Kenya

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.

Stephen has over 20 years of experience in financial management, regulatory reporting, and strategic leadership across banking and professional services across more than 10 African countries.

He boasts over 26 years of teaching experience and more than 17 years in administrative roles at the management level.

Beiersdorf finance director Funlola Pearce draws on a foundation in electrical engineering. She shares some insights on how non-linear careers can be a powerful force for innovation in finance.

CFOs are moving beyond compliance and reporting to shape business decisions and long-term growth. Jubilee Insurance group head of finance Paul Mungai and Umoja Coin CFO Bornmathew Nuru share how they are placing finance at the centre of strategy.

At the 2025 CFO East Africa ESG Summit held on 10 July, the theme of financing cut across all discussions. While ESG frameworks continue to evolve, the actual flow of capital tells a more complicated story where large firms edge ahead and smaller players risk being left behind.

Newly-appointed Old Mutual Life CFO John Omondi brings over 14 years of experience in the industry, including more than a decade in senior finance roles.

The second annual CFO ESG Summit saw finance leaders from across East Africa come together at the Emara Ole Sereni in Nairobi to explore the CFO’s role in ESG. Against the backdrop of a changing finance function, they discussed the sustainability imperative, sharing common points of concern.

Martin has more than 17 years of experience across different markets in Africa including Kenya and South Africa.

John Githiomi, group CFO of Rubis Energy Kenya, also serves as a board director.

Africa Healthcare Network CFO Michael Kariuki is a master of turning strategy into a compelling financial narrative. He shares how his clarity and conviction have helped him guide startups through periods of transformation.