Author: Lorine Otamo

Safaricom’s M-PESA has hit 40 million monthly active customers in Kenya, marking 19 years since the mobile money service launched on March 6, 2007 and underscoring how far mobile-led financial access has come on the continent. From remittance tool to financial platform M-PESA launched as a person-to-person money transfer service. It now spans investment and wealth management through Ziidi MMF and Ziidi Trader, credit products including Fuliza and KCB M-PESA, and business tools such as Lipa na M-PESA, Pochi la Biashara, and Global Pay. That expansion reflects a deliberate strategy Safaricom calls Fintech 2.0, a push to put saving, investing,…

BAT Kenya has unveiled changes to its executive leadership team as part of a structured succession plan. Sidney Wafula will take over as Managing Director on June 16, 2026, succeeding Crispin Achola, who steps down on June 15, 2026 after a distinguished five‑and‑a‑half‑year tenure. Crispin Achola’s Legacy Achola, appointed Managing Director in January 2021, steered BAT Kenya through a period of market complexity, regulatory shifts, and strategic transformation. Under his leadership, the company: Strengthened operational resilience Expanded its export franchise Advanced long‑term competitiveness and sustainability The Board highlighted BAT Kenya’s solid share price performance and consistent dividend record as evidence…

Standard Chartered Bank Kenya has appointed Gladys Warirah as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, subject to approval by the Central Bank of Kenya and the Capital Markets Authority. She will succeed Chemutai Murgor, who exits the role on 31 May 2026. Leadership Transition Ahead of FY 2025 Results The transition comes just weeks before the lender announces its FY 2025 audited results and final dividend on 18 March, closing a year marked by a profit warning and multiple senior leadership changes. At the CEO level, Kariuki Ngari is set to retire after more than two decades in Kenya and…

APA Apollo Group has named Risper Ohaga as its next Group CEO, marking a pivotal moment for one of East Africa’s leading financial services companies. She will officially assume the role on July 1, 2026, following the conclusion of her tenure as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director at East African Breweries Plc. A Proven Finance Leader Risper is widely recognized as a seasoned finance executive with a track record of transformational leadership, performance delivery, and governance excellence across multiple jurisdictions. Her expertise spans: Driving performance and regulatory management Financial control and statutory accounting under IFRS Taxation, planning, and budgeting…

Guaranty Trust Bank (Kenya) Limited has escalated a regulatory dispute to the Competition Tribunal after challenging a ruling by the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK). The case stems from a complaint filed by ASL Limited, a long‑standing corporate client, over the management of credit facilities. Bank Confirms Appeal In a statement issued Tuesday, GTBank Kenya acknowledged receipt of the CAK ruling dated January 29, 2026. The lender confirmed it had lodged a formal appeal, citing its belief that the Authority’s findings were not supported by evidence. “The Bank’s conduct throughout its banking relationship with ASL Limited was, at all times,…

Many viewers remember Dennis Humphrey for his breakout role as Kaka in Rashid Abdalla’s Sultana. That performance catapulted him into the spotlight, and fans still affectionately call him by the character’s name. Now, Humphrey returns to the small screen as Malo in Daudi Anguka’s crime drama Mizani, starring alongside Michael Saruni and Keith Chuaga. The series currently airs on Showmax and Maisha Magic Plus. From Actor to Award‑Winning Filmmaker Off‑screen, Humphrey is far from the characters that made him famous. Despite his striking looks and towering presence, he describes himself as an introvert, a writer, and a storyteller driven by…