About us

Absa Bank Kenya PLC

Absa Bank Kenya PLC is part of Absa Group Limited, an African financial services group that aims to be the pride of the continent. Absa Group Limited is listed on the JSE in South Africa and is one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups with a presence in 12 countries across the continent and around 42, 000 employees.

We’re committed to finding local solutions to uniquely local challenges and everything we do is focused on adding value. To this end, we offer our clients a range of retail, business, corporate and investment, and wealth management solutions. We also ensure a positive impact in all the countries where we operate.

We’re part of a truly African brand, inspired by the people we serve and determined to make our continent proud.

About Absa Group

Our leaders

Country Management Committee

Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director - Abdi Mohamed

Abdi Mohamed is the CEO and Managing Director of Absa Kenya Absa Bank Kenya Plc, effective from 1 May 2023. Abdi is a Kenyan with over twenty-eight (28) years of experience in the financial sector and has held various executive positions within Absa Group.

Prior to his appointment to Absa Bank Kenya, he was the Managing Director of Absa Bank Tanzania and acting Managing Executive for Retail and Business Banking, Africa Regional Operations, Absa- a role that spans multiple geographies where Absa operates within Africa.

He has also previously served as Chief Operating Officer for the Bank in Kenya.

Other roles he has held within the organization include Retail & Business Banking Director in Kenya and Zambia and Operations Efficiency Manager, Barclays Global Retail & Commercial Banking, London.

Abdi Mohamed holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) - Kenyatta University, Masters Business Administration (MBA) – Edith Cowan University and an Advanced Management Programme (IMD Business School – Switzerland).

Chief Finance Officer - Yusuf Omari

Mr. Omari joined Absa Bank Kenya PLC in 2004 from Audit Firm, KPMG (1998- 2004). He previously worked as the Head of Internal Audit East and West Africa cluster (2004- 2008) and then as Head of Compliance (2008-2009) before his appointment as the Chief Financial Officer in 2009.

He is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). Yusuf is also a Board Member for The University of Nairobi Enterprise Services and ICPAK.

He is a qualified Certified Public Accountant (CPA) as well as a Certified Internal Auditor. He holds an MBA from Strathmore Business School and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Nairobi.

Consumer Banking Director - Moses Muthui

Moses is the Consumer Banking Director at Absa Bank Kenya. He has expansive experience in professional banking in the areas of Finance, Treasury, Investment Banking, Strategy, and Investor Relations divisions. He has worked in senior roles over the last 10 years in London, Wall Street - New York and Kenya.

Moses holds an MBA from the University of Nairobi, MSc. in Finance from the London School of Economics, a B.A in Economics and Mathematics from Egerton University Kenya, a certified accountant with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants of the United Kingdom, Certified Public Accountant Kenya (CPA, K) and a licenced Investment Banker (FINRA U.S).

Chief Risk Officer - Chiera Waithaka

Chiera joined Absa Bank Kenya PLC in 2017 as the Chief Risk officer. Chiera has over 20 years’ experience in risk management and has held senior management roles with the Standard Bank Group Regional Office, East Africa, Stanbic Bank Kenya and Barclays Bank.

Chiera holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) – Strategy and Finance from Warwick Business School, Bachelor of Law Degree from University of Nairobi, and an Associate Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Bankers, He is also a Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM) by the Global Association of Risk Professionals.

Country Credit Director - Christine Mwai-Marandu

Christine has over 20 years of experience in Credit Risk working for Absa Bank Kenya PLC and has served in various capacities within the Group including in UK, South Africa, and Tanzania. She is the Country Credit Director where she is responsible for Credit, Country and Sovereign risk and the end-to-end credit life cycle for all borrowing clients in Retail and Business Banking, Corporate & Investment Bank and Markets (Sales and Trading). She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Services and an MBA from Cranfield School of Management, UK. She also holds an Advanced Management Program qualification from Strathmore Business School, an Associate of Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIB) qualification and is a certified Executive Coach.

Director, People and Culture - Mumbi Kahindo

Mumbi is a seasoned HR practitioner and coach with over 20 years’ experience, half of which have been in leadership positions. Mumbi previously worked with Deloitte for 10 years in various disciplines of human capital based in Kenya and New York. More recently, and over the last 8 years, Mumbi has held various HR leadership roles within Absa Group, initially with Absa Bank Kenya PLC as a senior HR Business Partner and Head of Leadership, Learning & Talent, and most recently as the Head of Leadership and Learning for Absa Regional Operations covering 10 markets outside South Africa.

Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking - James Agin

James began his banking career in Absa Bank Kenya PLC in 1993 and undertook various roles in both Corporate and Treasury before moving to Barclays Uganda as Corporate Director in 2004. He later joined Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Uganda as the Managing Director in 2008 and moved back to Kenya in 2010 as the Chief Business Officer for the East Africa region and later as Corporate Banking Director. James has 10 years of Board experience and has served in the Boards of Barclays Uganda and the KCB subsidiaries.

He holds an Advanced Management Program from Harvard Business School, an MBA from the IESE Business School in Spain and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Nairobi.

Legal and Compliance Director - Ken Kanyarati

Ken Kanyarati was appointed effective 15 November 2021. Prior to his appointment Ken worked with the Standard Bank where he held several senior roles in the organization including, Regional Compliance Executive (Eastern Region), Head of compliance & Legal and Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Control. Ken holds a Bachelor of Law Degree (LLB) from the University of Nairobi, Diploma from the Kenya School of Law, a Certificate of Proficiency for the Trustee Development Program from the College of Insurance. He is also a Certified Compliance Professional by the International Academy of Business and Financial Management and is a Certified member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI). He is also the Vice Chairman if the Compliance Society of Kenya

Director, Marketing and Corporate Affairs - Mwihaki Wachira

Mwihaki's career spans multiple industries and markets across Africa and the Middle East, leading award-winning strategies that have driven business growth and strengthened brand equity.

Before joining Absa, she served as Group General Manager, Marketing and Communications at I&M Bank, where she spearheaded high-impact campaigns. She has also held leadership roles at Stoli Group, HACO Industries, UAP Old Mutual, and KCB Bank Group.

A Master of Arts in Communication graduate from the University of Nairobi, she also holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from Kenyatta University and is a graduate of the Programme for Management Development from Strathmore Business School & Gordon Institute of Business Science.

Chief Operating and Digital Officer - Julius Kamau Mwangi

Julius was appointed to the role of Chief Operating and Digital Officer on February 16, 2024, pending regulatory approval.

He has over 23 years of extensive experience in managing banking operations, enterprise projects, enterprise transformation, and ICT, Julius has a proven track record of success. His tenure as Group Director of Technology and Operations at NCBA Group, where he spearheaded various transformative initiatives, underscores his capabilities. He also oversaw critical departments and led initiatives such as the IT Integration project and the establishment of the Robotic Process Automation Center of Excellence among others.

Prior to joining NCBA Group, Julius held key positions at KCB Group and NIC Bank Kenya, where he demonstrated his ability to drive organizational growth and efficiency.

Julius holds an undergraduate degree in Marketing from the University of Nairobi, as well as a CPA (K) from Strathmore University and ACI Treasury Operations Certificate from the Financial Markets Association.

Business Banking Director - Elizabeth Wasunna-Ochwa

Elizabeth Wasunna-Ochwa is the Business Banking Director at Absa Bank Kenya PLC, with nearly 30 years of experience in the banking industry. Recognised as one of East Africa’s top 10 women leaders to watch, she began her career at Barclays Bank (now Absa) as a trainee and has since held senior roles in other Tier 1 banks, where she drove business growth and regional expansion.

Elizabeth is a seasoned strategic leader in SME and commercial banking, with a strong track record in ecosystem partnerships, innovation, and digital transformation. Under her leadership at Absa, the business segment has delivered consistent double-digit growth, introduced Salesforce for sales management, and strengthened digital platforms for SMEs. She currently oversees multiple functions including Trade Finance, SME Banking, Islamic Banking, and Agri Business.

Passionate about women’s economic empowerment, Elizabeth leads Absa’s women in business strategy, partnering with key organizations like KNCCI, ITC-SheTrades, KEPSA, and AGF to improve access to finance, mentorship, and markets.

She holds a BSc and MBA from USIU-Africa, is a certified Executive Leadership Coach, and completed the Advanced Management Program at IMD, Switzerland. Elizabeth serves on several boards, including Africa Borderlands Centre (UNDP), Absa Bancassurance Intermediary Ltd, and Worldreader (USA), and is a Patron Member of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce.

A strong advocate for resilience, emotional intelligence, and communication, Elizabeth continues to mentor and inspire future generations of leaders in the financial sector.
Board of Directors
Charles Muchene - Board Chairman Independent Non-Executive Director

Appointed to Board: August 2016

Appointed Chairman: October 2016

Committee membership: Corporate Governance Nominations & Remuneration Committee & Strategy Committee

External Directorships: AIG Kenya Limited

Previous roles

Chairman and Non-Executive Director, East African Breweries Limited

Independent Non-Executive Director, CfC Stanbic Holdings Limited

Country Senior Partner and Financial Service Industry Leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers

Qualifications

Bachelor of Commerce (Hons), University of Nairobi

Fellow, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya

Member, Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya

Member, Institute of Directors
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director - Abdi Mohamed

Appointed MD and CEO on 1 May 2023

Previous roles

Managing Director of Absa Bank Tanzania

AG Managing Executive for Retail and Business Banking Africa Regional Operations - Absa - a role that spans multiple geographies where Absa operates within Africa.

Chief Operating Officer – Absa Bank Kenya

Retail and Business Banking Director in Absa Kenya and Absa Zambia

Operations Efficiency Manager, Barclays Global Retail & Commercial Banking, London.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) - Kenyatta University

Masters Business Administration (MBA) – Edith Cowan University

Advanced Management Programme (IMD Business School – Switzerland).
Yusuf Omari - Chief Finance Officer

Appointed to Board: June 2009

Committee membership: None

External roles and memberships

Board Member, University of Nairobi Enterprise Services

Board Member, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK)

Previous roles

Head of Compliance, Barclays Kenya

Head of Internal Audit East and West Africa, Barclays Kenya

Senior Auditor, KPMG

Qualifications

Advanced Management Program (AMP), Strathmore and IESE Business School

MBA, Strathmore Business School

B.A. Economics, University of Nairobi

Fellow, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya

Certified Internal Auditor
Japheth Olende - Independent Non-Executive Director

Appointed to Board: March 2018

Board Chairperson: Absa Bancassurance Intermediary Limited

Subsidiary Board Membership: Absa Asset Management Limited

Committee Chairperson: Credit Committee

Committee membership: Credit Committee, Corporate Governance Nominations & Remuneration Committee

External roles and memberships

Board Member, Jumbo Chem Company Limited

Board Member Ler Ltd

Executive Director, OBG Company Limited

Board Member, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation

Previous roles

Board Member, Retirement Benefits Authority

Board Member, AIG Kenya Insurance Company

Board Member, AIG Uganda Insurance Company

President, American Chamber of Commerce Kenya Chapter

Director, Association of Kenya Insurers

Director, Eagle Eye Laser Centre

Qualifications

Bachelor of Commerce (Hons), University of Nairobi

Chartered Insurer, CII London

Member, Institute of Directors
Louis Onyango Otieno - Independent Non-Executive Director

Appointed to Board: March 2018

Board Chairperson: Absa Asset Management Limited

Committee Chairperson: Strategy Committee

Committee membership: Audit & Risk Committee

External roles and memberships

Board Member, Nation Media Group

Chairman, Sera Afrika

Previous roles

Director, Corporate Affairs, Microsoft 4Afrika

General Manager, East and Southern Africa, Microsoft Corporation

President, American Chamber of Commerce - Kenya

ICT Advisor to the Presidents of Tanzania, Uganda and Mozambique

ICT Advisor, COMESA Business Council

Board Member, Kenya Vision 2030

Board Member, Red Media Africa (Nigeria)

Board Member, Enablis East Africa

Board Member, Fintech International

Qualifications

MBA, Long Island University

BSc (Hons) Computer Science, Mercy College
Charles Njenga Murito - Independent Non-Executive Director

Appointed to Board: June 2020

Committee membership: Strategy Committee, Nominations & Remuneration Committee, Credit Committee

External roles and memberships

Regional Director, Sub Saharan Africa, Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google

Previous roles

Country Director, Google Kenya

MD and Chief Commercial Officer of Programming, Wananchi Group (Zuku)

Director, Business Development, Middle East and Africa, Turner Broadcasting (Europe)

Senior Manager, Programming Strategy, Turner Broadcasting (Europe)

Chief of Staff to the President, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Brand and Sales Manager, East Africa, MTV Networks Africa

Sales Executive, Content Sales, Domestic TV Distribution, Warner Bros. Entertainment Ltd

Qualifications

MBA, Entertainment Business and Finance, Cass Business School, London, 2011

Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Management, Woodbury University Burbank, California, 2000
Anne Nyongesa - Company Secretary

Appointed February 2025

Previous roles

Head Counsel, Governance and Shared Service – KCB Bank Group

Assistant Company Secretary – Britam

Legal Manager – Consolidated Bank of Kenya

Assistant Manager Legal and Credit Documentation – Group Bank of Africa

Company Secretary – KCB Foundation

Qualifications

Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with seventeen (17) years of post-admission experience

Certified Public Secretary, Kenya.

Master of Laws (LL.M) Degree, University of South Africa

Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Degree, University of Nairobi

Member of the Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS) and holder of a practicing certificate as company secretary issued under the Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya Act (Chapter 534, Laws of Kenya)
Fulvio Tonelli - Non-Executive Director

Appointed to Board: October 2020

Committee membership: Audit & Risk Committee, Credit Committee, Strategy Committee

External roles and memberships

Board Member, Absa Group Limited

Chairman, Independent Regulatory Board of Auditors

Non-Executive Director, the Ethics Institute

Previous roles

Partner, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Operating Officer, PwC South Africa

Qualifications

BCom (Accounting), University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, SA

BCom, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, SA
Marion Gathoga-Mwangi - Independent Non-Executive Director

Appointed to Board: October 2024

Committee membership: Audit & Risk Committee

External roles and memberships

Group Chief Executive Officer, Standard Group PLC

Non-Executive Director, Palmhouse Foundation

Non-Executive Director, Kenya Association of Manufacturers

Adjunct Faculty at Strathmore Business School Training – Women In Leadership programme

Previous roles

Managing Director, BOC Kenya PLC

Executive Positions, African Oxygen (Pty) Limited, a Linde company

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) International Business Administration, USIU-A

Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching from Academy of Executive Coaches