Ann Peggy Ashira, MBA
Founder and President, RIT with Ashira
The Journey
Beginnings
2000
Ann Peggy Ashira’s career in hospitality begins.
The Climb
2004 to 2011
She starts as a waitress at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort in Mombasa, in 2004.
Under the sponsorship of her mentor, Mohammed Hersi, she earns six promotions in six years.
By 2011 she is Food and Beverage Manager at Leisure Lodge Resort.
First Command
Mary Mukindia gives Ashira her first General Manager appointment.
In 2014 she completes the Cornell General Managers Program.
A First for Kenya
Hasnain Noorani appoints her the first female General Manager of a five star resort in Kenya, at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa.
Leading at Scale
She becomes Group General Manager across three properties, then General Manager of Enashipai Resort & Spa.
She earns her MBA from MANCOSA.
At her farewell, her team presents her with a crystal globe, the recognition she treasures most.
Open Water
2025 to 2026
She is recognised across Africa and beyond.
On 31 August 2026, RIT with Ashira launches in Naivasha.
Naming the people who built her is a deliberate RIT practice. Mohammed Hersi, Mary Mukindia and Hasnain Noorani are named every time this story is told.
Recognition
Awards and Honours
Hall of Fame 2026 cover feature
Insights Success Magazine
The Ones Who Made It, August 2026
General Manager of the Year, Africa
Hospitality Awards Africa
2025
Top Woman in Tourism
Kenya Tourism Awards
2025
Global Woman Leader
World Women Leadership Congress and Awards
2026
Women Super Achiever Award, Hotel and Hospitality Industry
Global Women Leadership Forum for Excellence and Leadership
2026
Honour roll
- 2025Kenya's Most Influential General ManagersCMO Global
- Top 50 General Managers in Africa
- Top 50 Women in Hospitality, Africa
- 2026Top Hospitality Executive
- 2020One of Africa's Most Influential Women in TourismCEO Global
A Name With Two Echoes
Her name carries two echoes in Hebrew: one word sounds like "I will sing", from Moses' song in Exodus 15, and its near twin means "rich".