Empowering Through Cleanliness - The Visionary Leadership of Maryben Akinyi Omollo

Introduction

In a society where single mothers often face stigma, discrimination, and economic hardship, one woman has chosen to stand in the gap and offer hope. Ambassador Maryben Akinyi Omollo, a mental health and leadership coach, is the Founder and Director of Greeneseal Limited, a hygiene and hospitality company based in Kenya. Her mission is clear: to empower young single mothers by providing them with meaningful employment and professional development opportunities. With a global reach of over 50 million, 17 prestigious awards to her name, and a foundation dedicated to building resilient and inclusive workplaces across Africa, Maryben is not only a business leader—she is a social changemaker.

A Company with a Cause

Greeneseal Limited is more than a cleaning and pest control company. It offers a wide range of services, including gardening, pet grooming, and general hygiene solutions for both residential and commercial clients. But what sets it apart is its social impact model. Maryben’s company prioritises the employment of young single mothers, a group she describes as “the most underprivileged, stigmatised, and discriminated members of society.” Her goal is to provide these women with a stable income, professional training, and the dignity of self-reliance. Importantly, she maintains a balanced approach to gender inclusion, ensuring that her hiring practices do not compromise workplace diversity. Her leadership reflects a deep understanding of both business and social equity.

Why Single Mothers?

Maryben’s focus on single mothers stems from her recognition of the unique challenges they face. Often left to raise children alone, many struggle to find employment due to societal biases and lack of support systems. By offering them jobs and training, she helps them regain control of their lives and provide for their families. Her approach is holistic. Beyond employment, she mentors these women, helping them build confidence, develop leadership skills, and envision a future beyond survival. This empowerment model has transformed lives and created ripple effects in communities across Kenya.

Leadership Rooted in Service

Maryben’s leadership style is grounded in compassion, resilience, and vision. She is deeply involved in community development, regularly mentoring youth and offering training programs to help them navigate life and career challenges. Her work is not just about business—it’s about building people. Her foundation, the Maryben Foundation, extends her impact further by promoting mental health awareness and inclusive workplace practices. Through workshops, speaking engagements, and online content, she reaches thousands with messages of hope, healing, and empowerment.

A Journey of Determination

Maryben’s journey began with adversity. After losing her job as a receptionist in 2015, she faced financial uncertainty and emotional strain. But instead of giving up, she chose to reinvent herself. With a background in business management and certifications in computer networking, she began researching industries where she could make a difference. She taught herself the technical aspects of cleaning and pest control through online tutorials and books. She also sought mentorship from professionals in the field—some welcomed her, others dismissed her. But she persisted. Today, Greeneseal Limited stands as a testament to her determination and vision. It is a thriving enterprise that not only delivers quality services but also transforms lives.

Lessons to Learn

Maryben’s story offers several powerful lessons:

1. Empowerment begins with opportunity: By giving single mothers a chance to work and grow, she has helped them reclaim their dignity and independence.
2. Resilience is key to leadership: Her ability to rise from job loss to entrepreneurial success shows the power of perseverance.
3. Social impact enhances business value: Greeneseal’s success is rooted not just in its services, but in its mission to uplift the marginalised.
4. Mentorship multiplies change: Through mentoring youth and employees, Maryben is creating a generation of empowered individuals.

Reflection

Maryben Akinyi Omollo’s journey is a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity. Her story reminds us that leadership is not about titles—it’s about service. She has turned a cleaning company into a platform for empowerment, a business into a movement, and personal setbacks into stepping stones for societal change. Her work continues to inspire not just in Kenya, but across Africa and beyond. As she often says, “One girl with a vision is a revolution.” And through Greeneseal Limited, she is proving that every revolution begins with a single act of courage.