Former Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Chairman Mohammed Nyaoga has been appointed as an independent non-executive director of Absa Bank Kenya, effective 1 August 2025.
Mr Nyaoga’s appointment follows the retirement of two non-executive directors from Absa’s board. Japheth Olende stepped down on 22 May after seven years of service, while Patricia Ithau retired on March 31 this year after nine years. In a statement, Absa Bank Kenya said.
Mr Nyaoga’s extensive experience in corporate law, finance, commercial and civil litigation, and corporate governance will support the lender as it navigates a complex operating environment.
“The board looks forward to benefitting immensely from his deep understanding of complex regulatory frameworks, risk management, and governance best practices – skills that are essential for navigating today’s dynamic financial landscape,” said the bank.
“His proven leadership across both private and public sector boards, as well as his invaluable service to national and international institutions, positions him as an asset to Absa Bank Kenya.”
Mr Nyaoga is no stranger to the banking sector. He previously served as chairman of the Ecobank Kenya board from July 2014 until his appointment as CBK chairman in 2015, a role he held for eight years before retiring in June 2023.
With over 40 years of legal practice, he currently serves as senior partner at Mohammed Muigai LLP. In March this year, he was appointed chairman of the African Development Bank Group's Disclosure and Access to Information Appeals Panel.
He is also a corporate governance expert and trainer for the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In 2023, Mr Nyaoga chaired the IMF external experts panel tasked with reviewing governance policies of central banks globally, with a view to minimising the risks of loan misuse and payment defaults.
