Phyllis Kamau is the Senior Director and Head of Government Solutions, Sub-Saharan Africa at Visa. She is a strategic business leader, weaving together years of experience across commercial, legal, public policy, and sales roles.
Beyond the boardroom and policy meetings lies another story, one written in concrete, sunlight, and purpose. Nestled in a modest suburb is her home, affectionately known as The White House. Painted in a crisp, radiant white, it stands like a custodian of grace, its presence almost symbolic of the woman behind it.
As the electric gate swings open, the home reveals itself as a stunning blend of elegance and imagination. The open-plan layout flows like a breath of fresh air. Five grand glass doors flood the room with light, blurring the lines between outside and in. “I wanted an outdoor-indoor feel,” she quips, eyes twinkling. “Light heals. Openness invites.”
The white walls serve as her canvas, kissed by reflections from ornate decorative mirrors. A delicate interplay of light dances across crystal chandeliers that seem to float from her gypsum ceiling, casting shimmering patterns like poetry in motion. “I didn’t want to build barriers,” she explains.
“I wanted a space where you can move freely between the kitchen, living, and dining areas. It makes socializing effortless.” And truly, it does. There’s a sense of breath and soul in every corner.
Her style speaks of both refinement and sentiment. Grey velvet sofas are layered with textured, colorful throws souvenirs from her travels in South Africa. Her fireplace, doubling as a wall feature, draws coastal inspiration from Lamu, anchoring the space in warmth and history.
On the walls, a few notable photographs of Phyllis alongside Kenya’s President whisper of her quiet yet unmistakable influence. “We met the President right after he was sworn in to discuss Kenya’s digital future,” she says.
Even the chandeliers tell stories. “I saved up for them,” she confides. “Each one has a purpose. The dining one, shaped like a leaf, brings me such joy. These are the ornaments that create the ambiance and elevate the space.”
Her dining area radiates regal charm, with white and cream seats encircling a table fit for a king. Just beside it, a glowing mirror and sleek sink invite spontaneous mirror selfies beneath the glimmering chandelier.
The kitchen is open, stylish, and seamlessly integrated, revealing her love for hosting and the elegance she brings to everyday life.
Her commitment to community is both practical and profound. “If none of us takes development back to our hometowns, who will?” she asks. “Our communities watch us rise. They believe in our success. We owe it to them.” She often takes up pro bono land cases in the area as a personal crusade to uplift and empower.
When asked if politics is on the horizon, she offers a knowing smile. “That’s in the offing. I may get into politics one day. But for now, I’m focused on changing a family, a household, a community at a time.”
We climb the staircase, and another chandelier greets us, draped and divine, its brilliance magnified by a rich cowhide rug and bold African artwork. “These remind me of Africa,” she says with pride. “I chose pieces that ground me, that echo my heritage.”
Upstairs, olive green paneled walls line the corridor, tones she personally mixed and loved. A cozy family gallery wraps around a fireplace, anchoring a space of rest and intimacy. White sofas and colorful cushions offer a private retreat, a world away from her public engagements.
Her master bedroom is hidden behind three grand doors, as if to protect the treasure within. A majestic bed draped in impeccable bedding stands tall, surrounded by soft, flowing curtains. “It cost me an arm and a leg,” she laughs.
But it’s worth every coin. From her balcony, she gazes out to farms, women balancing grass, donkeys carrying water, cows grazing under wide skies. “When I come home, it grounds me. This simplicity, this life it brings me so much joy. After all the globetrotting, this reminds me of what truly matters.”
On the top floor, yet another chandelier cascades with elegance, as if celebrating all the beauty, strength, and softness below.
When I gently asked if marriage and starting a family were on the horizon, she paused, then responded with honesty and strength. “I’ve lived with endometriosis for a long time,” she shared. “It’s a condition that affects fertility, and many suffer in silence.” Despite the challenges, her hope remains undimmed. “One day, I believe a little mini-me will be running around. I’ve learned to live with it, and I still dream of starting a family soon.”
Before the day ends, she invites me and the crew to her kitchen, where she’s prepared a warm, home-cooked meal. The food, like the woman and the home she’s built, is generous, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in love.
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