This paper investigates the relationship between board structure and firm risk-taking in eight extractive firms listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study uses five years of balanced panel data and fixed effects estimator design to examine the board structure and risk-taking (z-score). The results show board size is statistically significant and negatively associated with firm risk-taking, while gender diversity is statistically significant and positively associated with firm risk-taking. Additional evidence reveals the interaction between independent directors and gender diversity is positively related to risk-taking. This suggests that female board members are more independent. However, the results between independent directors and risk-taking are mixed. In addition, the study highlights practical implications for the policy reforms that require extractive firms listing in the stock exchanges to include female representation in the board. Finally, the study offers an understanding of the linkage between board structure and risk-taking in the extractive industry.