From Banker to Education Powerhouse: How Felista Muthoki Built a Multimillion-Shilling School from a Rented Apartment in South B

The Inspiring Rise of St Bakhita Schools Founder Felista Muthoki Mutinda

Felista Muthoki Mutinda is a Kenyan education entrepreneur who turned a demanding banking career into a transformative journey in the education sector. Today, she is best known as the founder and managing director of St Bakhita Schools, a growing institution that has expanded from humble beginnings in a rented apartment in South B, Nairobi, into a multimillion-shilling learning network offering kindergarten, primary, and junior secondary education.

Her story is a powerful example of how a single moment of reflection, combined with bold decision-making, can reshape a life and impact thousands of learners.

A Career Break That Sparked a Vision

Before venturing into education, Felista worked in the banking sector for 14 years. Although the job was stable and respectable, she felt a growing concern about how children were being raised and cared for, especially during their early learning years.

Her turning point came during a busy workday when she was late to pick up her children from school. As she rushed toward the school, she noticed two schoolboys waiting at a bus stop to board a matatu. She felt a strong concern about their safety—only to realize moments later that the boys were her own children, who had left school unnoticed by security.

That emotional incident pushed her to rethink her priorities and eventually led her to resign from banking to pursue a purpose-driven path in education.

Starting Small in South B

With no major capital or institutional backing at the time, Felista started small. She convinced her sister to move out of her rented apartment in South B, Nairobi County, transforming the space into a modest kindergarten.

Her vision was clear from the beginning: to create a school that not only focused on academics but also bridged the gap between schools and parents. She believed children needed holistic development supported by strong parental involvement.

She also began attending education workshops and conducting research, which helped shape her approach to school management and curriculum development.

Building a Holistic Education Model

Felista’s approach was centered on more than just classroom learning. She emphasized:

Strong parent-teacher engagement

Holistic child development

Early childhood education as a foundation for lifelong success

Teacher quality and continuous training

She often noted that many schools were not doing enough to connect learning with family involvement, a gap she aimed to fill through structured workshops and engagement programs.

Her focus remained firmly on foundation learning years, which she believed were the most critical stage in a child’s development.

Growth into a Leading School Network

From a single rented apartment, St Bakhita Schools gradually expanded into a fully-fledged education institution offering the 8-4-4 system and the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Today, the school network includes:

Over 1,200 students

More than 300 employees

Multiple campuses including kindergartens and primary schools

The institution has built a reputation for quality teaching, structured learning, and a strong emphasis on child development beyond academics.

Strategic Investment and Expansion

In 2020, St Bakhita Schools attracted the attention of Fanisi Capital, a private equity firm that acquired a minority stake valued at approximately KSh 265 million. The partnership marked a new phase of growth for the institution.

According to Felista, the investment was not just financial—it was strategic. It introduced governance structures, accountability systems, and long-term succession planning to support sustainable expansion.

Fanisi Capital also expressed interest in scaling the school into a regional network, aligning with Felista’s long-term vision of expanding access to quality education across East Africa.

A Legacy Built on Purpose and Persistence

Felista Muthoki Mutinda’s journey from banker to education entrepreneur reflects resilience, vision, and courage. What began as a personal concern for child safety and learning has evolved into a thriving institution shaping hundreds of young lives daily.

Her story continues to inspire many aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women seeking to transition from corporate careers into purpose-driven ventures.