BOARD CHAIR

Oscar Murigi

Mr Murigi is the Managing Director at Platinum Credit Ltd a leading ‘ISO Certified’ credit only microfinance in East Africa with presence in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Previously, he was a Senior Manager with Deloitte & Touche. Oscar is 43 years old and holds an MSC Financial Management degree from the University of London and a Bcom degree from the University of Nairobi. In addition, he holds CPA(K) professional qualifications. Has has over 15 years of work experience gained in Audit with Deloitte & Touche and Ernst & Young in East Africa and United Kingdom.

BOARD VICE CHAIR

David Mukaru

Mr David Mukaru is the Chief Executive Officer of Caritas Microfinance Bank.
Mr Mukaru has a wealth of experience in microfinance and retail banking for over 28 years having worked for Equity Bank Kenya & Tanzania, Faulu Microfinance Bank and now Caritas MFB.
He started his banking career at Kenya Industrial Estates – Informal Sector Program – KIE/ISP (a Parastatal; Development Financial Institution) as a Credit Officer. His strong areas of specialization include MSME segments, commercial retail banking, and Youth & Women Banking.
He holds a Master in Management of Agribusiness (MMA) from Strathmore Business School, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration-Entrepreneurship from the Kenya Methodist University, 3 diplomas in business administration, management and banking from Mombasa Polytechnic University College, Kenya Institute of Management and Kenya National Examination Council respectively.

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

Wangaruro Mbira

Wangaruro Mbira is an experienced Banker with over 18 years’ experience in the banking industry having worked for 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, compliance and project management. He was a Co-founder and General Manager of Rafiki Microfinance Bank. He oversaw its growth from formation to an asset base of KES. 10 Billion in a short five years operation.
Mr. Mbira holds an MBA from Strathmore Business School, Stanford seed (program for business leader running scalable organizations). A global module of PAN African EMBA from IESE Business School, Barcelona and a bachelor’s degree in Business Management (Management Science) (1st class honors) from Egerton University. He is an Accountant and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

BOARD MEMBER

Bernard Kivava

Bernard joined Juhudi as Chief Executive Officer in 2015 bringing more than 15 years of experience in microfinance and project management in East Africa. Prior to Juhudi Kilimo, Bernard held numerous leadership positions, notably at Faulu Kenya as the Head of Business Development and as Chief Executive Officer of Letshego Rwanda Limited.

During his tenure at Letshego and Faulu, Bernard played a pivotal role in supporting both companies achieve stunning business growth in a rapidly changing, competitive and demanding business environment. He has an MBA in strategic management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Moi University

Honorary Member

James Mugambi

Mr. James Mugambi is a Founder of Premier Group (the holding company of Premier Credit in Kenya and Uganda) and serves as Managing Director of Premier Credit in Kenya. Prior to setting up Premier Group Mr. Mugambi served as Executive Director of Kenya of Micro Africa Limited – Kenya Operation and Non-Executive Director in the subsidiaries in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and South Sudan. He also previously served as the Head of Business Development of Uganda Microfinance Ltd (The Present day Equity Bank Limited). Prior to joining Micro Uganda/Africa, Mr. Mugambi has held various positions of responsibility both in Finance and  Administration in various companies – Camac Kenya Ltd – An American Commodity Trading Company, Air East Africa – A Regional Cargo Airline contracted by Lufthansa Cargo LCAG, Jovenna East Africa Limited – A Petroleum Trading Company from South Africa. He is a qualified accountant (CPA) and holds a Diploma in Microfinance; and a MBA Finance and Accounting. Mr. Mugambi is a passionate entrepreneur whose commitment is in supporting entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into reality.

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

BOARD MEMBER

Bonface Ombui

BOARD MEMBER

Benson Kariuki Kitabu

Kitabu is the Managing Director for Kenya Women Microfinance Bank (KWFT). Kitabu Joined KWFT in 1992 as an Accountant and has risen through the various positions including Director Finance and Strategy to the current position. He has a wealth of experience spanning over 30 years of experience in Strategy, Finance, Accounting, and Business Administration.

He holds a Masters of Business Administration degree in Finance and a Bachelor of Science Degree both from Moi University. Kitabu is a Certified Public Accountant CPA (K) and a Member of Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPAK).

Kitabu is a visionary leader and was heavily involved in the transformation of KWFT to a regulated Microfinance Bank and thereafter in the successful implementation of strategies growing the Bank to its current asset base of over Kshs 25 billion.

He oversees the overall operations, strategic direction, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and driving the bank’s growth and profitability while maintaining high standards of customer service, operational excellence and technological advancements in line with the Institution’s strategy.

Kitabu is an active member of different professional bodies and is a respected and celebrated mentor in Strategy, Leadership, Sustainability and Finance. He has represented KWFT in various global and regional forums and seminars on diverse matters in Africa, Europe and Asia.