Grades don’t define destiny—that’s the powerful lesson embodied by Angela Wamola’s life and career journey.
Born and raised in Nairobi, Angela began her academic journey labeled as the “black sheep” of her family. She particularly struggled in subjects like Mathematics and Physics. In Form Three, she made the bold decision to pursue Civil Engineering at the University of Nairobi, inspired by her uncle, an engineer—though the path was far from smooth. Lengthy lecture hours, daunting coursework, and the pressure of being one of just six women in her engineering class tested her resolve. At times, she even contemplated dropping out. Yet over time, her perseverance began to pay off.
By her third year, the once-intimidating engineering subjects became more manageable. Her tenacity and mindset ultimately led to her earning a Second-Class Upper Honors degree in Civil Engineering in 1999. It was a milestone that showcased the power of a positive attitude and unyielding determination.
After graduation, Angela pivoted into the IT sector, recognizing the shift in market demand. Her talent and resilience positioned her for groundbreaking achievements when— in 2011—she joined Safaricom as an IT support officer. In a field dominated by men, she made significant strides, breaking barriers to become the first senior woman in Safaricom’s core network planning and support leadership team.
Her remarkable rise didn’t stop there. Angela’s visionary thinking and exceptional work ethic earned her the role of Head of Strategy and Planning within Safaricom’s technology division. In this capacity, she plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s core network framework—including voice and data services, its national backbone, and enterprise solutions.
Angela Wamola’s story serves as an inspiring reminder: starting with low grades does not preclude soaring career heights. With grit, vision, and resilience, she defied expectations—and is now helping shape the future of one of Africa’s leading telecom giants.
