In Kitui West’s quiet town of Kabati, a leader has been quietly shaping the future—Nicholas Mulila. While many recognize him as the Chief Corporate Security Officer at Safaricom PLC, few truly understand the depth of his influence beyond the corporate boardrooms. A man of vision, mentorship, and deep commitment to community development, Mulila has been instrumental in empowering the next generation of leaders through education, faith, and strategic governance.
A Corporate Titan with a Heart for the Community
Mulila’s corporate resume is nothing short of impressive. Holding a Master of Business Administration in Strategy and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Option) from the University of Nairobi, he has built a formidable career spanning over two decades. His professional journey began in finance, where he held key positions at General Motors East Africa and Eastern Produce Kenya Ltd. before joining Safaricom PLC in 2001.
At Safaricom, Mulila rose through the ranks, excelling in finance, corporate strategy, commercial planning, risk management, and governance. Today, he sits at the helm of Safaricom’s Corporate Security Division, overseeing critical areas such as business risk management, cyber security, revenue assurance, anti-money laundering programs, ethics, and compliance.
But despite his high-profile career, Mulila’s true impact is felt far beyond the corridors of corporate Kenya—in the villages, schools, churches, and workplaces of Kitui County, where he is shaping the next generation of leaders.
Building Leaders Through the Church
Deeply rooted in faith, Mulila has collaborated extensively with the Catholic Church, believing that true leadership starts with strong moral foundations. His passion for mentorship has seen him actively participate in Youth for Christ Seminars, guiding young minds on leadership, discipline, and self-reliance.
At the Diocesan Youth Leaders Strategy Workshop, he served as a facilitator on leadership, imparting crucial skills to young people set to take on leadership roles in their communities. His mentorship approach is not just about theory—it’s about real-world application, preparing youth to lead with integrity and vision.
His influence doesn’t stop with the youth. Mulila has been a key supporter of Bishop Joseph Mwongela’s self-reliance strategy, aimed at helping the Diocese of Kitui achieve financial independence. He has played a strategic advisory role in the Diocesan Pastoral Council, guiding discussions on corporate governance and financial sustainability—a move that will ensure the church thrives without over-reliance on external donors.
Beyond strategy, Mulila has put his resources to work, personally fundraising for the purchase of a vehicle for Kabati Parish Church, ensuring that the clergy can efficiently serve the community.
Transforming Education: A Legacy of Academic Excellence
Education is the backbone of any society, and Mulila has been a game-changer in Kitui’s education sector. During his tenure as the Board of Management (BOM) Chair at Matinyani Secondary School, he orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Kitui’s academic history.
When he took over in 2016, the school was struggling, with a KCSE mean score of 5.2. Through his visionary leadership, mentorship, and strategic reforms, the school achieved a stunning mean score of 9.942, outperforming traditional academic giants like Machakos School, Kitui School, and St. Charles Lwanga.
This transformation was not by luck—it was the result of a clear strategy, accountability, and motivation, pillars that Mulila has instilled in every institution he supports.
Empowering Kitui Youth Through Job Creation
Beyond education and church leadership, Mulila has been instrumental in helping young people from Kitui access job opportunities. Leveraging his extensive corporate networks, he has quietly been sourcing employment opportunities for Kitui’s youth, ensuring they get the platforms to showcase their talents and grow professionally.
His mentorship does not end at securing jobs—he continues to guide and nurture young professionals, ensuring they maximize their potential as leaders of today and tomorrow. Many young people who have benefited from his guidance attest that Mulila’s influence has transformed their careers and given them a future they never imagined possible.
A Generous Spirit That Transcends Wealth
Mulila’s philanthropic work has often sparked curiosity. Some perceive him as moneyed, given his ability to mobilize resources and fund impactful community projects. However, those who know him well understand that he is not a man driven by wealth but by a deep-seated desire to uplift others.
Through his vast networks in the corporate world, he has rallied friends, colleagues, and well-wishers to support various community projects—from education sponsorships to church developments. His guiding principle has always been clear: no one should have it all while others have little.
Despite his success, Mulila remains deeply humble, choosing to work behind the scenes rather than bask in the limelight. He believes in the power of community-driven development, where people come together to uplift each other rather than rely on handouts.
A Reluctant Political Figure—For Now
Mulila’s impact in church, education, employment, and governance has not gone unnoticed. Kitui residents are increasingly calling on him to contest for the county’s top seat in 2027. Many believe that his proven leadership in corporate governance, education, and community service makes him the ideal candidate to bring transformative change to Kitui.
However, Mulila has distanced himself from politics—for now. In his own words, “The call to serve my community away from politics currently supersedes any other. If the time comes, I will consult the people on how to proceed.”
This response has only fueled speculation—could Kitui be grooming its next great leader?
A Legacy in the Making
Nicholas Mulila is more than just a corporate executive—he is a mentor, strategist, and a force for positive change. Whether through shaping young minds in leadership, supporting the church’s sustainability, elevating education standards, or helping youth secure jobs, he continues to redefine leadership in Kitui County.
His story is one of quiet but powerful influence, and whether in the boardroom, the church, the classroom, or the job market, his mission remains the same—to empower the next generation of leaders.
