Kenya

Ernst Vriesendorp takes on the CFO role at African Clean Energy (ACE) as it enters a critical phase in its growth. He speaks to CFO East Africa about his plans to leverage his experience in impact-driven finance and operational scale-ups across frontier markets to support ACE’s mission to channel investment into solutions that deliver tangible social and environmental value

Today’s dynamic and volatile environment means that CFOs cannot count on revenue to keep trending upwards. If the goal is sustainable growth and profitability, there is little choice but to pursue deliberate and sustained deployment of strong internal controls to protect revenue, prevent fraud and ensure financial integrity.

For years, the role of the chief financial officer (CFO) was defined by discipline, precision, and stewardship. Ensuring financial compliance, managing risk and preserving shareholder value were the defining pillars. But a quiet revolution is taking place.

Until her appointment, Angela was the regional CFO of Guaranty Trust Bank.

Jackline Aluda joins the running for the 2025 CFO Awards for East Africa

Guaranty Trust Bank regional CFO Angela Koech is thrilled by the unpredictable. She has come to understand leadership as a journey in service of others and is keen to leave her mark on those she crosses paths with. As she steps into a new realm of leadership, she is excited for what comes next.

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) recently cut its base rate by 75 basis points to 10 percent, aiming to stimulate lending in the private sector.

The Central Bank of Kenya’s (CBK) Monetary Policy Committee has lowered its policy rate from 10.75 percent to 10 percent to stimulate lending in the private sector. But banks have been slow to lower their lending rates following past rate cuts, citing high funding costs and increased credit risk.

The experienced finance executive will compete in the first-ever 'Oscars of Finance', where 10 awards are up for grabs.

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.

The buy now, pay later (BNPL) model has grown popular in recent years as consumers seek alternatives to credit cards and huge upfront payments. De-risking the model offers the potential for greater profitability to organisations willing to explore this space.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Kenya’s e-mobility landscape is growing in leaps and bounds, but players in the industry are still facing challenges in scaling up adoption. Watu Credit head of finance Steve Onyango, who is also the treasurer of the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya (EMAK), reveals what it would take to de-risk financing and create a friendly policy environment for the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).