Absa Bank Kenya has announced the appointment of Mohammed Nyaoga as the new Chairman of its Board of Directors, effective October 1, 2025.
His appointment comes as Charles Muchene concludes his full nine-year term on September 30, 2025, marking the end of a period the bank describes as one of transformation, stability, and growth.
The bank expressed gratitude to Muchene for his guidance during a decade that saw Absa evolve into what it termed a resilient and sustainable financial institution.
According to Absa, his tenure provided both foresight and direction, leaving an enduring mark on the organisation’s story.
Reflecting on his years at the helm, Muchene looked back on the milestones achieved, spoke of the progress towards Absa’s long-term ambitions, and expressed optimism about the bank’s prospects under new leadership.
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"I would like to congratulate Nyaoga on his appointment as the Chairman of the Board. It has been a privilege for me to lead the Bank through a period of change, growth and resilience, during which we have achieved significant progress in our strategic ambitions and resolutely pursued our purpose of empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, one story at a time," Muchene remarked.
"I am confident that the Bank is strategically placed to continue its growth trajectory into the future. I would like to thank fellow Board members and the management team for their trust and support throughout my tenure and wish them all the best as they continue to write the Absa Kenya story."
Nyaoga, who assumes the role from October, brings with him more than 40 years of experience in legal practice and corporate governance.
A respected Senior Counsel, he has specialised in corporate finance, civil and commercial litigation, as well as corporate governance.
His leadership experience spans both public and private sectors, including serving as Chairman of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), Chairman of EcoBank Kenya, and Chair of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Washington External Experts Panel.
Currently, he chairs the African Development Bank Group’s Disclosure and Access to Information Appeals Panel.
Beyond his legal practice, he has been a certified director and corporate governance trainer for more than two decades, instructing boards both in Kenya and abroad.
His training sessions have extended to international platforms, including the Central Banking Publications (UK) at Windsor, Cambridge, and Oxford, and the International Monetary Fund’s governance forums across regions.
Upon his appointment, Nyaoga acknowledged the trust placed in him by the board and underscored his commitment to steering Absa through the next phase of growth in an evolving financial environment.
“I am honoured to assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Absa Bank Kenya PLC. I would like to thank the Board for their trust and confidence in giving me the responsibility to lead the next phase of our growth journey at Absa," Nyaoga stated.
The global, regional and local financial landscape continues to evolve, and I look forward to working with fellow Board members and the Management team to advance our strategic priorities and deliver sustainable value to our customers, colleagues, shareholders, and the communities we serve."
Nyaoga thanked Muchene for his stellar leadership, which he termed as a strong foundation for us to accelerate growth into the future.
Absa recognised the contributions of its outgoing Chairman and formally welcomed the incoming one, signalling continuity in its pursuit of long-term strategic goals.
