NCBA Group posted a profit after tax of KES 9.8 billion in its first half of 2024 financial results which is a 5.0 per cent increase compared to KES 9.4 billion reported during a similar period in 2023.
NCBA Group also recorded a positive operating income of KES 31 billion and a decline in loan impairment charges of 38.3 per cent year on year and its non-banking subsidiaries, including Investment Banking, Bancassurance and Leasing contributed performed well too with KES 0.6 billion in profitability and a 56% year-on-year growth.
The Group also continues to accelerate and promote financial inclusion across the region by disbursing KES 478 billion worth of Digital Loans. In November 2024, NCBA Bank Group announced it had disbursed KES 751 billion over its digital products, an 8 per cent increase from the same period last year and posted a profit after tax of KES 15.1 billion in its Q3 2024 financial results. In the same period, the firm posted an operating income of KES 46.9 billion and operating expenses of KES 28.6 billion and a profit before tax of KES 18.4 billion and profit after tax of KES 15.1 billion.
According to NCBA Group Managing Director, John Gachora, “Our strong credit management enabled stability in lending outcomes, bucking industry trends with lower impairment charges (down 33 percent) and improved asset quality.”
The firm’s mobile lending solutions in partnership with Telcos such as M-SHWARI and NCBA Group’s investment in digital financial inclusion services such as LOOP has enabled it increase its reach to over 60 million customers across Sub-Saharan Africa. NCBA Bank’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is exemplified by the accomplished women in its leadership team. Their extensive work experiences and educational backgrounds contribute significantly to the bank’s success. Here’s an overview of these distinguished professionals:
- Monicah Kihia is a dynamic and forward-thinking HR and culture leader with over 30 years of experience in banking and human resources. As the Group Director of Human Resources & Culture at NCBA, she has been instrumental in transforming people management strategies to align with business objectives, fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, engaged, and empowered to excel. Her expertise spans strategic HR leadership, culture building, and leadership empowerment, ensuring that human capital remains at the heart of organizational success. Monicah has partnered with top professionals across Sub-Saharan Africa, driving initiatives that enhance employee development, strengthen leadership capabilities, and create inclusive work environments. She believes that a well-trained and motivated workforce is the key to business growth, innovation, and resilience in an ever-evolving financial landscape
Beyond her executive role, Monicah is a champion for leadership transformation, partnering with business leaders to instill strategies that inspire, motivate, and deliver measurable results. Recognizing that misaligned management can lead to disengaged employees, high turnover, and eroded trust, she focuses on bridging the gap between leadership vision and workforce execution. Her ability to cultivate a strong company culture has positioned NCBA as a leading employer, integrating digital transformation, continuous learning, and collaboration into the core of its operations. Through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), Monicah ensures that employees are equipped with cutting-edge skills that drive innovation. Her impact extends beyond policy—she is redefining the future of human capital by creating workplaces where talent flourishes, leadership thrives, and organizations achieve sustainable success.
2. Karen Kantai is a visionary leader and one of Africa’s most influential voices in fintech and financial inclusion, with over 15 years of experience driving digital transformation. As Chief Risk Officer at LOOP DFS Limited (a division of NCBA Group), she has been instrumental in developing groundbreaking financial solutions like M-Shwari and Fuliza , which have empowered millions of underserved individuals across Sub-Saharan Africa with access to microloans and savings. Her expertise in Agile Enterprise Risk Management has not only reduced Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) but also set industry benchmarks, ensuring stability and compliance in dynamic markets. A trusted advisor to regulators and policymakers, Karen actively shapes inclusive digital finance ecosystems, advocating for balanced policies that foster innovation while protecting consumers. Recognized as Most Influential Female Fintech Leader 2024, she combines strategic risk oversight with a passion for scalable, socially impactful fintech solutions—particularly in agriculture, trade, and women’s financial empowerment.
Beyond her executive roles, Karen is a dedicated mentor and policy strategist, committed to bridging gender gaps in finance and technology. She has mentored 500+ young women through structured programs and partnerships with organizations like Women in Tech Africa, equipping them with the skills to thrive in fintech. As a board member , she strengthens governance and risk practices for institutions serving marginalized communities, ensuring resilience and ethical growth. Her thought leadership, featured in CNBC Africa and The banker, underscores her mission to align digital finance with global sustainability goals (SDGs). Whether through pioneering products, regulatory advocacy, or mentorship, Karen’s work embodies her belief that financial inclusion is the cornerstone of equitable economic progress—and she continues to champion data-driven strategies to make this vision a reality.
3. Pauline Ndote – Group Director of Credit Risk Management at NCBA Group .Pauline Ndote is a highly accomplished finance leader responsible for shaping NCBA Group’s credit risk strategy, ensuring responsible lending practices, and maintaining a high-quality loan portfolio. Her role involves defining the bank’s risk appetite, implementing proactive controls, and driving financial inclusivity—particularly for women entrepreneurs. Under her leadership, NCBA has developed innovative credit solutions, including affordable mortgages, asset financing, working capital facilities, and digital micro-loans, all designed to increase women’s access to funding. Additionally, she has championed partnerships with initiatives like AFAWA and the Africa Guarantee Fund to reduce collateral barriers, enabling more women to secure loans for business growth and asset ownership.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Pauline is deeply passionate about mentorship and women’s economic empowerment. She actively mentors young women in finance, sharing expertise in risk management and career development, while advocating for policies that promote gender equality in lending. Her personal mission includes expanding mentorship programs and creating more opportunities for women to thrive in entrepreneurship and leadership. A respected voice in Kenya’s banking sector, Pauline combines strategic risk management with a commitment to social impact, making her a driving force behind both NCBA’s success and broader financial inclusion efforts. Her insights, frequently featured in media like NTV Kenya, highlight her dedication to bridging gaps in access to credit and fostering the next generation of female leaders.
4. Nelly Wangui Wainaina, the Group Director of Marketing, Communication, and Citizenship at NCBA, has nearly 25 years of experience in brand marketing across local and global markets. Her career spans leadership roles at multinational companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive, Reckitt Benckiser, and Mondelez, where she spearheaded marketing strategies and product launches across more than 40 countries. Academically, she holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Nairobi, a postgraduate diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and an MBA in Leadership from the African Leadership University Business School in Kigali, Rwanda. At NCBA, she plays a pivotal role in driving business strategy, strengthening the brand, managing stakeholder communications, and leading community investment programs.
Beyond her corporate expertise, Nelly is passionate about nurturing Africa’s future leaders and advocating for gender inclusivity in the workplace. She actively mentors young professionals, encouraging visibility, resilience, and adaptability in career growth. Her leadership extends to impactful community programs like NCBA’s “Change the Story” initiative, which has facilitated the planting of over 7 million trees across Kenya to promote environmental sustainability. Through her mentorship, advocacy, and corporate leadership, Nelly continues to inspire change, empowering individuals and communities while reinforcing NCBA’s commitment to social responsibility.
5. Louisa Wandabwa is a seasoned financial strategist and corporate leader with a wealth of experience spanning Fortune 500 companies and the banking sector. As the Acting Group Director for Regional Business and Director of Group Strategy at NCBA Group, she plays a critical role in shaping the bank’s long-term vision, overseeing corporate development, and managing investor relations. Her strong academic background, which includes an MBA from the Wharton School and a summa cum laude degree in Business Administration from Newberry College, has provided her with the expertise to navigate complex financial landscapes. Throughout her career, Louisa has been instrumental in driving business growth, ensuring NCBA remains competitive in an evolving financial sector.
Beyond her corporate leadership, Louisa is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the banking industry. She has consistently championed the advancement of women in leadership, emphasizing the importance of skill development and networking in career progression. Her involvement in strategic expansion initiatives, such as the launch of NCBA’s Ruaka branch, highlights her commitment to fostering financial accessibility and supporting economic development. With her strategic insight and leadership acumen, Louisa continues to influence the banking industry, paving the way for more inclusive and innovative financial services.
6. Georgina Mukami Odhiambo, appointed as NCBA Bank’s Head of IT Retail Banking in August 2024, brings a wealth of experience in banking technology and digital transformation. With a degree in Information Technology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), she has built a strong career in ICT service delivery, e-banking operations, and system optimization. At the National Bank of Kenya, she served as Head of ICT Channels Operations, where she oversaw business analysis, project execution, and the management of ICT service delivery. She later held the position of Head of Enterprise Services, where she was responsible for software lifecycle management, system performance monitoring, and ensuring seamless ICT services for internal banking operations.
Before joining National Bank, Georgina was an E-Channels Supervisor Officer at the Co-operative Bank of Kenya, where she played a key role in implementing and supporting e-banking solutions, ensuring efficient administration of internet and mobile banking platforms. Her expertise spans product development, robotic process automation (RPA), and data analytics, enabling her to drive innovative banking solutions. As a certified Prince2 project manager with over 12 years of experience in IT project management, she has successfully led multiple projects aimed at enhancing digital banking services. At NCBA, her leadership is expected to drive digital transformation initiatives that will streamline banking operations, improve customer experience, and enhance service efficiency.
7. Mariam M. H. Abdulliahi is a visionary leader in the tech industry, currently serving as Director of Android Partnerships for EMEA Growth Markets at Google, where she drives strategic collaborations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. With over 20 years of experience at top-tier companies like Ford, Microsoft, and SAP, she has cultivated a unique blend of strategic, commercial, and operational expertise. Her leadership extends to fostering cross-functional teams and leveraging technology to solve complex challenges. Beyond her role at Google, she contributes to governance and digital inclusion as a board member at ICEA LION Group and the GSMA Africa Advisory Board, underscoring her commitment to sustainable development in emerging markets.
Mariam’s professional philosophy centers on empathy, innovation, and transformative technology. she believes in addressing global challenges through a combination of human-centric problem-solving, continuous learning, and the strategic deployment of technology. Her career reflects a dedication to bridging gaps in digital access and empowering communities across high-growth regions. Whether leading partnerships at Google or advising industry boards, Mariam combines her passion for relationship-building with a results-driven approach to accelerate positive change in the tech ecosystem and beyond.
8. Esther N. Ngaine is a highly accomplished financial expert and corporate leader with a distinguished 36-year career in Kenya and the broader East African region. She is best known for her influential role at Citibank NA, Nairobi, where she served as Director and Head of the Public Sector, overseeing key government and institutional banking relationships. Her expertise spans corporate banking, risk management, and financial advisory, making her a pivotal figure in shaping Kenya’s banking landscape. Beyond Citibank, Esther has held leadership positions in other major financial institutions, contributing to policy development and regional financial integration. She is the founder and Managing Director of her own consultancy firm, where she advises corporations, governments, and financial entities on strategic growth, governance, and risk mitigation. Her deep industry knowledge has also led to her appointment as a Non-Executive Director for multiple companies, where she provides oversight and strategic direction, ensuring sustainable business growth and regulatory compliance.
Esther is also a strong advocate for women’s leadership and financial inclusion, actively mentoring young professionals and promoting gender diversity in the banking sector. She has been involved in initiatives that support women entrepreneurs and SMEs, aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030 economic goals. Her leadership extends to board memberships in both private and public sector organizations, where she champions good governance and ethical business practices. Recognized for her thought leadership, she has been a speaker at major financial forums, discussing topics such as digital banking, public-private partnerships, and Africa’s economic transformation. Esther’s legacy lies not only in her professional achievements but also in her commitment to fostering the next generation of African financial leaders, ensuring long-term industry resilience and innovation.
9. Stella Njunge is a distinguished leader in Kenya’s insurance industry, currently serving as the Managing Director and CEO of NCBA Insurance, which was rebranded from AIG Kenya Insurance after its acquisition by NCBA Group. With a strong background in finance and insurance, she has played a pivotal role in steering the company through its transition, ensuring seamless integration and growth. Under her leadership, NCBA Insurance has strengthened its market position, offering innovative solutions tailored to customer needs. Stella’s strategic vision and ethical leadership have earned her widespread recognition, including being listed among the Top 25 Most Amazing CEOs Leading with Ethics and Integrity—a testament to her commitment to corporate governance and sustainable business practices.
Beyond her professional achievements, Stella Njunge is known for her mentorship and advocacy for women in leadership. She actively promotes diversity and inclusion within the insurance sector, inspiring the next generation of female professionals. Her ability to balance operational excellence with ethical standards has made her a respected figure in Kenya’s corporate landscape. Stella’s leadership extends to her involvement in industry forums and initiatives aimed at enhancing financial literacy and insurance penetration in East Africa. Her dedication to excellence and integrity continues to shape NCBA Insurance’s success while setting a benchmark for ethical leadership in the region.
10. Catherine Karita is a seasoned financial executive with a distinguished career in investment and securities brokerage. As the Executive Director of NCBA Securities, a subsidiary of NCBA Group, she oversees the firm’s stock brokerage and investment services, leveraging her expertise to drive growth and innovation in Kenya’s capital markets. Catherine’s academic background is equally impressive, with a Bachelor of Information Systems from the University of Maryland, an MBA from the University of Baltimore, and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi. Her multidisciplinary education has equipped her with a unique blend of technical, business, and legal skills, making her a well-rounded leader in the financial sector.
Before joining NCBA, Catherine honed her expertise at global and regional financial institutions, including Bank of America and CfC Stanbic Financial Services. Her experience spans investment banking, asset management, and securities trading, giving her deep insights into market dynamics and client needs. Under her leadership, NCBA Securities has strengthened its position as a key player in East Africa’s brokerage landscape. Catherine is also recognized for her commitment to mentorship and women’s empowerment in finance, advocating for greater gender diversity in leadership roles. Her strategic vision and proven track record continue to shape the future of NCBA Securities and the broader financial industry.
