When Ellen Karuga became a mother at 18, she had only a high school certificate and an uncertain future. Today, she is the CEO of Vista Prime Solutions LLC  in the US and managing director of Vista Prime Solutions Ltd in Kenya, where she leads technology and software initiatives serving clients across Africa.

With more than 25 years of experience in enterprise technology, enterprise resource planning strategy, digital transformation and software implementation, Karuga has built a career defined by resilience, continuous upskilling, and a willingness to embrace change. Her story is not simply one of professional success. It is also a story about turning personal challenges into creative opportunities.

Shaped by determination

Karuga was born in the suburbs of Nairobi, the daughter of a pastor. She says her father’s profession influenced her values and sense of responsibility.

"Pastors have a strict code of ethics they need to follow," she explains. "That shaped who I am."

After completing high school and moving further into life in Nairobi, Karuga became a teenage mother. With her parents retired and the family facing financial difficulties, she knew she needed to find a way forward. She began working as a junior clerk in a construction company while studying typing, shorthand and basic computer packages. "My mom always encouraged me to do something even with just my high school certificate," she recalls. "I really had to make it."

Her first steps into technology were modest but decisive. After completing computer training, she progressed to a data-entry position, her first formal role in the IT sector. From there, she pursued a diploma, a bachelor’s degree in Computing and Information Studies from London Metropolitan University, an MBA in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi and, later, a PhD in Management and Leadership from the Management University of Africa.

"I never thought I would be a founder," she says. "My first step was typing. Next, I did computer packages. Start where you are. Somehow things will go your way."

Building technology businesses

Karuga's career has taken her from technical and operational roles to executive leadership. Before establishing herself as a founder and director, she served as operations manager at Pinnacle Integrated Technologies, gaining practical experience in managing technology projects and business operations.

She now leads Vista Prime Solutions LLC in the US and Vista Prime Solutions Ltd in Kenya. The Kenyan company operates as a software and technology business serving clients in Africa.

Through Vista Prime, Karuga helps organizations connect technology investments with broader business objectives. Her responsibilities include strategic leadership, executive advisory, change management and the development of high-performing teams.

Karuga believes technology is changing too quickly for individuals and businesses to remain passive.

"The tech industry is one of the greatest industries in the world," she says. "In Kenya, we have not been left behind. It's evolving very fast. That means new opportunities are coming. New challenges are coming. You need to go ahead, take them on, and provide solutions."

Learning to adapt

Although Karuga dreamed of becoming a doctor, she eventually discovered that technology better suited her personality. "Tech was not something most people wanted to take on," she says. "It is not an industry with many women. But I love challenges. I don’t like repetitive tasks. I love how tech revolves around challenges, trying new things."

Her approach to technology is grounded in adaptability. She argues that success in the sector depends not only on technical knowledge but also on the ability to keep learning.

"I have a spirit that helps me adapt very fast," she says. "If you embrace, change, and adapt, you will be okay in the tech space. If you are slow to embrace change, you will be overtaken."

For Karuga, the benefits of technology are visible in everyday life. Digital tools have expanded access to information, enabled mobile money transfers, supported education during lockdowns and made communication possible across long distances.

Supporting women in technology

Karuga's progress has taken place within an industry where women still remain underrepresented. She describes the experience of entering business meetings as the only female founder in the room and confronting assumptions that can overshadow her technical expertise.

"We have a lot of challenges for women in tech because often it’s dominated by men," she says. "There are gender biases, cultural expectations. They look at everything else but the tech."

She also highlights imposter syndrome and the lack of confidence that can affect women entering or advancing in the sector. "We need to encourage women from a young age so that they can go into tech," she says.

Karuga is a member of the Association for Information Systems and serves as a Global Ambassador for WomenTech. She is also involved in Women in AI, where she advocates for responsible AI adoption and innovation.

Technology with a human face

One of Karuga’s most personal projects is Evacare, an AI-powered program designed to support women throughout the prenatal and postnatal journey. The platform offers information, guidance and direction for expectant and new mothers, including those who may lack medical cover or need access to social support.

"Evacare is developed by women for women," Karuga explains. "You need a safe space where you can ask, say, and express yourself."

She emphasizes that Evacare is not intended to replace professional medical care. Instead, it is designed to guide women through pregnancy and direct them toward appropriate support.

"It’s not a hospital," she says. “It is just supposed to guide you in your pregnancy journey. You still need to go and do your checkups and everything.”

In addition to her corporate leadership, Karuga has written about transformational leadership and organizational culture. Her book Transformational Leadership reflects an interest in the relationship between leadership, resilience, and institutional change. It's part of an attempt to guide younger generations in the right direction.

"I would like to encourage everyone, young men and women," she says. "Wherever you are, it's never too late to start. Start small."