SMEP Microfinance Bank PLC has appointed Bernard Mutinda Kivava as its Chief Executive Officer, effective May 18, 2026. The Central Bank of Kenya approved the appointment, clearing the way for Kivava to take charge of the church founded lender as it works to grow its balance sheet and deepen access to credit for small traders and farmers.
Kivava spent more than two decades in microfinance before joining SMEP. He built his reputation on turning struggling lenders around and expanding their reach into underserved communities across Kenya and the wider East African region.
A Track Record of Turnarounds
Before SMEP, Kivava ran Juhudi Kilimo for ten years, from 2015 to 2025. He took over an institution that was losing money and left it profitable. Under his watch, Juhudi Kilimo more than tripled its active customer base and loan portfolio while expanding its branch network.
He earned that reputation earlier at Letshego Rwanda Limited, where he served as CEO from 2012 to 2015. Kivava grew the loan book and pushed the company toward profitability. He also guided its shift from a credit only lender into a full deposit taking microfinance institution, a move that brought its operations in line with regional standards and improved service delivery.
His career began at Faulu Kenya, where he started as a loan officer. He rose through the ranks to Branch Manager, then Regional Manager, and later Head of Business Development, spending more than six years there before moving into regional leadership roles.
Board Backs New Direction
SMEP Board Chairman Dr. Nelson C. Kuria said directors are confident Kivava has the experience and judgment the bank needs for its next phase of growth. The board expects his leadership to strengthen operations and sharpen service delivery for customers.
Kivava holds a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Arts from Moi University.
Kivava on the Appointment
Speaking on his new role, Kivava pointed to the strategy work that defined his time at Juhudi Kilimo.
“With over a decade of leadership experience, I most recently served as CEO of Juhudi Kilimo, where I focused on driving strategic growth and aligning operations to meet organizational goals,” he said. “My expertise lies in management, strategy development, and risk management, which I integrated to guide the company through evolving challenges and opportunities.”
He added that his approach centers on balancing new ideas with sound risk controls. “A dedicated professional with an MBA in Strategic Management, I am passionate about fostering sustainable business practices and empowering teams to deliver exceptional results,” he said. “My mission is centered on creating impactful strategies that balance innovation with sound risk management, ensuring long term success for organizations.”
Career History
| Role | Organization | Period | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer | SMEP Microfinance Bank PLC | May 2026 to present | Nairobi |
| Chief Executive Officer | Juhudi Kilimo | 2015 to 2025 | Nairobi |
| Chief Executive Officer | Letshego Rwanda Limited | 2012 to 2015 | Rwanda |
| Head of Business Development | Faulu Kenya | 2011 to 2012 | Nairobi |
| Regional Manager | Faulu Kenya | 2006 to 2010 | Rift Valley and Coast |
SMEP Microfinance Bank PLC traces its roots to 1975, when it began as a relief program run by the National Council of Churches of Kenya. It has since grown into a licensed deposit taking microfinance bank regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya, serving micro, small and medium enterprises across the country.
