Absa Bank Kenya has reinforced its leadership team with the strategic appointment of four accomplished women to key executive roles, demonstrably advancing gender parity within its senior ranks to over 47%. Mwihaki Wachira now leads marketing; Elizabeth Munga heads Strategy; Sophia Abdi Hassan assumes the position of Country Treasurer; and Anne Nyongesa has been appointed Company Secretary. These appointments underscore Absa’s resolute commitment to fostering inclusive leadership and reflect a deliberate emphasis on achieving gender balance at the highest levels of the organization. Abdi Mohamed, CEO & Managing Director of Absa Bank Kenya, affirmed this commitment, stating, “At Absa, we…
Author: Khusoko
Khusoko
Khusoko provides market insights into Africa's business investment as well as global trends that impact East African businesses.
In 2004, the Central Bank of Kenya took a significant step by granting the first commercial bank the authority to operate a bancassurance business. This landmark decision paved the way for nearly 30 banks and microfinance institutions to establish bancassurance services through specialised agencies and subsidiaries. The emergence of bancassurance has proven to be a critical factor in increasing insurance penetration in Kenya, a sector that has traditionally struggled to reach a broad audience. As reported by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), the insurance penetration rate in Kenya remains below three per cent, which is characteristic of challenges faced in…
A quiet conversation is echoing through Kenya’s corporate spaces—boardrooms, coffee lounges, and Zoom calls alike. It’s not about market share or quarterly results but about pervasive exhaustion. Silent, creeping, and often dismissed as a personal failing, burnout has become a corporate epidemic in Kenya. We are witnessing an alarming rise in professionals who are mentally drained, emotionally detached, and physically depleted. And while the economic graphs may look stable, the emotional pulse of our workforce is not. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) observes that there has been a 13 per cent rise in mental health conditions and substance use disorders…
Over time, the world has become increasingly interconnected. The Role of Customs administrations in safeguarding national borders and protecting societies from harmful products cannot be overstated. Customs agencies are the first line of defense against illicit trade, smuggling, and the infiltration of dangerous goods that threaten public health, safety, and economic stability. Within the East Africa region, Kenya’s Customs administration has emerged as a leader in implementing innovative strategies to secure borders and protect its citizens. The Customs administration has adopted a proactive approach to border security, recognizing that the challenges of globalization, terrorism, and transnational crime require dynamic and…
In Kenya’s increasingly 24/7 economy, businesses face unique challenges, specifically those that still handle large sums of cash and operate beyond regular banking hours. From wholesalers to large retailers, the challenges of depositing daily earnings outside of regular banking hours can disrupt operations while having cash on-site can create security concerns. Equity Bank recognizes this challenge and offers a streamlined solution through Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs). These machines enable seamless cash deposits, offering convenience while enhancing security and reducing risks associated with cash handling. What are CDMs? CDMs are self-service ATMs for cash deposits, offering a convenient alternative to traditional banking,…
As mobile gaming continues to shape entertainment, eSports has become a major trend. The Reno series, known for adapting to user needs, introduces the Reno13 series with significant gaming upgrades. Hardware and System Optimization for a Super-Smooth Gaming Experience For gamers, smooth performance is key, but delivering consistently smooth gameplay on a smartphone is no easy task. The Reno13 series achieves this by combining hardware advancements, game experience focus design, and deep system-level optimization for sustained and reliable gaming performance. Thermal management plays a critical role in maintaining peak performance, and the Reno13 series has also made major upgrades to…