties. By empowering young people to lead community-driven projects, we aim to create lasting solutions that improve health, education, and livelihoods.

Here are the key highlights from the interview:

1. Can you share the inspiration behind founding Tigal Water Splash and what motivated you to enter the water solutions industry?

The inspiration came from witnessing families and children walk long distances every day to fetch unsafe water. Many children missed school, and water-related illnesses were common in the communities around me. I realized that clean water is not just a necessity, it is the foundation for health, education, and development. This realization led me to start Youth for Change, which later evolved into Tigal Water Splash.

2. As a founder, what key leadership principles have guided you in building and growing Tigal Water?

My leadership approach is guided by integrity, accountability, and collaboration. I believe sustainable impact comes from building trust with communities while empowering others to lead. By mentoring young leaders and fostering partnerships with stakeholders, we create solutions that extend beyond individual projects.

3. What are some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early stages of the company, and how did you overcome them?

Like many grassroots initiatives, we started with limited resources and minimal funding. Building trust with communities and partners also required patience. We focused on delivering small but meaningful results such as repairing hand pumps, installing rainwater systems, and training communities to maintain them.

4. How does Tigal Water aim to make a meaningful impact in providing sustainable and reliable water solutions to communities?

Our approach combines infrastructure with community empowerment. Alongside installing or rehabilitating water systems, we train youth and community members in maintenance, hygiene practices, and responsible water management to ensure long-term sustainability.

5. In your opinion, what role does innovation and technology play in improving access to clean and safe water today?

Innovation plays a vital role in making water solutions more reliable and sustainable. Technologies such as solar-powered pumps, water testing kits, and digital monitoring systems help ensure water safety and reduce system downtime.

6. What is your long-term vision for Tigal Water, and how do you plan to scale its impact in the coming years?

Our vision is to expand access to clean water and sanitation across more regions of Kenya and eventually beyond. We aim to scale through strategic partnerships, technology integration, and youth leadership programs.

7. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders who want to create businesses that solve real-world problems?

Start by deeply understanding the problem you want to solve and engage directly with the communities affected. Be patient and persistent, as meaningful impact takes time. Lead with empathy and integrity while focusing on solutions that genuinely improve people’s lives.

“When communities gain access to clean water, they gain health, dignity, and opportunity. That is the transformation we work toward every day.”

When Haimal Khetan started Codeyard in 2019, it didn’t begin in a flashy office or with venture capital backing. It started in a small room, with limited resources, a laptop, and a clear frustration he had seen play out repeatedly around him. Friends, family members, and businesses would invest in websites or applications, only to be left disappointed months later — broken systems, poor performance, and technology that failed the moment it was put to real use.

“Technology should make life easier, not more complicated. If it doesn’t scale, perform, and last — it’s already broken.”

For Haimal, the problem wasn’t ambition or ideas. It was execution.

Before founding Codeyard, Haimal worked closely in the startup environment where he gained hands-on exposure to technology, scalability, and the realities of building digital systems that need to grow. That experience shaped his understanding of how fragile poorly built technology can be — and how powerful well-designed systems become over time. He saw firsthand that most businesses don’t fail because they lack vision, but because the technology supporting them is unreliable.

That insight became the foundation of Codeyard.

“I kept hearing the same complaint everywhere — the website doesn’t work properly, the app breaks, nothing scales,” Haimal recalls. “So we set out with a simple mission: deliver quality software and products at honest pricing, always.”

From Services to Systems

Codeyard began by building websites and software solutions for people close to Haimal — friends, family, early clients — and grew steadily through word of mouth. The focus from day one was not volume, but reliability. That approach led to strong client retention and long-term relationships, eventually earning Codeyard recognition as a Shopify Expert Partner and a Wix Studio Legend Partner.

But for Haimal, services were never the end goal.

“Services help you understand problems deeply,” he explains. “But products help you solve those problems at scale.”

Today, Codeyard operates as a product-driven technology company that builds high-quality SaaS platforms, Wix and Shopify templates, apps, and digital products — supported by services in web development, e-commerce, SEO, AI Engine Optimization, and digital growth. The services arm acts as a feedback loop, continuously informing product decisions with real-world data and real client needs.

One of Codeyard’s flagship product directions includes SaaS platforms for the medical industry, alongside marketplace-ready templates and apps for Wix and Shopify. The company is also actively developing AI-powered tools designed to improve productivity and simplify workflows rather than replace people.

“AI isn’t here to replace us,” Haimal says. “It’s here to make us more efficient, more productive, and more focused on meaningful work.”

A Leadership Style Built on Ownership

Haimal’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in ownership and long-term thinking. He believes that founders and leaders must understand the technology they build — not just manage teams around it. At Codeyard, quality is non-negotiable, regardless of whether the output is a SaaS platform, a template, or a client project.

Another defining principle is accessibility without compromise.

“There’s a misconception that affordable software has to be bad software,” he explains. “That’s simply not true. With the right systems, discipline, and experience, you can deliver high-quality technology that’s still accessible.”

Both Haimal and his co-founder, Binesh, bring more than a decade of experience in the tech industry. That depth allows Codeyard to avoid shortcuts and focus on stability, performance, and scalability — areas where many digital projects fail silently over time.

The Build–Operate–Transfer Model

As Codeyard grew, Haimal faced a challenge common to many founders: how to scale without becoming the bottleneck. The solution came in the form of a Build–Operate–Transfer model.

“I’m naturally drawn to new ideas and new challenges,” he says. “I enjoy researching problems, validating ideas, and building systems to a stable point.”

Under this model, Haimal personally drives the early stages of new initiatives — ideation, validation, and initial execution. Once a product or system reaches stability, ownership is transferred to capable leaders within the organization, allowing teams to scale independently while he steps back into a strategic oversight role.

This approach has enabled Codeyard to remain agile while continuously innovating, without sacrificing operational consistency.

Scaling with Intent

Looking ahead, Codeyard’s goals are ambitious but grounded. In the short term, the company is focused on launching multiple new products across SaaS, marketplace templates, and AI-driven tools. To support this growth, Codeyard is actively hiring and building dedicated product teams.

In the long term, Haimal is clear about the direction: scale, profitability, and global impact — without losing execution quality.

“We want Codeyard to be known as a company that ships useful products consistently,” he says. “Not experiments that break, but systems people can rely on.”

Rather than chasing trends, Codeyard’s strategy centers on identifying real gaps in industries and building solutions that simplify complexity. Whether it’s healthcare platforms, AI-powered productivity tools, or e-commerce infrastructure, the focus remains the same: make technology work quietly and reliably in the background.

Advice for the Next Generation

For emerging entrepreneurs and leaders, Haimal’s advice is refreshingly direct.

“Don’t confuse hype with progress,” he says. “Build things that work. Learn the technology deeply. Stay close to your users. And don’t rush scale before stability.”

In an industry that often rewards speed over substance, Haimal believes discipline and execution remain the most underrated advantages.

A Vision Beyond 2026

As Codeyard continues to expand its global footprint, Haimal envisions the company becoming a quiet but powerful force behind thousands of businesses worldwide. Through SaaS platforms, templates, apps, and AI-driven systems, Codeyard aims to remove friction from how people use technology.

“If we do our job right,” he reflects, “people won’t think about the technology — they’ll just trust it.”

In a digital landscape crowded with promises, Codeyard’s story stands out for its simplicity: build quality, scale responsibly, and never forget that technology exists to serve people, not frustrate them.

That philosophy may be understated — but it’s precisely what makes Haimal Khetan one of Asia’s most influential business leaders to watch in 2026.

📌 Visit Haimal Khetan 👉   – LinkedIn Profile

🌐 Explore Codeyard  👉 – Company Website