Gerald Kyalo. (geraldbway).
Lillian Ngala: The DTB HR Director Transforming Lives of Widows, Orphans, and Vulnerable Communities in Kenya
From Personal Struggles to Empowering Communities
Lillian Ngala, the Human Resource Director at DTB Bank, is not only a corporate leader but also a passionate advocate for vulnerable communities in Kenya. Her philanthropic efforts focus on widows, orphans, youths, and people living with disabilities, helping them live dignified, empowered lives.
Her commitment to giving back stems from a deeply personal experience. While in high school, Lillian lost her father, leaving her widowed mother to care for the family under difficult circumstances. The family relocated to Homa Bay, living in a grass-thatched house that leaked every rainy season. To make ends meet, her mother worked as a tailor, sewing uniforms for a missionary school that waived tuition fees for her siblings. Lillian recalls, “The family never lacked food, but dignity was a daily struggle.”
Supporting Widows and Building Confidence
Driven by her experiences, Ngala founded the Lillian Ngala Foundation, an NGO dedicated to restoring dignity and empowering marginalized groups. Through her foundation, over 100 widows in Homa Bay have gained decent housing, business capital, and entrepreneurial training, allowing them to rebuild their lives.
“Poverty makes widows hide; they don’t want to be seen. But the moment you give them a decent house, they come out. They walk into the market with their heads high. The transition is everything,” Ngala says.
Her foundation also provides school bursaries for orphaned and vulnerable children, supports youth empowerment programs, and removes barriers for persons with disabilities—ensuring these groups have equal opportunities to thrive.
A Decorated Corporate Career
Ngala’s impact extends beyond philanthropy. She has built a remarkable career in human resources, with over 20 years of experience. She joined DTB Bank in 2012 and now serves as HR Director, overseeing strategy, talent management, and corporate initiatives.
She holds an MBA in Strategic Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and is a certified professional trainer by the Institute of Human Resource Management. She also serves on boards such as the Kenya Institute of Bankers, African Human Resource Congress, and the Kenyan Network Information Centre (KeNIC). Additionally, she leads the Lillian Ngala Network, committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Recognized for Her Impact
Ngala’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including:
Shujaa Award 2025
Top 50 HR Leaders in Africa, 2022
Top 20 Women Making a Difference in Kenya, 2021
Top 50 Influential Women in Kenya, 2025
Through her corporate achievements and unwavering philanthropy, Lillian Ngala continues to transform lives, proving that personal challenges can inspire societal change.
