Although she studied finance and actuarial sciences, she decided to pursue an entrepreneurial career in the transport industry.  She now harnesses the power of technology to boost the industry in Kenya. 

Balqis Chepkwony (photo) is a Kenyan-born tech entrepreneur and finance professional. She graduated from the University of Nairobi, in 2006, with a Bachelor's in Actuarial Science. The same year, she became a Chartered Professional Accountant after three years of study at the Vision Institute of Professionals.

The tech entrepreneur is better known as the CEO and co-founder of FleetSimplify, a startup offering fleet management solutions to revolutionize Kenya's transportation industry. Through FleetSimplify, launched in 2017, she develops innovative solutions that optimize transport, streamline operations, and improve the customer experience.

FleetSimplify is a car rental marketplace that connects drivers to quality cars for rent. It manages car rental, ensuring car owners are well paid and their cars are well maintained.  And, to professional drivers, it allows instant access to cars that they can operate, as chauffeurs, to earn a decent living. 

Balqis Chepkwony, the CEO overseeing its operations, entered the professional world in 2007. That year, she joined the energy company Hass Petroleum as an accountant. She left the company in 2014 and, the following year, she was hired by Texas Energy, as the chief financial officer.  Her innovation and leadership have won her several awards and recognitions. She was one of seven finalists in the Pitch competition organized by Mobility 54 Investment SAS, the venture capital subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho Corporation and CFAO SAS, in May 2022. Her company was also selected, by Google for Startups, for the Black Founders Fund program in June 2023.

In August 2023, she was featured in Google Africa's WomeninIT series, which highlights women who are making significant contributions to their respective industries through technology.

Melchior Koba