Management - AMFI Kenya

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.

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 MEMBER

Mbaabu Muchiri

Mr. Mbaabu Muchiri is a dynamic entrepreneur and financial sector leader with a proven track record in scaling credit-only microfinance operations and empowering MSMEs. As the CEO of Progressive Credit Ltd., he possesses profound insights into credit risk management, operational agility, and grassroots enterprise financing.

His presence on the AMFI-K Board provides robust representation for the Credit-Only Microfinance Institution (COMFI) tier, ensuring strategic alignment with the sector’s broader growth and advocacy objectives.

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

Joseph Njuguna

Joseph Njuguna is the Managing Director and CEO of Rafiki Microfinance Bank appointed in October 2021 with a mandate to provide effective strategic leadership and direction of the bank to achieve the bank’s growth and profitability agenda. He is responsible for the overall strategic and operational performance of the bank. He is a seasoned career banker with over 25 years of extensive experience in the financial services sector, spanning various senior executive roles in banking sector in Kenya.

Prior to his appointment as CEO, Joseph served as the Chief Finance Officer at Consolidated Bank of Kenya where he was responsible for the overall strategic planning, financial management, risk management, stakeholder management – including dealing with regulators such as CBK, CMA and NSE and overall regulatory and tax planning and compliance. He has previously worked with HFC group the leading mortgage lender in East Africa and CFC Stanbic in the areas of audit and risk management.

Education and Qualifications

Joseph is an accomplished banking and finance professional and holds the following qualifications

Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic management from the University of Nairobi
Bachelor of Commerce – Bcom from the University of Nairobi
Certified Public Accountant CPA(K) and member of Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya- ICPAK
Senior Managers Leadership Development Program from Strathmore Business School

BOARD MEMBER

Jaafar Abdukadir

Mr. Jaafar Abdukadir is an accomplished banking and Islamic finance leader championing ethical, inclusive, and values-based financial models in Kenya.

At the helm of Salaam Microfinance Bank, he has been instrumental in pioneering specialized financial products that cater to underserved markets and promote economic resilience.

His strategic perspective on the AMFI-K Board enriches the association’s diversity, supporting ethical finance, faith-based inclusion, and sustainable banking practices nationwide.

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

Mr. Bonface Ombui is the Managing Director/CEO of Choice Microfinance Bank – Choice Bank was licensed in 2015 by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) to offer banking solutions & products to the Kenyan market. He has vast experience in banking, fintech, investment and business development.

Bonface has an MBA is Strategic Management and a bachelor’s in mathematics & Statistics. He is also a Certified Public Accountant with a CPA(K)

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.

Chief Executive Officer
Caroline Karanja

Program Manager Finance & Perfomance
Shadrack Mithika

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.

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).

Programs Manager

Nancy Chotero

Nancy Chotero is an inclusive finance and development professional with over 15 years of experience advancing financial inclusion and MSME development across the financial services sector.

As a Programmes Manager she contributes to the strategic direction and implementation of programmes that drives organization mission, vision and aspirations. Her work encompasses membership growth and sustainability, policy engagement, partnerships & multi-sectoral coordination, resource mobilization, capacity building & technical assistance

Committed to continuous learning and professional excellence, she has undertaken specialized training in Development Finance, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Sustainability Reporting Standards, Digital Finance & Fintech Integration, Risk Management and Data Protection and Cybersecurity Governance, among others. These competencies enable her to support institutions adapt to evolving business, regulatory, technological and sustainability requirements.

She holds a Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi, Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management from The Methodist University and Diploma in Business Management, ABE

Administration Officer

Pauline Adhiambo

Pauline provides secretarial and administrative support to the Association, helping ensure effective office coordination and smooth day-to-day operations.

Her responsibilities include managing correspondence, handling office communications, maintaining records, coordinating appointments and meetings, and supporting the flow of information within the organisation.

Through his role, he contributes to an organised and efficient working environment that enables AMFI-Kenya to deliver on its institutional mandate.

Administrative Assistant

Paul Karanja

Paul supports the day-to-day administrative operations of the Association, contributing to efficient office coordination, organisational processes and service delivery.

He facilitates communication, supports the coordination of meetings and activities, maintains administrative records, and provides operational assistance to ensure the smooth running of AMFI-Kenya’s programmes and institutional activities.

His role helps strengthen internal coordination and supports the Association in delivering on its mandate of advancing Kenya’s microfinance sector.

PROGRAM MANAGER-TECHNICAL

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 MANAGER

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.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Sylvester Karani

Sylvester leads the Association’s communications and digital engagement efforts, strengthening AMFI-Kenya’s institutional visibility, brand presence and stakeholder engagement.

He oversees the development and dissemination of strategic content across the Association’s digital platforms, supports media and public relations, and manages digital communications initiatives.

His role includes translating the Association’s work in policy advocacy, capacity building, research and sector collaboration into clear, impactful communications that inform stakeholders, amplify the voice of the microfinance sector and advance AMFI-Kenya’s strategic objectives.