Kenya

During the first-ever CFO East Africa Virtual Summit, titled CFO Ideas Worth Sharing, a breakout session on strategy brought together more than 50 finance executives. The conversation revealed that CFOs across East Africa are stepping into broader leadership roles.

East Africa’s financial leaders are navigating a world where their roles are no longer confined to the balance sheet. Nearly 200 of the region’s finance leaders gathered for CFO East Africa’s first-ever virtual summit titled CFO Ideas Worth Sharing.

Hundreds of leading CFOs from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda gathered online for CFO East Africa’s first Virtual Summit, titled CFO Ideas Worth Sharing.

CFO East Africa’s first-ever virtual summit titled CFO Ideas Worth Sharing convened nearly 200 of the region’s finance leaders for a powerful session that tackled topics that remain top-of-mind for CFOs. Over three hours, a series of speakers shared insights that touched on the realities of financial leadership today.

For the last two months, James Nyutu has served as group managing director at Unga Group, having transitioned from the role of group finance and ICT director.

Across East Africa, regulatory changes and funding disruptions are frequent occurrences. Mi Vida Homes CFO Solomon Nzomo, CRDB Bank CFO Frederick Nshekanabo and PSI Uganda CFO Christine Nakayenga explain how they lead their organisations through times of uncertainty without losing their focus.

As younger employees enter the workforce, CFOs are learning to adjust not only their leadership styles but also their expectations. Sika head of finance Msonga Msigala, Frostan group FD Seleman Issa and Geminia Life Insurance head of finance Caxton Makau share how they are approaching a new generation of professionals.

When people think of finance, they often imagine accountants buried in spreadsheets, closing books at the end of each month, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. While these activities remain core, the scope of the finance function has expanded dramatically.

Jubilee Holdings posted a 22 percent rise in net profit for the first half of 2025, supported by strong insurance revenue growth and higher investment income.

The deepest meaning of work often emerges when numbers meet real human lives. Yas Tanzania CFO Innocent Rwetabura, Finca Uganda CFO Robinah Siima, and Hewatele CFO Joan Andia reveal what gives their work a sense of purpose beyond the balance sheet.

Manish Ranjan has built his career on navigating complex markets while strengthening compliance and developing people. As he steps into a group-level role at Mabati Rolling Mills, the outgoing ALAF Tanzania CFO reflects on the challenges and resilience that have defined his career in East Africa.

In July 2025, East African CFOs gathered in Nairobi for the CFO East Africa ESG Summit, which drew over 160 CFOs from across four East African countries. As the speakers made their presentations and CFOs shared their experiences in the break-out sessions, it was clear that ESG is no longer just a buzzword but a reality in the daily lives of many CFOs.

Until his appointment, he had served as the head of finance at ALAF Tanzania since August 2021.

KCB Group has announced a record interim and special dividend totalling Ksh 4 per share. Group finance director Lawrence Kimathi is keeping customers at the centre of every decision as the bank works to meet ambitious targets in the second half.

Rishi Ahluwalia is the country director for GardaWorld Security’s Kenya operations, overseeing more than 8,000 professionals delivering integrated security services. In this interview with CFO East Africa, he reflects on guiding the rebrand of KK Security to GardaWorld Security Africa and steering the company through complex regional challenges.

Absa Kenya announced its half-year 2025 results, reporting a nine percent rise in profit after tax to KSh 11.7 billion despite a drop in revenue. CFO Yusuf Omari highlighted how strategic repositioning is preparing the bank for a rebound in lending.

Dolly Sagwe Onyoni’s work as finance director at Oracle is matched only by her deep commitment to mentoring the next generation. She explains how she is creating programmes that equip young people and professionals with the skills to lead themselves and others.

Absa Bank Kenya released its 2024 sustainability and climate report, combining climate and sustainability disclosures into a single framework ahead of regulatory timelines. Finance director Yusuf Omari explained that the move positions ESG metrics alongside financial data to guide capital allocation and risk management.

Paul Mungai’s career has taken him across borders and through crises. The Jubilee Insurance group head of finance reflects on the early losses that shaped his sense of responsibility and the decisions that continue to define his leadership.

EABL has announced a Ksh12.2 billion full-year profit after tax, marking a 12 percent increase from the previous year. Group CFO Risper Genga Ohaga speaks to CFO East Africa about the strategies at play.