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 of Achola’s disciplined execution.
“It has been an honour to lead BAT Kenya and to work alongside a talented team to deliver historic results,” Achola said. “Together, we strengthened our fundamentals, delivered shareholder value, and positioned the business for continued success.”
Incoming Managing Director: Sidney Wafula
Wafula currently serves as Finance Director for BAT Sub‑Saharan Africa. Since joining BAT Kenya in 2006 as Head of Audit, he has held senior roles across Africa and the Middle East, including:
- Head of Operations and Marketing Finance, BAT West Africa (Lagos)
- Head of Finance, BAT Egypt (Cairo)
- Head of Finance, Southern Africa Markets (Mozambique)
- Head of Finance, East and Central Africa
- Finance Director, BAT Kenya
The company noted that Wafula’s broad regional experience equips him with deep expertise in strategy, financial performance, and leadership across diverse markets.
Wafula describes himself as an “Experienced Finance Director with a demonstrated history of working in the tobacco industry. Skilled in Business Planning, Internal Controls, Management, Leadership, and Managerial Finance. Strong finance professional with a Commerce Degree focused in Accounting from The Catholic University of Eastern Africa.”
Finance Leadership Transition
The Board also announced the appointment of Catherine Chepkong’a as Finance Director, effective April 1, 2026. She succeeds Philemon Kipkemoi, who will step down on March 31, 2026 after a 19‑year career with BAT.
Kipkemoi, Finance Director since 2020, was credited with driving strong financial performance, sustaining shareholder value growth, and strengthening governance.
“It has been a privilege to serve this great organisation,” Kipkemoi said. “I leave behind an empowered team, ready to achieve greater success.”
Chepkong’a joined BAT in 2012 and has held finance leadership roles across Uganda, East Africa, the Horn of Africa, and Indian Ocean Islands. Most recently, she served as Finance Controller for East and Southern Africa Markets. She is also a Trustee of the BAT Kenya Staff Provident Fund.
Chepkong’a describes herself as a “Finance director with functional and enterprise leadership expertise, as well as board‑level experience, in the manufacturing and fast‑moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry in East & Southern Africa. Holder of an MBA from Durham University Business School (UK) and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Strathmore University Business School (Kenya). Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). Top 40 under 40 women in Kenya laureate (2021).”
Board Statement
BAT Kenya Board Chair Rita Kavashe said the transitions reflect deliberate succession planning and a strong internal talent pipeline.
“The Board thanks both Crispin and Philemon for their leadership, professionalism, and substantial contributions to the company’s growth and transformation agenda,” Kavashe said. “We look forward to working closely with Sidney and Catherine to continue driving transformation anchored on our vision of delivering A Better Tomorrow.”
