Lizzie Wanyoike, the founder of the Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS), passed away on Sunday, January 14.

12 hours before she was pronounced dead, the business lady had shared some words of advice to Kenyans and her followers. 

In a post published on her social media page, Wanyoike quoted a Bible verse while encouraging her followers to petition their requests to the Lord. 

She further wished her followers a blessed Sunday. Little did they know that it was her last motivational message.

"St. Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. May God answer all you have prayed for," Wanyoike stated.

"Have a wonderful Sunday," she signed off.

Hours later, her family announced that the business lady had passed on at the age of 72.

"In loving memory of a remarkable educator. Her passion ignited minds, her kindness touched hearts. A beacon of wisdom, she left an indelible mark on countless lives, shaping futures with grace," read her eulogy.

Wanyoike was born in November 1951 to her father, a chief, and her mother, a housewife. She attended Kenyatta University where she graduated with a Diploma in Education.

Her passion for Education drove her to start NIBS. With only 25 students, Wanyoike expanded her empire to attract over 6,000 students.

At the moment, NIBS has branches in Ongata Rongai, Thika Town, Nairobi Central Business District, and Ruiru-Kimbo, along Thika Highway.

Besides NIBS, she owned Emory Hotel, a four-star hotel in Kileleshwa for business and hospitality training, and the Lizzie Wanyoike Preparatory School.

Several leaders have eulogised Wanyoike as a pillar for education in the country. Leaders who have mourned her death include Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah and former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo.

"I join the rest of the country in mourning an educational icon Madam Liz Wanyoike of Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS) Who has passed on today. Your contribution to the education sector will remain in our hearts forever, you were great in all ways. Go well, my sister. Our condolences to your family, the Nibs fraternity, the education sector and the nation," Kuria wrote.

Her burial plans will be announced later by the family.