Safaricom has appointed Edward Okaro as an independent non-executive director, effective January 15, 2025, according to a statement from the telco.
Okaro will replace Rose Ogega, who resigned and stepped down on November 29, 2024 after serving the firm since February 12, 2019.
According to acting company secretary Linda Mesa in a statement on Thursday, “The Board of Safaricom is pleased to announce the appointment of Edward Okaro as an Independent Non-Executive Director, with effect from January 15, 2025. The Board welcomes Okaro to Safaricom PLC.”
Okaro holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Manchester Business School, and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi. He is also a Fellow, Certified Public Accountant (FCPA) from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and a Member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
The auditor brings over 30 years experience in financial management, audit and strategic risk management. He worked for Ernst & Young for 26 years, where he rose to the position of Director and subsequently Partner in Ernst & Young Africa Risk Services.
He is expected to provide an external perspective and constructively challenge Safaricom’s strategy and performance and will also provide an impartial advisory role for the interest of the company and its shareholders.
He will also help monitor Safaricom’s financial performance and reporting to make sure its accurate, and with robust risk management systems and financial controls.