The appointments, which took effect on March 13, 2026, are part of HF Group’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, oversight, and strategic direction within its housing finance subsidiary.
Makome assumes the role of Chairman at HFC at a time when the institution is positioning itself to deepen its footprint in mortgage financing and diversified banking solutions. His appointment is expected to reinforce board leadership and support HFC’s long-term growth ambitions within Kenya’s evolving financial services sector.
Elizabeth Gitau joins the board as an Independent Non-Executive Director, bringing additional depth in governance, risk management, and strategic advisory. Her role will be critical in enhancing board independence and ensuring robust decision-making frameworks as the institution navigates a competitive and highly regulated environment.
These changes come as HF Group continues to align its leadership structure with industry best practices, particularly in corporate governance and board composition. Strengthening the HFC board is seen as a strategic move to support sustainable growth, improve operational resilience, and enhance shareholder value.
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HFC, a subsidiary of HF Group, has been transforming in recent years, expanding beyond traditional mortgage financing into a broader suite of banking and financial services. The new appointments are expected to accelerate this transition while reinforcing accountability at the board level.
Strategic Implications for the Financial Sector
The appointments reflect a broader trend within Kenya’s banking sector, where institutions are increasingly prioritizing strong governance frameworks amid regulatory pressure and market competition. Board leadership is becoming a critical lever for driving strategy, managing risk, and ensuring compliance.
For HF Group, placing experienced professionals in key board positions signals intent to strengthen institutional credibility and sharpen execution in a dynamic financial landscape.
As Kenya’s housing demand continues to outpace supply, HFC remains strategically positioned to play a central role in financing home ownership. Effective leadership at the board level will be essential in unlocking this opportunity while maintaining financial discipline.
Leadership Perspective
In African financial markets, governance is not a compliance exercise; it is a competitive advantage. Institutions that invest in credible leadership and independent oversight are better positioned to attract capital, manage risk, and scale sustainably.
HF Group’s latest appointments point to a deliberate effort to build that foundation. Over time, the quality of leadership decisions made at this level will determine not just institutional performance but the broader impact on housing access and financial inclusion in Kenya.
About Sam Makome, Chairman
Samwel Mukami Makome is a seasoned business leader with extensive experience in corporate governance, financial services, and strategic leadership across Kenya’s private sector. His experience in banking spans over 30 years, having held previous senior positions and Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, KCB Group and Equity.
He has built a reputation for disciplined oversight, institutional strengthening, and driving long-term value within organizations operating in regulated environments. Over the years, Makome has served in various senior leadership and board roles, where he has contributed to shaping corporate strategy, strengthening risk management frameworks, and enhancing operational efficiency.
His expertise spans key areas including financial oversight, investment strategy, governance structures, and stakeholder management. This breadth of experience positions him to provide steady leadership at HFC, particularly at a time when the institution is navigating transformation within Kenya’s housing finance and banking landscape.
As Chairman, Makome is expected to play a central role in guiding board deliberations, ensuring accountability, and aligning HFC’s strategic direction with HF Group’s broader growth agenda.
