In October 2023, Funlola Pearce packed up her apartment into a container in preparation for her move to Kenya. During this busy time, she stopped exercising, caught up in the whirlwind of planning her relocation.

Yas Tanzania CFO and executive director Innocent Rwetabura is the fourth finance leader to join the running for the inaugural CFO Awards for East Africa

Dr James McFie is a household name in the world of academia. The Sasini board chair and senior lecturer at Strathmore University, who boasts more than 50 years of experience in the field, gives his viewpoint on what it takes to excel in today’s financial landscape.

Nirav Patel has assumed the role of executive director at Ugandan manufacturer Steel & Tube Industries.

Shime Baligira has joined the list of finance leaders who will be competing in the 2025 ‘Oscars of Finance’.

Josephine Njoroge was recently appointed as finance and strategy director at Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) after nearly four years as the CFO of DHL Express Kenya.

Dr Michael Lugemwa, who is the finance and operations director at Deposit Protection Fund (DPF) Uganda, does not seek the spotlight. But his steady resolve and leadership have made a clear impact at the fund.

NSSF Uganda CFO Stevens Mwanje has been nominated for the inaugural CFO Awards for East Africa. He will be competing to take home one of the 10 awards up for grabs at the annual ceremony, including the illustrious ‘CFO of the Year’ award.

Josephine Mbabazi has been appointed as head of corporate services at Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Rwanda. Until March 2025, she had served as the director of finance at Real Contractors.

Kate Kabaingi Kiiza has been appointed as chief corporate and institutional banking officer at dfcu Bank. She also serves concurrently as the institution’s executive director, a role she has held since August 2023.

EABL Group CFO Risper Genga Ohaga has been nominated for the inaugural CFO Awards for East Africa.

Mollen Odhiambo-Koech has assumed the role of interim CFO at DHL Worldwide Express Kenya. Until her appointment, she had served as deputy CFO and business controller at DHL, having joined the multinational logistics company more than 15 years ago.

Dorothy ‘Dolly’ Sagwe, Oracle Africa’s finance director, has come to be known as the ‘start up finance manager’, helping three Fortune 500 companies establish a presence and operations in Kenya over the past 25 years. But her personal story reveals a search for meaning beyond the trappings of corporate life.

MAT Abacus Business School principal and country team leader Samuel Sejjaaka believes CFOs must create value for the business beyond the finance function. He dives into the transition from CFO to CEO and why finance executives should embrace the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

After four years of losses, Sanlam Kenya has finally turned the tide, reporting a historic Ksh 1 billion profit. Head of finance Fredrick Njoroge explains how the company overcame challenges to achieve sustained growth.

In December 1995, while most of the world revelled in the festive season, Ashif Kassam had his head buried in every piece of literature he could find about general insurance. The firm where he worked as an audit manager, Samvir & Co, had received an opportunity to audit an insurance company, the first one in their portfolio, and Ashif accepted the challenge to lead this engagement.

In the past, CFOs were seen as financial gatekeepers who managed an organisation’s costs and risks. Today, finance leaders are expected to drive strategy, innovation, and growth. American Tower Company CEO George Odenyo, MAT Abacus Business School principal Professor Samuel Sejjaaka, and Strathmore University senior lecturer Professor James McFie weigh in on how finance executives can drive value and shape the future of their companies.

Traditionally, CFOs have relied on historical data and forecasting methods in creating strategy. But as panelists at the CFO Kick-off summit noted, changes in consumer habits and the global economy have placed heavier demands on finance executives.

In Kenya's dynamic landscape of asset financing, Watu Credit has emerged as a key player. At the helm of its financial strategy is Steve Onyango, head of finance, whose leadership is helping drive the adoption of e-mobility in the region.

David Wafula will devote the next few months to strengthening corporate governance through his directorial roles at various companies in South Africa, Kenya and Rwanda and completing his studies in sustainable leadership.