Image/Senator Tabitha Karanja/Source Facebook

Born in 1964 in Kenton, Kijabe, Kenya, Karanja grew up before establishing herself in business and politics. Her early education included secondary school, where she completed her A-level studies. However, publicly available biographical accounts do not clearly establish the names of the primary and secondary schools she attended or her exact date of birth.

Before venturing into manufacturing, Karanja worked as an accounting clerk at the Ministry of Tourism. She later joined her husband, Joseph Muigai Karanja, in a hardware business. Their experience in business helped shape their decision to venture into manufacturing after identifying an opportunity in Kenya's alcoholic beverages market.

In 1997, Karanja and her husband established Keroche Breweries. The company initially concentrated on fortified wines before expanding into other alcoholic beverages. It later introduced Summit Lager in 2008, marking a significant step in its growth into the beer market. The company also developed other products as it sought to compete with established players in the industry.

Karanja pursued a bachelor's degree in Business Administration at Kenya Methodist University, completing her studies in 2011. Her academic qualification came after she had already entered the business world, reflecting her decision to strengthen her management knowledge while overseeing the growth of the family enterprise. She served as Keroche Breweries' chief executive officer until 2022, when she moved into elective politics.

Keroche Breweries became one of Kenya's notable locally owned beverage manufacturers, although its operations were accompanied by disputes with the Kenya Revenue Authority over taxation and regulatory matters. The company’s experiences in the industry became part of Karanja’s public profile as an entrepreneur who sought to challenge established competitors in a market dominated by larger manufacturers.

Her entry into politics culminated in her election as Nakuru senator in 2022. In the Senate, she has served as Deputy Majority Leader and participated in committee work, debates, motions and votes on legislation. Her committee assignments have included the Senate Committee on Information, Communication and Technology and the Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations.

Her parliamentary record includes voting in favour of the Social Health Insurance Bill in October 2023, the Affordable Housing Bill in March 2024 and the Sugar Bill in October 2024. These votes form part of her legislative record on healthcare financing, housing policy and the sugar industry. Mzalendo's parliamentary tracker records numerous contributions to Senate proceedings, although it lists no bills formally sponsored by her in the 13th Parliament.

Karanja's position on the Finance Bill 2024 also attracted public attention. In a Senate statement on July 11, 2024, she disputed reports suggesting that she supported the bill and said she wanted it withdrawn in full. She referred to the deaths, injuries and destruction of property associated with protests against the proposed legislation, as well as public concerns over the cost of living and government expenditure.

During the October 2024 impeachment proceedings against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Karanja voted in favour of seven of the 11 grounds and opposed four. The recorded votes show that she voted against grounds three, seven, 10 and 11, while supporting the remaining grounds. The voting pattern provides a more detailed picture of her position than a general statement that she either supported or opposed the entire impeachment motion.

She also participated in the Senate proceedings concerning the proposed impeachment of Kericho Governor Erick Mutai in October 2024. Karanja moved a motion seeking to uphold a preliminary objection that the county assembly had failed to meet the required two-thirds threshold. The Senate adopted the procedural position, bringing the hearing to an end without making a final determination on every allegation against the governor.

At the county level, Karanja's political relationship with Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has deteriorated over time, with disagreements emerging over leadership and county affairs. Both women were elected under UDA in 2022, but their political differences have increasingly shaped discussions about the county's leadership and the next election.

Karanja has criticised aspects of the county administration and presented herself as an alternative for voters seeking changes in the management of public resources and delivery of services. Her decision to challenge for the governor's seat therefore sets up a potential contest with Kihika, who is the incumbent, subject to party nominations and the final list of candidates.

On October 9, 2026, Karanja confirmed that she was leaving UDA for DCP and intended to contest the Nakuru governorship in 2027. She said her decision followed consultations with residents during her visits across the county and their calls for her to seek the position. Her move marks a significant shift from representing Nakuru in the Senate to pursuing executive leadership at the county level.

Her bid will depend on the party nomination process, the strength of her campaign and the support she secures across Nakuru's diverse communities. Having built a career in business before entering national politics, Karanja now faces a new test: convincing voters that her experience in the private sector and the Senate can translate into effective county leadership.