Octagon Africa, a leading regional provider of pension administration, insurance brokerage, actuarial consulting, and trust services, has appointed Davis Ongiro as the new Chief Executive Officer for its Kenyan operations.
At just 30 years old, Ongiro’s rise from salesman to CEO reflects Octagon’s commitment to meritocracy, innovation, and developing young African leaders.
Leading with Vision and Purpose
Ongiro steps into the role with a clear mandate: to drive strategic growth, deepen client relationships, and expand access to affordable retirement solutions for millions of Kenyans. His leadership will focus on transforming how individuals and businesses prepare for retirement, ensuring that every worker can retire with dignity and confidence.
“In the next five years, we want to change the narrative around retirement savings in Kenya,” said Ongiro. “Our goal is to ensure that every worker, regardless of income level or employer size, can retire with dignity and confidence.”
A Proven Track Record in Financial Services
Ongiro brings extensive experience in pensions, insurance, and product innovation. Prior to his appointment, he served as General Manager for Marketing, Product, and Business Development, where he led Octagon’s expansion across East Africa and oversaw the launch of new financial products. He also previously headed Octagon Insurance Brokers, one of the firm’s key subsidiaries.
His earlier role as senior manager of business development at Octagon Pension Services Limited saw him spearhead initiatives that strengthened client engagement and drove business growth.
Ongiro holds a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science and is currently pursuing both a Diploma in Insurance and an MBA from the University of East London, blending academic rigour with practical leadership.
Championing Financial Inclusion and ESG Principles
A strong advocate of financial inclusion, Ongiro is passionate about building high-performing teams and delivering sustainable value to clients and shareholders. His leadership style emphasises digital transformation, customer-centric service, and ESG principles, aligning with Octagon’s broader mission to democratize access to financial security.
“His leadership, deep industry expertise, and strong track record within Octagon make him the ideal person to lead our next phase of growth,” said Fred Waswa, Group CEO of Octagon Africa. “Under his stewardship, we are confident Octagon will continue to deliver innovative and inclusive financial solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.”
Expanding Retirement Access for MSMEs
One of Ongiro’s key priorities is scaling the Octagon Umbrella Retirement Benefits Scheme, which recently launched in partnership with Alexforbes, a leading financial services provider in South and Central Africa. The scheme is tailored for Kenya’s MSME sector, which employs over 15 million people, many of whom have been excluded from formal pension schemes.
Even enterprises with as few as three employees can now offer their teams access to retirement savings, group life, and medical cover. The scheme is designed to be affordable, flexible, and digitally managed, ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance.
A Regional Powerhouse with Continental Ambitions
Founded in 2007, Octagon Africa operates in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia, serving public, private, and non-profit sectors. The firm specialises in pension management, actuarial consulting, and employee benefits and is recognised for its innovative approach to financial services across the region.
Leading with Humility and Faith
Beyond the boardroom, Ongiro is known for leading prayer sessions at work, a reflection of his humility, discipline, and values-driven leadership. His story resonates with a new generation of professionals seeking purpose, impact, and authenticity in their careers.
