Angela Ambitho: From Rising to Leadership at 26 to Building Infotrak

Angela Ambitho, the founder and CEO of Infotrak, is a true testament to ambition and perseverance. At just 26 years old, she rose to a leadership role and later took a bold step to start her own business after returning from maternity leave. Over a 20-year journey, Ambitho has built Infotrak into a leading research and consultancy firm, overcoming numerous challenges and celebrating countless triumphs.

In an exclusive interview with She Means Business, Ambitho reflected on the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey, sharing insights into the obstacles she faced and how she overcame them.

One of the major challenges in growing her business, she said, was securing proper financing and managing it effectively to ensure the sustainability of the company.

However, she also highlighted a unique barrier that many local entrepreneurs face: the “Eurocentric” mindset prevalent among many Kenyans.

Ambitho explained how some organizations were initially hesitant to do business with Infotrak simply because it is locally owned.

This mindset, she said, stems from the inaccurate perception that products and services from abroad are superior to those from homegrown firms.

She drew a parallel to everyday consumer habits, such as Kenyans’ pride in buying clothes from abroad, while local products often go unappreciated. Ambitho noted that this same mentality affected procurement decisions in the research and consulting sector, with some organizations opting for foreign firms despite the local firms’ deeper understanding of the Kenyan market.

While Infotrak is widely associated with opinion polls, Ambitho pointed out that this is just a small part of the firm’s revenue model. The company’s core business revolves around market research, which has become a crucial pillar for its success.

On a personal note, Ambitho shared how boxing has become a key activity for her to unwind. She introduced it as a fitness routine for her staff, seeing both physical and mental benefits. “Boxing has been a game-changer for me,” she said, “and I wanted to bring that energy to the team.”

Looking to the future, Ambitho expressed optimism about the growth of Infotrak and her continued commitment to providing quality local services, challenging outdated perceptions, and creating more opportunities for local businesses to thrive.