In Kenya’s fast-evolving banking sector, leadership at the country’s largest financial institutions shapes the industry’s direction. This article profiles the current CEOs of Kenya’s top 10 commercial banks (by asset base or market share), detailing each executive’s education, career background, key achievements, and year of appointment. These are the Kenya financial industry executives who rank among the top bank CEOs in Kenya, and their profiles shed light on Kenya banking sector leadership.
1. KCB Bank Group PLC – Paul Russo, CEO
Paul Russo (EBS) is Chief Executive Officer of KCB Bank Group, Kenya’s largest banking group. He was appointed CEO in May 2022. KCB Group operates in several East African countries with a capital base over Ksh1.4 trillion. Under Russo’s leadership, the bank continues its focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and regional expansion.
- Education: MBA from Strathmore University Business School; Bachelor of Business Management from Moi University; Senior Executive Programme for Africa at Harvard Business School.
- Career: Joined KCB in 2007 as HR Manager, rose to Head of Human Capital, later MD of National Bank of Kenya. Previously worked at Barclays Bank, PwC, EABL, and Unga Group.
- Achievements: Honored as an Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS). Named African Business Leader of the Year in 2024.
- CEO Appointment: May 2022
2. Equity Bank Kenya Ltd – Dr. James Mwangi, CEO
Dr. James Mwangi transformed Equity from a struggling building society into a leading pan-African bank. He joined Equity in 1993 and was appointed CEO in 2004.
- Education: Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi; ACCA and CPA(K); Advanced Management Programme at IESE (Spain); several honorary doctorates.
- Career: Former auditor at PwC and Ernst & Young; Financial Controller at Trade Bank; joined Equity in 1993.
- Achievements: Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year (2012); African Banker of the Year (2010, 2011); ranked among the top 50 emerging market thought leaders globally.
- CEO Appointment: 2004
3. NCBA Bank Kenya PLC – John Gachora, CEO
John Gachora is an MIT-trained engineer and Wharton MBA who has led NCBA since its formation in 2019 through the merger of NIC Bank and Commercial Bank of Africa.
- Education: BSc & MSc in Electrical Engineering – MIT; MBA – Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
- Career: Former investment banker at Credit Suisse and Merrill Lynch; CEO of Barclays Africa; CEO of NIC Bank before NCBA.
- Achievements: Under his leadership, NCBA doubled its profits and dividends. Former Chairperson of the Kenya Bankers Association.
- CEO Appointment: 2019
4. Co-operative Bank of Kenya – Dr. Gideon Muriuki, CEO
Dr. Gideon Muriuki has led Co-operative Bank since 2001, transforming it into one of Kenya’s most profitable and resilient banks.
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics – Moi University; Honorary Doctorate in Business Management.
- Career: Joined Co-op Bank in 1996; became CEO in 2001 after rising through the corporate banking ranks.
- Achievements: National honors including OGW, MBS, and CBS; Co-op Bank returned to profitability and growth under his stewardship.
- CEO Appointment: 2001
5. Absa Bank Kenya PLC – Abdi Mohamed, CEO
Abdi Mohamed was appointed CEO of Absa Kenya in May 2023 after a successful tenure at Absa Tanzania and various roles within the Absa Group.
- Education: Bachelor of Commerce – Kenyatta University; MBA – Edith Cowan University (Australia); Advanced Management Programme – IMD (Switzerland).
- Career: Over 28 years at Absa Group; held leadership roles in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and at Barclays Global in London.
- Achievements: Led turnaround at Absa Tanzania; Absa Kenya reported 27.5% profit growth under his leadership in 2024.
- CEO Appointment: May 2023
6. Stanbic Bank Kenya Ltd – Dr. Joshua Oigara, CEO
Joshua Oigara, former CEO of KCB, took over Stanbic Bank Kenya in December 2022, bringing a wealth of experience from the banking and corporate sectors.
- Education: MBA (Distinction) – Edith Cowan University; B.Com – University of Nairobi; Advanced Management Programme – INSEAD.
- Career: CEO of KCB (2012–2022); held finance roles at EABL and Unga Group before joining banking.
- Achievements: Oversaw KCB’s asset growth and digital expansion; national honors for his leadership.
- CEO Appointment: December 2022
7. Standard Chartered Bank Kenya – Kariuki Ngari, CEO
Kariuki Ngari has led Standard Chartered Kenya since 2019, focusing on digitization and customer experience.
- Education: BA in Economics and Sociology – University of Nairobi; Executive Management Course – INSEAD.
- Career: Held senior roles at Barclays Kenya; joined Standard Chartered and rose through global retail leadership positions, including in Singapore.
- Achievements: Led digital transformation at SCB Kenya; board member at Standard Chartered Uganda and UN Global Compact.
- CEO Appointment: 2019
8. I&M Bank Limited – Gul Khan, CEO
Gul Khan, a veteran HSBC banker and fintech executive, was appointed CEO of I&M Bank Kenya in January 2023.
- Education: MBA from a U.S. university (reported as PennWest); background in finance and banking management.
- Career: 23 years at HSBC globally; Head of Products at Airtel Money Africa prior to joining I&M.
- Achievements: Oversaw digital transformation at Airtel; led I&M to record Q1 profits in 2023.
- CEO Appointment: January 2023
9. Diamond Trust Bank (Kenya) Ltd – Ms. Nasim Devji, CEO
Ms. Nasim Devji is one of Kenya’s longest-serving bank CEOs, leading DTB Kenya since 2001.
- Education: Chartered Accountant (UK and Kenya); Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Kenya.
- Career: Held finance roles at Agip (UK), Deloitte, and the Aga Khan Foundation before joining DTB in 1996.
- Achievements: Guided DTB’s steady regional expansion; sits on multiple financial boards; awarded MBS in 2014.
- CEO Appointment: 2001
10. Family Bank Ltd – Nancy Njau, Managing Director & CEO
Nancy Njau was appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Family Bank Ltd in November 2023. She brings over two decades of experience in the banking sector, having held various leadership roles in risk management and operations. Her strategic vision focuses on enhancing digital banking services and expanding the bank’s footprint to better serve the Kenyan populace.
- Education: Nancy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has undertaken advanced management programs to bolster her leadership skills.
- Career: Prior to her appointment, she served as the Chief Risk Officer at Family Bank, where she was instrumental in strengthening the bank’s risk management framework. Her career also includes significant roles in other leading financial institutions in Kenya.
- Achievements: Under her leadership, Family Bank has embarked on a digital transformation journey, introducing innovative banking solutions to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
- CEO Appointment: November 2023
