A strong academic foundation can open doors, but what you do with the opportunities that follow makes the difference. For Ruth Atieno Nyabute, a Kabarak University alumna and Senior Auditor at PKF Kenya LLP, academic excellence has been the starting point for a career built on professional growth, integrity, and a passion for mentoring others.
Her journey reflects the value of combining technical knowledge with discipline, meaningful professional relationships, and a willingness to give back.
Ruth studied for a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting at Kabarak University’s Nakuru City Campus from 2015 to 2017. She graduated in December 2017 with First Class Honours, marking an important milestone in her academic journey.
Looking back, she credits her time at Kabarak with helping shape both her professional outlook and the values that continue to guide her career.
“When I was a student, I had dreams and ambitions, but I did not have all the answers about where my career would take me. Today, looking back, I realize that the discipline, knowledge, and relationships I built during my time at Kabarak laid a strong foundation for my career,” she reflects.
Today, Ruth is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPA-K) and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Finance. With more than eight years of experience spanning audit, finance, risk management, and governance, she has steadily built her expertise in a demanding professional field.
Her career began as an Audit Trainee at Kreston KM & Co. LLP before progressing to Senior Auditor (Senior 1) at PKF Kenya LLP.
Over the years, she has worked on financial, compliance, and donor-funded project audits involving Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs), SACCOs, dairy companies, pension funds, and development partners. This experience has strengthened her understanding of financial accountability, regulatory compliance, and sound governance.
Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Ruth also serves as a Committee Member for Member Services at the Association of Women Accountants of Kenya (AWAK), contributing to the advancement of the accounting profession.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Women
For Ruth, professional success is not only about career progression. It is also about creating opportunities for others.
She founded the PKF EmpowerHer Initiative at PKF Kenya to mentor and support young women and girls facing socio-economic challenges, helping them recognise their potential and pursue their ambitions.
Her interest in mentorship also extends to the classroom and professional development forums. She engages aspiring accounting professionals as a CPA panelist at Strathmore University, speaks at Makini Cambridge School, and mentors students at Kenyatta University.
Through these engagements, Ruth continues to share the lessons she has gained from her own journey, helping young people prepare for the demands and opportunities of the professional world.
Advice to Current Kabarak University Students
Ruth encourages students to look beyond academic results and develop the personal qualities that support long-term career growth.
Her advice is straightforward:
- Look beyond the classroom. Academic performance matters, but character, integrity, confidence, and a willingness to learn are equally important in building a career.
- Build meaningful relationships. Connect with fellow students, seek mentors early, and take part in professional development opportunities that broaden your experience and perspective.
- Trust the process. Do not allow your current circumstances to define your future. Start where you are, remain consistent, stay humble, and keep working towards your goals.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Ruth Atieno Nyabute’s journey from a First Class Honours graduate to a senior audit professional demonstrates what can grow from a strong academic foundation, continued learning, and a determination to make a difference.
Her story also reflects the wider value of alumni engagement. As Kabarak University graduates build careers across different industries, their experiences provide practical lessons and inspiration for students preparing to take their first steps into the working world.
Kabarak University celebrates Ruth’s achievements and her contribution to mentoring the next generation of professionals.
