The Credit Information Sharing Association of Kenya (CIS Kenya) has appointed Andrew Njeru as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership transition expected to shape the country’s credit information sharing landscape at a time of heightened focus on responsible lending and financial inclusion.
Mr. Njeru assumed office on February 16, 2026, following a decision by the Association’s Governing Council, which cited his experience in banking, credit risk management, regulatory compliance, and data-driven financial innovation as central to the appointment.
His entry into the role comes as CIS Kenya continues to expand its mandate in strengthening collaboration among lenders, regulators, and credit reference bureaus while advancing policy and technological frameworks aimed at improving credit market transparency.
Leadership change amid evolving credit market dynamics
Kenya’s credit information ecosystem has undergone significant evolution over the past decade, with the establishment of credit reference bureaus and the institutionalisation of credit information sharing mechanisms transforming lending practices.
As digital lending expands and regulatory scrutiny increases, the accuracy, accessibility, and reliability of borrower data have become critical to maintaining financial system stability and supporting sustainable credit growth.
CIS Kenya, established in 2013 through a joint initiative involving the Central Bank of Kenya and the Kenya Bankers Association, serves as the industry association tasked with supporting development of an effective credit information sharing framework.
The Association works with financial institutions, microfinance providers, credit reference bureaus, and policymakers to enhance data quality standards, promote responsible borrowing and lending practices, and expand access to finance for underserved segments, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Dr. Gamaliel Hassan, Chairman of CIS Kenya, said the appointment reflects the Association’s strategic direction as it seeks to deepen stakeholder engagement and strengthen its institutional mandate.
“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Andrew Njeru to lead CIS Kenya at a pivotal time for the credit ecosystem,” Dr. Hassan said. “His extensive experience and deep understanding of Kenya’s financial sector will be instrumental in strengthening our institutional mandate, advancing regulatory collaboration, and deepening stakeholder engagement across the industry.”
Professional background and sector experience
Mr. Njeru brings more than a decade of senior experience within Kenya’s banking industry, having worked across functions including credit risk management, regulatory compliance, policy formulation, and financial data analytics.
During his career, he has led initiatives focused on credit information automation, enhancement of bureau data quality, and implementation of risk-based pricing models within lending institutions.
These initiatives contributed to strengthening compliance standards, improving data accuracy, and supporting adoption of responsible lending frameworks across segments of the financial sector.
Beyond operational roles, Mr. Njeru has contributed to academic and industry discourse through authorship of peer-reviewed research papers in credit risk management.
He holds a First Class Honours degree in Economics and Mathematics from Kenyatta University, a Master’s degree in Economics from University of Nairobi, and is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPA-K).
Industry recognition for his work includes awards related to governance, data compliance, and innovation in financial services.
Strategic priorities and policy agenda
Mr. Njeru takes office as CIS Kenya builds on institutional milestones achieved in 2024, including strengthened governance structures, expanded stakeholder partnerships, and advocacy efforts toward development of a National Credit Information Sharing Policy.
The Association has also reported improvements in membership engagement, increased participation in training and conferences, and strengthened financial performance.
Among ongoing initiatives are consultations on digital data validation tools intended to enhance data accuracy, improve reporting consistency, and support compliance with regulatory standards.
In his remarks following the appointment, Mr. Njeru emphasised the central role of credit information sharing in economic development.
“It is an honour to take on this role at CIS Kenya,” he said. “A robust credit information sharing framework is fundamental to financial stability, responsible lending and inclusive economic growth. I look forward to working closely with our members, regulators, and partners to further strengthen data integrity, promote responsible credit practices, and support sustainable access to finance particularly for MSMEs and underserved communities.”
Implications for financial inclusion and lending practices
Industry observers note that effective credit information systems are essential for expanding credit access while managing default risks.
For lenders, accurate borrower data enables improved credit risk assessment, supports adoption of risk-based pricing, and reduces information asymmetry, a key barrier to lending in emerging markets.
For borrowers, particularly MSMEs and individuals with limited collateral, participation in credit information sharing frameworks can enhance credit histories and unlock financing opportunities.
Kenya’s push toward digital financial services has further amplified the importance of real-time, reliable credit data, especially with the proliferation of digital lenders and alternative credit scoring models.
CIS Kenya’s role in coordinating stakeholders and promoting best practices therefore positions the Association as a central institution within the country’s financial infrastructure.
Adah Mukubi, Head of Communications and Partnerships at CIS Kenya, said the leadership transition reflects continuity and strategic growth ambitions.
“This leadership transition reflects CIS Kenya’s commitment to continuity, strategic growth, and strengthened stakeholder engagement,” she said. “Under Mr. Njeru’s leadership, we are confident in our ability to amplify advocacy efforts and expand partnerships that support a more open and inclusive credit market.”
Outlook for the credit information ecosystem
Kenya’s credit market continues to balance growth ambitions with regulatory oversight, as policymakers seek to encourage responsible borrowing while safeguarding consumer protection.
Reforms around data governance, consumer consent, dispute resolution, and digital lending oversight are expected to remain central themes within the sector.
CIS Kenya’s strategic agenda, including policy advocacy, capacity building, and technology-driven data quality initiatives, places the Association at the intersection of these developments.
The Governing Council expressed confidence that Mr. Njeru’s leadership will support delivery of strategic objectives for 2026 and beyond while advancing the Association’s long-term vision of shaping inclusive and sustainable credit markets across Africa.
