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The bank CEO with a flair for musicals

Thursday, August 18, 2016 — updated on December 24, 2020 - 8 min read

Sidian Bank CEO Titus Karanja. PHOTO | COURTESY

K-Rep Bank is now Sidian Bank. Of course. Titus Karanja who joined the bank last year steered this transformation.
He previously served as head of investment and merchant banking and head of co-operative banking at Co-op Bank; and, as the head of Kenya securities for the African Alliance Investment Bank.

Titus looks like a banker — suit, tie, black shoes, minimum facial hair, stiff lower lip — but his temperament isn’t of a banker.

The biggest surprise was, I actually thought it was a lot easier. Our parents seemed to do it without breaking a sweat. They were always doing it and they had no uncertainties—well, that you ever saw— then it breaks out on you and you go “Whoa! What’s going on here and how long has it been going on? How long has it been this difficult or is it only for us? Is it only for me?” These little fellows who are individual personalities of their own rights, live in a world where you are trying to understand. At the same time, you’re trying to figure out how much of guiding should be done to them. I’m a great believer in benevolent neglect when it comes to finding their way, but increasingly you find out that’s not what the environment is calling for and you do need to have a bit more of a grip.