Joy Stephanie
Imagine facing an industry where everything is stacked against you: powerful competitors, intense government scrutiny, and endless public skepticism. For most, the prospect would be terrifying. For Tabitha Karanja, it was a challenge worth every sleepless night.
Starting in 1997, Tabitha’s entry into the liquor business was humble—a small venture with her husband, producing wines out of a modest facility. But behind this quiet beginning was a woman with a fierce ambition: to prove that Kenyans could own a slice of an industry dominated by multinational giants. According to Bold and Beautiful Magazine, she was determined to bring Kenya its first local brewery, something that Kenyans could be proud of. When her wine business faced a steep tax hike that threatened to crush her dreams, she didn’t back down. Instead, she diversified into spirits and, eventually, beer.
By 2008, Tabitha had broken into the beer market with Summit Lager, becoming the first Kenyan woman to build a brewery from scratch. The launch wasn’t just a business move; it was a bold declaration. Here was a woman daring to go up against an industry dominated by established giants like East African Breweries, backed by powerful players who weren’t ready to share. According to How We Made It In Africa, her defiance was met with harsh repercussions: her depots were raided, her products were dismissed, and the roadblocks seemed endless.
Yet, Tabitha pressed on, facing these trials with a steely resolve that earned her both admirers and adversaries. She was labeled as a “disruptor”—a title she wore with pride. “I was called crazy,” she once recalled, “for thinking that I could produce a product that could stand next to the big boys.” But stand it did, and how. Summit Lager went on to capture a significant market share, proving that she was not only right but also visionary.
Beyond the numbers, what makes Tabitha’s story so compelling is her unyielding spirit and her love for her country. As reported by Forbes Africa, she invested heavily to expand her factory, creating jobs for hundreds of Kenyans and offering the public something they hadn’t had in decades: a Kenyan beer, brewed by Kenyans, for Kenyans. Despite her success, she has remained remarkably grounded, attributing much of her strength to her family, particularly her husband, who has been a steadfast partner throughout.
Tabitha’s journey hasn’t been without its missteps. She has faced accusations and scandals, and the rumor mill has often churned out stories meant to tarnish her reputation. But through it all, she has stayed focused on her mission. In 2022, as noted by The Standard, she even ventured into politics, winning a Senate seat in Nakuru County—a move that many saw as her stepping onto an even bigger stage.
In a society where glass ceilings are thick, Tabitha Karanja’s story resonates as a powerful reminder that barriers are meant to be broken. She didn’t just brew beer; she brewed hope and possibility for a generation of Kenyan women. Her message to them is simple yet profound: Dream big, fight hard, and never let anyone tell you that you don’t belong.
