Ruth Okal

Seasoned real estate investment professional

Ruth is a seasoned real estate investment professional with over two decades of experience in advisory valuation and asset management sectors. Ruth has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in portfolio construction, asset allocation, and management of high-value property assets across East Africa. Currently serving as the Assistant General Manager of ILAM Fahari I-REIT at ICEA LION Asset Management Ltd (ILAM), Ruth has been at the forefront of pioneering initiatives within the region’s real estate market, such as the transformation of East Africa’s first listed Income Real Estate Investment Trust (I-REIT) and the groundbreaking restructuring of the REIT into a restricted structure, a first in East Africa. She previously worked at STANLIB Kenya Limited and Knight Frank Kenya Limited.

She is a Gazetted inaugural member of the Land Acquisition Tribunal, prior to which she was a Board Member and Vice Chairperson of the Valuers Registration Board (VRB), for six years till 2024. She also serves as Chairperson of the Policy, Research & Publications and Conference Programs and speakers Committees of the REIT Association of Kenya (RAK) and long-standing examiner at the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK). She also served in the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the ISK’s regional conference for many years till 2023. Known for her integrity, visionary leadership, and results-driven approach, she bring a wealth of expertise in property management, asset management, deal origination & execution, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder management. With a passion for shaping policy and advocating for industry advancement, Ruth is a strategic leader committed to fostering growth and innovation in real estate investment, has mentored many young professionals and spoken at many regional conferences.

Ruth holds a Masters in Valuation, Property Management from the University of Nairobi, a Bachelor’s degree in Land Economics from the University of Nairobi, Diploma in Valuation & Property Management, Chartered Institute of Securities (CISI) level 2, Certified Financial Analyst – Level 3 on-going, a Certified Professional Coach among other certifications.