Abojani today held its 5th Abojani Economic Empowerment Conference, bringing together influential leaders from Kenya and across the region to discuss pathways to sustainable wealth creation, financial literacy, and long-term economic resilience.
This year’s theme looked at the critical role of credible financial information, pension awareness, and digital innovation as catalysts for household and national prosperity.
Abojani Investment Founder and CEO Robert Ochieng emphasized the challenge of navigating financial decisions in an era overwhelmed by digital content.
“In today’s digital era, there is overwhelming information overload. The real need is empowerment, having the right source of information to make informed decisions,” said Ochieng.
He highlighted the link between mindset, relationships, and financial success, noting that social and mental capital are the foundations of financial capital. Ochieng further encouraged households to build wealth through equity ownership.
“If you can own stakes in companies whose products you consume, it means that as you spend, you are also getting wealthier and that is what we want for African households.”
He stressed that credible information is the starting point for better investment decisions, particularly when households receive lump-sum income.
The conference coincided with the Retirement Benefits Authority’s (RBA) 25th anniversary. Speaking at the event, John Keah acknowledged Abojani’s growing influence in advancing economic education.
“This year marks the 25th year since RBA’s establishment, and we are pleased that this event aligns with our anniversary and our mission of empowering Kenyans on retirement planning,” said Keah.
He commended Abojani’s role in deepening financial literacy and highlighted pensions as a critical pillar of long-term wealth creation.
Keah noted ongoing efforts to reform pension laws to increase adequacy and reduce premature withdrawals.
“Currently, the law allows individuals to access up to 50% of their benefits upon exit, even when they may not need it. We are proposing to reduce this to 30% to strengthen retirement security.”
Chief Guest Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali, emphasized the responsibility of financial institutions to enable asset ownership and household wealth.
“Our role as banks is to support the ownership economy by helping people acquire homes, expand businesses, and build assets.”
She also called for regulatory reforms to make capital markets more accessible to African businesses.
“To list on the stock market today, companies must show long-term growth, which is not the case for many African enterprises. Regulators need to lower barriers and encourage participation.”
Led by Mr. Muathi Kilonzo, Managing Director of NCBA Investment Bank, NCBA unveiled its new offshore investment solutions, offering clients global market access, currency diversification, and professionally managed investment options.
“We’re leveraging our global presence and expertise to build a strong offshore investment setup that delivers safe, well-regulated, and reliable returns,” said Kilonzo.
Additional insights came from senior leaders across the region, including Anthony Watare (Centum Re), Steven Omamo (Absa Bank Kenya), and Nicholas Ngumunu (CIC Asset Management). Speakers explored the opportunities presented by cross-border markets, regional capital flows, and financial innovation in advancing Africa’s economic transformation.