- Management
The year-on-year success of AMFI-K is driven by a board of member’s representing different sectors.
The Board of AMFI-K is elected by the general assembly during the annual general meeting. It reflects and is comprised of 11 members; 9 members represents all the categories of membership while 2 members are honorary, who are retired microfinance practitioners whose experience required in supporting the development of the microfinance industry.
The board provides leadership and strategic direction to the management team as well as approve budgets and make key decisions that affects the trajectory of the Association.
WANGARURO MBIRA
SYMON KAMORE
Rose Muturi
Laban Hihu
John Njihia
Yvonne Asang’re
Dr. Patrick Gathondu
Curtis Musembi
Bonface Ombui
Lilian Gachoki
BOARD CHAIR
WANGARURO MBIRA
Wangaruro Mbira is an experienced banker with 22 years of banking and financial services experience. He has worked for MyCredit, Rafiki MFB, Chase Bank, African Banking Corporation, Equity Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Safaricom Limited and Coca-Cola in various capacities. He is a seasoned professional in business development, risk management, and compliance.
He holds an MBA from Strathmore Business School, a global module of Pan African EMBA from IESE Business School Barcelona (2010), Entrepreneurial Certification dubbed Stanford Seed (2019) by Stanford GSB and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management (First Class Honors) from Egerton University. He is also a CISA and CPA.
BOARD VICE CHAIR
SYMON KAMORE
BOARD TREASURER
Rose Muturi
Rose Muturi is an experienced digital financial services and financial technology professional with a demonstrated history of working with dynamic teams in different regions in Sub Saharan Africa. Proven track record in leadership, strategy, product and service innovation, market expansion and financial inclusion.
She has more than 14 years’ experience providing increasing levels of leadership and expertise in both international and local industry leading companies. She is adept at working with multiple products and consumer segments.
She is skilled in strategic planning and implementation; able to prioritize effectively and achieve objectives within time and budget.
She actively participate in team settings and she is a valued business partner who is effective at engaging people across organizational functions and maximizing on their individual strengths, building strong relationships with internal and external partners.
She is highly customer focused, able to pinpoint business needs and deliver innovative solutions. A clear and dynamic communicator, persuasive and with strong presentation skills. She has the ability to step in and get results, present product solutions to diverse audiences and negotiate agreements with vendors and other stakeholders.
BOARD MEMBER
Laban Hihu
Laban is the Chief Executive Officer for Jitegemea Credit Scheme. Laban Joined JCS in 2012.
He has acquired MBA Banking and Finance (Microfinance Option), a Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting and Finance) Option, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA K) and a member of ICPAK.
Has also acquired a higher diploma in Leadership and Bible Theology acquired from Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College.
He has a wealth of experience gained from over 20 years of experience in finance and accounting, business administration and strategy management.
Laban has worked in microfinance institutions such as Faulu Kenya in various capacity as an accountant and Senior Accountant, Mwalimu Cooperative Sacco and Site enterprises promotion as a Finance and Administration manager and Head of Finance and strategy in JCS.
His core competencies include fundraising, budgeting, financial management, systems knowledge, implementation of business and financial plans and Cash flows, liquidity management and treasury management
BOARD MEMBER
John Njihia
Mr. John Njihia holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the same institution. He is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPSK).
He has been the Chief Executive Officer of Sumac Microfinance Bank since 2015. Prior to this, he was the Finance & Administration Manager at UAP Insurance Rwanda Ltd, Kigali, Rwanda. He was very instrumental in the feasibility study, due diligence, license application and operationalization of UAP Rwanda. This great acumen means that John is an astute and experienced corporate enterprise operator with a keen eye for strategy, growth and development of businesses.
But that is not all. His journey in the corporate world spans several years, and he carries a wealth of experience in managing and running high profile corporate entities.
Previously he was the Chief Accountant at UAP Insurance Company Ltd, Nairobi, for five years. Prior to joining UAP Insurance Company Ltd he was the Deputy Divisional Director – Finance & Administration at Eagle Africa Insurance Brokers Ltd. Mr. Njihia is also a director of Sumac Insurance Agency Ltd.
With these exceptional wealth of skills, knowledge and experience, Mr. John Njihia is the embodiment of a true corporate leader with the requisite set of inspiring skills and motivation
BOARD MEMBER
BOARD MEMBER
Yvonne Asang’re
With more than two decades of experience in the microfinance sector, Yvonne has established herself as a seasoned and highly respected professional with a deep understanding of diverse financial markets across the East African region. She currently serves as the Managing Director of MOMENTUM Kenya, where she provides visionary leadership in spearheading strategic growth, fostering innovation, and advancing social impact financing initiatives. She is an alumna of Kenyatta University holding a Bachelor of Education degree, and an Executive MBA from Strathmore Business School. Her leadership acumen has been enriched further through executive programs at IESE Business School in (Spain), GIBS Business School (South Africa), and Amalgam-Kenya. Prior to her current role, Yvonne served in senior positions at Platcorp Group as Retail Operations Manager and at Platinum Credit (K) Limited as General Manager and Head of Risk. She has played an active role in regulatory and policy discourse having participated in high level stakeholder engagements that are shaping the regulatory framework governing Non-Deposit Taking MFIs in Kenya. Her extensive experience in strengthening governance structures, driving operational excellence and promoting sustainable financial inclusion makes her a valuable asset to the AMFI-Kenya board. She brings with her not only a wealth of professional expertise but also a deep commitment to advancing financial inclusion in Kenya.
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Patrick Gathondu
With an illustrious career spanning two decades in the microfinance realm, Dr Patrick Gathondu stands as a trailblazer exemplifying great commitment and transformative leadership. He has spearheaded life changing initiatives, fostering financial inclusion and empowerment to the BIMAS community. His strategic guidance has uplifted countless lives, enabling access to vital financial services and igniting entrepreneurial spirit.
With a diverse background that spans across every facet of microfinance, Dr Gathondu’s journey began as a credit officer in 2003, honing a deep understanding of the industry’s foundation. He ascended ranks assuming pivotal roles including accountant, branch manager, and internal audit manager. This multifaceted experience cultivated a comprehensive perspective of the sector’s intricate workings.
Educationally distinguished, his qualifications include Bachelor of Arts (Economics & Sociology) degree from the University of Nairobi, an MBA in Strategic Management from Kenya Methodist University, and a Doctorate degree in Business Administration (Leadership and Change Management) at the United States International University, Africa (USIU-A). Additionally, Dr. Patrick holds the esteemed title of a professional accountant (CPA (K)) and is a full member of the Kenya Institute of Management.
His resolute dedication to empowering communities, coupled with an indomitable passion for social progress, cements his standing as a trailblazer in the microfinance arena.
BOARD MEMBER
Curtis Musembi
Curtis serves as the Investments Manager, East & Southern Africa at Oikocredit, a global cooperative and social impact investor specializing in providing both debt and equity investments. Oikocredit’s primary focus is on promoting financial inclusion and contributing to the growth of the agriculture and renewable energy sectors.
In his previous role, Curtis was engaged with the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre, a World Bank initiative. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through acceleration programs and early-stage financing assistance. These programs specifically targeted innovative solutions in response to climate challenges.
Curtis has also established a notable track record in credit during his time at Unaitas. With over 12 years of progressively advancing experience, he has consistently been at the forefront of financial inclusion efforts and impact-driven investments across the Sub-Saharan African region.
Curtis holds a degree in Finance and Banking from Moi University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K). His passion is dedicated to uplifting communities from impoverishment through sustainable investment strategies and tailored financial solutions.
BOARD MEMBER
Bonface Ombui
BOARD MEMBER
Lilian Gachoki
A powerful presence in Leadership, Finance, Investment and Networking, Lilian stands at the intersection of influence and impact, where business acumen meets leadership on a global scale.Lilian is the founder and a Director of Dream Credit Ltd, a company focused on improving efficiency in the financial sector.
She is also a National Director for Corporate Connections-Kenya, a platform that connects leaders around the world and empowers them to create opportunities and meaningful change in their organizations, communities and lives. With her influential presence as a leader, she has served in different leadership positions, Executive Director, President and also trainer in Business Network International (BNI) a global business referral organization.
She also seats in various boards and her voice has shaped conversations and policies that transcends borders. Her extensive leadership competencies draw from her wide experience in Entrepreneurship, Business Networking, Banking and Investment. She is a renowned speaker who has featured across various global platforms. Lilian also holds multiple awards and certifications. With a firm belief in giving back to the community, she mentors, coaches and trains entrepreneurs.
The management team is headed by the Chief Executive Officer as the head of institution and is tasked with the responsibility to run day to day activities and programs of the institution. It is comprised of eight members of staff.
Caroline Karanja
Shadrack Mithika
Nancy Chotero
Pauline Adhiambo
Paul Karanja
MS. SUSAN NJERI
Hillary Kibet
Ann Kipas
AGNES MBITHI
Chief Executive Officer
Caroline Karanja
Caroline Karanja is the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Microfinance Institutions Kenya and a professional with over 15 years of experience in key leadership roles in the Microfinance sector and the financial sector as a whole by delivering their mandate. Core competencies lie in small and medium enterprise development, designing and implementing innovative market-driven solutions in key sectors including Water & Sanitation. Achieved great success in stakeholder engagement with government, donor agencies, academia, and private and public sector organizations. Acutely keen to exponentially grow in career and self-development by employing the skills achieved from my work experience and the resources at my disposal, to broaden networks, towards a lasting positive impact on the industry and the wider economy.
Email:ckaranja@amfikenya.com
Program Manager Finance & Perfomance
Shadrack Mithika
CPA Shadrack Mithika heads Finance Function at AMFI and in charge of industry`s
data collection, analysis and publication. He has over 17 years hands on experience in
finance with a wide knowledge of the financial sector. He has been with AMFI since May
2009 having worked previously as a financial accountant and an accountant in a
microfinance and Sacco respectively.
He is a graduate of Business Administration from Kenya Methodist University (BBA
Accounts and Finance with First class Honors, Master of science in Finance (Finance
and investments) from the University of Nairobi and Currently Pursuing PHD in
Business Administration (Finance option) at the University of Nairobi
Besides Shadrack is a professional accountant(CPA-K) and a member of the institute of
certified public accountant of Kenya (ICPAK) and pursuing CSIA (Certified Securities
and Investment analyst of Kenya Part 2).Close
Programs Manager
Nancy Chotero
Administration Officer
Pauline Adhiambo
Administrative Assistant
Paul Karanja
Paul Karanja is the administrative assistant for the association of
Microfinance institutions Kenya.Close
PROGRAM MANAGER-TECHNICAL
MS. SUSAN NJERI
Susan Njeri is a Program Manager for WaterCredit Adoption Program at AMFI. She has
extensive experience of over 10 years in Banking Sector and 3 years in Project
Management. She has been with AMFI since December 2019 having worked previously
as a WASH consultant for various programs and Relationship Manager at ABC Bank.
Susan holds a degree in BSC (Mathematics Major) from University of Nairobi and a
certification in Monitoring and Evaluation from Kenya Institute of Management. She also
holds a diploma in Business Information Systems (ABC-UK).
RESEARCH
Hillary Kibet
Hillary Kibet is a researcher and data analyst with over eight years of experience in data management, analysis, and monitoring and evaluation within the microfinance and development sectors. He supports sector research, data systems, and performance reporting, particularly in the implementation of the Credit Rotational Fund (CRF) and the Housing Microfinance Program. Hillary holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Nairobi and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Economics at Kenyatta University.
Programs Officer
Ann Kipas