Kenya’s Top 25 Men in Digital 2020 Edition
Sitoyo Lopokoiyit
Interim CEO M-PESA Africa & Chief Officer Financial Services, Safaricom PLC
Sitoyo is the Chief Financial Services Officer at Safaricom PLC as well as interim CEO M-PESA Africa responsible for managing and growing Safaricom mobile financial services. M-Pesa is one of the most celebrated mobile financial technology innovations in the world. Mpesa has become one of the most valuable and used mobile payment platforms during the COVID -19 Pandemic.
Prior to joining Safaricom PLC, Sitoyo served as the M-Commerce Director at Vodacom Tanzania PLC, where he led the turnaround strategy for the adoption and execution of M-PESA which resulted in the accelerated growth of M-PESA in Tanzania.
He is the Chairman of M-PESA Limited (Tanzania), CEO of Safaricom Money Transfer Services Limited and Chairman of the governing council of KCA university.
“I am a passionate, energetic and easy-going leader, who has delivered major innovations that have revolutionized the global mobile money space and driven financial inclusion such as the world’s first contextual over draft facility dubbed- Fuliza, Mshwari a savings and loan proposition, M-PESA Global Payments, and partnerships with global players such Paypal, Google and Ant Financial.”
Mugambi Laibuta
Partner, Premier LC-ADR Consultants
Mugambi is an advocate of the high court of Kenya, a trained mediator and a legislative and policy analyst. For a long time, he has been in the fore front fighting for internet freedom and legal representation to internet content creators. He has represented and advised bloggers, journalists and institutions on protecting, promoting and expanding the right to freedom of expression, freedom of the press and access to information in Kenya. He trains lawyers and content creators on internet and the law matters within East Africa.
He has invested in a blog www.laibuta.com that focuses on educating digital natives on internet and the law. This year, he started a podcast that discusses digital law and access to information.
Mugambi currently teaches Legal writing and legislative drafting at the Kenya School of Law.
Mugambi has previously served as the Director Legal Affairs and Acting Director for Health at the Council of Governors. He has practical expertise and experience analysing and advising on complex and diverse legal and policy issues that affect the national and county governments.
Oliver Mathenge
Group Digital Editor, Radio Africa Group
Oliver is currently the Group Digital Editor at Radio Africa In charge of online content development and publishing for the Star Newspaper, Mpasho Classic 105, Kiss 100 and Radio Jambo.
Oliver has been instrumental in development of electronic journalism through radio Africa digital assets and his own digital channels where he engages the online community on a regular basis.
He previously worked at Nation Media Group as a news journalist Contributing digital content for Daily Nation, Saturday Nation, Sunday Nation and Taifa Newspapers. He also worked at Daystar University corporate affairs office.
“My 15-year career in communications – 12 of which have been in active political and current affairs journalism – merges a journalistic focus on strategic message delivery and problem-solving with a journalist’s persistence and storytelling excellence. I have also been involved in corporate branding, communication and marketing with proven results in the education and behavior change communication sectors.
I have extensively used online platforms for both corporate and journalistic communication over the 15 years. Other than that, I am a blogger, poet and creative writer.”
Lanre Bamisebi
Group Director IT & Operations, Equity Bank Ltd
Lanre is the Group Director IT & Operations Equity Group. He is also the Managing Director, of Finserve Africa. In the last few years, Equity has initiated and implemented key financial technology innovations that have completely transformed customer banking experience.
Lanre a senior technology and banking Operations leader has been in the forefront driving digital transformation and digitizing operations for efficiency and seamless customer experience at the bank.
He previously worked at Access Bank Plc as Chief Information Officer, Diamond Bank Plc as Head of IT and UBA Group as Chief Information Officer.
He also serves on numerous technology and industry advisory boards and works with non-profits that benefit the development of our future workforce in science, technology, Machine Learning and AI.
When Lanre is not working, he enjoys plants and nature, a bonsai lover and owner.
Erastus Ayieko Otieno
Content Creator, Flaqo Raz
Erastus is fast rising content creator in the entertainment industry. Popularly known as Flaqo Raz in different social media platforms, he has built a huge following by developing hilarious family comedy around the main character Mama Otis. His ability to play several characters on stage as the mother, father and children in his acts, has set him apart as gifted entertainer.
Erastus is a committed content creator who engages his followers and delivers fresh content on a regularly consistent manner.
He has grown his influence to attract big advertising brands interested in tapping his online influence and ability to attract the attention of key consumers.
Before becoming a content creator, Erastus was a musician!
Robert Mwirigi Kunga
Head of Operations BAKE
Robert Mwirigi Kunga is a blogger and the Head of Operations at Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) . He is a founding member of BAKE an association that brings bloggers together. Robert is a automobile enthusiast demonstrated by his passionate review of different cars through his digital channels.
He is one of the most influential content creators in the motoring industry having worked with big brands as an online influencer. He is the co-host of East Africa’s Premier automotive Show, Cars with Big Boy Trev (CBBT)
Robert has trained and mentored many young bloggers, hosted different tech events including Pivot East Africa developer competition and been a judge at Microsoft image cup and the Cheki Awards.
He is an accomplished auditor and analyst having worked in top financial institutions including PKF East Africa.
“I drive cars and talk about them”.
Meshack Alloys
Founder & CEO, Sendy
Alloys is the Founder and CEO at Sendy a shared on demand ecommerce logistics business that connects clients to drivers and vehicles for goods delivery.
Alloys co-founded Sendy in 2015 and has been able to attract different stages of funding from strategic investors. This year, Sendy raised $20 Million that will see it expand to more countries across Africa. Alloys will lead Sendy expansion beyond East and west Africa.
He was a Director and advisor at Ondemand mobile and Web solution focused on developing great User experience.
“I am an Entrepreneur, passionate about open technologies with a focus on mobile emerging technologies, logistics and mobile payments”
Peter Njonjo
CEO and Co-founder, Twiga Foods
Peter Njonjo is the CEO and Co-founder at Twiga Foods an end-to-end food distribution company that connects farmers with the market through digital platform.
Since 2014, Peter has lead Twiga Foods to raise more than $55 million in debt and equity. He recently announced plans to attract more funding that will see Twiga Foods expand to other countries across Africa.
Peter is an accomplished business leader with over 20 years of experience across sub-Saharan Africa, with 18 of those being with The Coca-Cola Company. In 2016, he was the President; Coca Cola West Africa Business Unit covers 33 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Before this role he was the General Manager Coca Cola East Africa region covering 6 countries on the East Coast of Africa.
He has vast experience in mergers and acquisitions, route to rarket development, Talent development and building high performing organizations.
Peter is a former President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kenya and former member of the United States International University Council in Kenya. He is current board member of the Jim McFie Education Fund, American Business Council in Nigeria, Member of the Africa Leadership Network (ALN) and Young Presidents Organization (YPO).
Diallo Gatabaki
Group Digital Marketing Manager at Anvil Shield Holdings
Diallo is In charge of developing the connection between the long-term Digital strategy and implementation across all channels for Anvil Shield Holdings that include; Ngao Credit, Upesi money Transfer, Switchlink Africa and Leadway insurance brokers, an insurance brokerage firm that aims to leverage tech to make the customer experience seamless.
Diallo previously worked at Nation Media Group as Music Project Manager responsible for administering and organizing digital activities towards lIT 360. He was the Business Development and Strategy Lead at Ringier Digital Marketing (RDM) responsible for providing both strategy and tactical execution of key client digital initiatives, customer teams and agency network to establish a forward thinking digital strategy. He has also worked at the most vibrant digital agency in Kenya, Squad Digital as a Digital Account Manager
“I have more than 9 years’ experience in digital marketing communications, campaign management and media outreach. These skills allow me to seamlessly interplay in between roles ranging from management operations to innovative approaches to solving problems – the result, maximizing revenue to the Company and Stakeholders”.
Fred Kithinzi
Founder, Belva Digital
Fred is the founder, Belva Digital a performance digital marketing agency that focuses on web advertising, user interface and experience design, data analytics and content marketing. Fred Led Belva to become an award-winning KPMG Top 100 mid-size company in under 6 years.
Fred has a solid background in marketing technology and digital transformation through experience acquired over a long period of time. He is continuously involved in different digital speaking engagements and commentaries that educate the market on emerging digital trends.
He previously worked at IBM as a regional sales lead interacting with customer’s dealers and vendors. He was also the Associate Product Manager at Google assigned the responsibility of bringing internet access to the populace.
He Co-founded Yellow Bus Mobility that provides schools with a technology-backed safety-first solution to run an efficient, orderly, transport system with real-time monitoring and notification of school drop-offs, pick-ups and emergency alerts (traffic, accident etc)
Fred is a member of The Board Of Advisors, Adspace Africa responsible for positioning and growth of the business by converting traditional “analog” models to digital ones using modern online technologies and data.
“As a business leader, I sit at the intersect of People, Product and Processes. I believe these key pillars must be in unison to deliver efficiency, operational excellence and sustainable revenue growth. I represent the young and restless who choose to dare. I’m chasing the Pan-African dream every day.”
Charles Kinyanjui
Head Digital Integration & E-Commerce Co-operative Bank of Kenya
Charles is the Head, Digital integration & E-commerce at Co-operative Bank of Kenya responsible for management and enhancement of Ecommerce and Mobile Commerce, Open Banking APIs and Partnerships with fintech aggregators.
He has vast experience in Fintech, ecommerce and organization digital transformation spanning across financial institutions, telecommunication and technology companies.
Before joining Co-Operative Bank, he was the Product Manager, Finserve (Equitel), Equity Bank Limited responsible for Product Development, Demand Generation and Go-To-Market of Financial Technology services
He also worked at Safaricom as Product Manager responsible for Managed Security Services Hosted Interactive Voice Response platform services and Hosted Collaboration Solution (Cisco HCS) within the Enterprise Business Unit.
At Access Kenya Group, Charles was the Business Development Manager incharge of developing and generating new business opportunities in the residential internet segment.
“I have developed expertise and experience in these areas that excite me; Product Management, sales and business development, creative thinking, planning & organisation, collaborative working and customer relationship management. In line with this, my specific goal is to work with “individuals” OR “startups” OR “growing” OR “established” organizations that do good things to develop their brands so that they get to continue changing our world for the better.
Rex Aholi
Digital Communications Lead, Telkom Kenya
Rex responsibilities at Telkom Kenya as the digital Communication Lead includes overseeing the development, rollout and management of the company’s digital strategy, digital Identity and E-commerce platforms.
He is associated with a Successful communications launch of the Telkom-Google Loon connectivity via Internet balloons. This joint project with Loon (a subsidiary of Google) saw the first ever commercial launch of the purely data service in the World. The PR aspect since project inception was guided by expectations from the Presidency, the Ministry of ICT and other government arms. This was executed through a presidential directive to enhance Telemedicine and e-learning to the marginalized areas during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He was previously the Digital Communications Officer at Telkom where he introduced the online customer care platforms to the company.
“I am Passionate about digital marketing, communication, and design. I help both corporates and personalities to market and brand using inbound marketing and demand generation techniques.
Creative is my state of mind!”
Kennedy Carrington Otiebo
Head of Sales, Copia
Ken is a fast growing digital transformation star currently working at Copia as the head of online sales and growth for the overall business a position he occupied after a short stint as the Copia M-Commerce manager.
Before joining Copia, he worked at Cellulant as Group Digital Manager responsible for designing digital marketing strategies for new markets, content strategy and online user acquisition. He was later assigned a new role as the User Acquisition lead for Cellulant new product Tingg
Ken was part of Google one million Africans digital skills program where he worked through Livity Africa as Associate program manager. His role was to coordinate and facilitate ‘train the trainers’ programs’ that brought together top digital experts to execute Google trainings. He was also in charge of developing and executing digital marketing campaigns.
Ken is a committed digital skills trainer who has transformed and improved many digital practitioners career in the last 5 years including being a mentor at the Safaricom BLAZE program.
Stephen Maina
Managing Director, LeapFrog Media
Stephen is a passionate WYLDE International trainer for the Boost With Facebook Program that is designed to equip small and medium business owners with the skills required to fully utilize Facebook, WhatsApp Business and Instagram to grow their businesses. He has trained over 3,000 entrepreneurs in Kenya and Uganda in-person and virtually on basic, Intermediary and advanced levels.
He is also the Managing Director, Leapfrog media digital agency that works with SMBs to enable them leverage on digital platforms to grow their business.
Stephen is also the co-founder Kenya Weddings Ltd an online media platform that markets wedding products and services in the wedding industry.
He also worked at Haco industries as Information Technology Supervisor, network access and backup systems.
“I am an experienced digital marketer who is passionate about helping businesses discover how to leverage digital media platforms to grow their brand visibility, drive their business objectives and increase sales.”
Dan Obura
Digital Strategy Planner, Ogilvy Africa
Dan is a digital strategy planner at Ogilvy, Africa’s premier communications agency operating in 27 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. He is responsible for strategy development and implementation plans for different brands digital assets managed by the agency.
Before joining Ogilvy, he worked at Redhouse Digital as the Lead Digital Planner where he provided brands with solid thinking, Insight led and results driven IMC solutions in Public Relations, Digital advertising and media planning across the East African region
Dan is a digital instructor at International School of advertising a professional school offering training in digital marketing, Brand Communications and Advertising. He is involved in different industry speaking opportunities that connect digital practitioners and key brands in the market.
“I have 9 years’ experience in digital strategy and marketing. My knowledge in the online space has enabled me to think creatively and challenge briefs to demonstrate how digital can open new opportunities for brands. My career focus is to deliver return on investment solutions to meet business objectives and campaign aims, I have worked with different brands from the financial sector, FMCGs, Beverages, NGOs, Parastatals, The UN, European Union and The Government of Kenya.”
Mark Mutitu
International Product Growth Manager East Africa, Facebook
Mark has over 5 years’ management experience working in various fields such as product growth, mobile platform services and developer ecosystem and new technologies. He is currently the International Product Growth Manager at Facebook that owns the biggest social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger.
He previously worked at Nokia East & Southern Africa as the Service Manager and Refugee United as the Global Training , Learning and Development Manager.
He is the vice chairman of The Python Nairobi User Group Association and was a core member of the PyCon Kenya organizing committee a conference focused on bringing together business leaders, IT professionals , computer programmers, data scientist, data engineers and students all under the umbrella of the open source programming language Python and its affiliated ecosystem.
“I am comfortable working in fast paced environments, complex matrix structures and multicultural environments. I have experience in forming and driving strategy, leading teams, decision making, product growth and effective communication (oral and written). I am currently focusing on data science.”
Charles Mungai
Chief Digital, Kenya Broadcasting Coperation
Charles is the digital lead at KBC responsible for setting up, driving and growing a range of innovative digital initiatives for all 15 KBC Radio, TV & Online Brands. He leads the development of digital strategy, integrated campaigns, digital content production and audience insight.
In 2016, he was the E-Commerce and Digital Business contributor at Standard Group Ltd and currently writes for marketing Africa magazine on digital.
In 2015, he led the Marketing Unit of Kilimall an ecommerce marketplace with full responsibility for Strategy development, brand communication and achievement of marketing KPIS. He enhanced platform performance for a great user experience and improved monetization of consumer technology Products.
He was also the Online Communications Manager at ACORD Agency for Co-operation and Research in Development directly responsible for development and implementation of digital marketing strategy and organization Policy to drive online donations from the online community.
Geoffery (Jeff) Gakuya
Business Development Manager Google
Jeff is the Business Development Manager at Google responsible for development of strategic partnerships and sourcing of businesses for the company. He has been in forefront of onboarding big brands, small businesses and young people to understand and appreciate technology products and acquire relevant skills.
He previously was project manager growth engine SSA for digital Skills for Africa at Google a project that was initiated to empower more than 1 million Africans with digital skills.
Jeff also worked at Microsoft Biz4Afrika as project manager helping small businesses innovate and integrate digital technology in their operation, Nation Media Group as Brand Manager and Regus as Regional Marketing manager.
“I am an experienced marketing & business development professional with a demonstrated history of working in the internet industry, skilled in marketing management, digital Strategy, market planning, integrated Marketing, and advertising.”
Chris Bitti
Founder, Group Chief Executive Officer, Digital Brands Group
Chris is the Group CEO Digital Brands Group and the Co-founder, Africa Digital Leadership. He is involved in digital through thought leadership initiatives that have helped the market appreciate digital trends. He has been an engaging voice for brand strategists and content creators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am passionate about Africa’s Digital transformation. A cutting-edge multilingual strategic brand positioning expert and digital guru that has successfully trained some of the best talent in South, East, North and Central Africa and engaged with countless blue chip corporations. I head the Digital Brands Group, a PAN African collective of brand experience and digital transformation Agencies for about 20 years.
My specialties include Strategic branding & positioning, digital Marketing user experience Strategy & design and motivational Speaking”
Mathew Shahi
Manager – Standard Digital, Standard Group Ltd
Mathew is the Manager standard digital in charge of monetization of online platforms. He coordinates efforts from journalists, internet technology professionals and sales team to deliver content and advertisements distributed through standard digital channels. He is also responsible for customer user experience, content consumption and payments.
“E-Business, Online advertising and monetization strategy are my focal areas. I create sustainable business models. Yield optimization and monetization is what I do every day. I have extensive product knowledge in Ad Publishing, Ad Exchanges, Analytics, Mobile/App, Video and Social. Additionally, I have a strong background and interest in the ICT and mobile VAS in Kenya”.
Samuel Amira
Public Relations Coordinator at ROAM (Ringier One Africa Media)
Sam is the public relations coordinator of ROAM brands. ROAM operates a group of online marketplace platforms that bring together people who are at crucial decision making in three of their most important events in their lifes; buying a car, buying a house, or finding your next job. Some of the brands under ROAM include; Brightermonday, Pigiame, Cheki, BuyrentKenya and Pulse.
Sam has worked with ROAM brands in the last six years responsible for over digital communication strategy, monitoring and analysis of social media trends and their impact on brands; Collection of market intelligence, interaction with internal and external customers through web platforms.
He has been in the forefront organizing youth digital transformation and mentorship programs with key industry stakeholders and experts. Most of the programs are designed to highlight the future of work and emerging career opportunities in the digital economy. He has been a speaker in different institutions of higher learning and organized youth groups.
Sam has a broad understand of digital transformation having spends a lot of time in telecommunication, media and ecommerce sectors.
Before joining ROAM, he worked at Airtel Kenya as relationship Manager, premier Customer.
“I am an enthusiastic communication and partnership expert who heads initiatives across 4 businesses that deal with online marketing. This makes me responsible for outgoing online campaigns, PR, social media, events, and social content creation, among other things for our brands”
Harry Hare
Publisher & Chairman, CIO East Africa
Harry is the chairman of CIO EAST AFRICA the leading magazine for the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry in East Africa. He is also the Executive Director DEMO Africa a platform where the most innovative companies from African countries launch their products and announce to Africa and the world what they have developed. Founded Since 2012 DEMO Africa has launched 150 startups who’ve raised over US$65 million
Harry is involved in different technology transformation initiatives directed towards development of favorable government ICT policies, public private partnerships and growth of local ICT innovations. He was a council member ICT Authority, Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP), Board Member ilab Africa and Symbiotic Media Consortium.
“I am a serial Entrepreneur with a passion for technology,ICT Consultant and e-Government Strategist at heart, I have worked with East African Governments in crafting e-Government implementation strategies. This work includes setting up the East African eGovernment Working Group and the development of the East African eGovernment Framework that was ratified by the East African Council of Ministers.
I have deep knowledge and understanding of the East African ICT landscape having followed it for the last three decades. I am a regular ICT commentator on ICT issues in the region and consulted widely by Government Agencies, International Organizations and the Private Sector on strategic ICT issues.”
Kuira Brian
Senior Digital Strategist, Oxygene Marketing Communications Ltd
Brian is a Senior Digital Strategist at Oxygène where he leads a team of community experts drawn from business strategy, digital media, Web and social working as blended teams to develop innovative business solutions for different brands.
He was the Digital Public Relations strategist at Rich Management Ltd where he was assigned to management digital assets for KCB Group subsidiaries (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan)
He Started the KCB blog to push thought leadership content and position the bank as a hub of financial information. Brian led KCB Group to win the prestigious Social Media Awards (SOMA) for Best use of Social Media in the Financial Category in Kenya and Africa
“I am a strategic Digital PR & Marketing specialist, operating at the Centre of technology, strategy and customer engagement. Over the last 6 years, I have had the opportunity to work with leading Technology, Oil & Gas, Public Service, Financial Services and FMCG brands across Africa; harnessing my passion for strategic interweaving of the heart; human insights and the science; data to develop solutions that are relevant, contextual and drive long term commercial and brand aspirations. “
Hiram Macharia
Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Manager for East & Central Africa at LG Electronics .
Hiram has worked at LG Electronics executing different digital roles for more than 8 years. In his current role as the Digital Marketing and Ecommerce Manager for East and Central Africa, he creates digital marketing strategies and monitors execution within subsidiary territories. He is also in charge of the establishment and growth of E-Commerce operations in all the shops.
He recently helped LG Electronics to launched its first e-showroom to offer consumers the convenience to browse and purchase home electronics and appliances.
“I have excelled in areas such as digital Marketing, sales management and relationship management with expertise in Consumer Electronic distribution in Africa market through market knowledge and strategic business planning.
I am dedicated to exceeding expectations, surpassing sales targets, maintaining strong, fruitful working relationships, creating and supporting client retention strategies as well as negotiating lasting partnerships.”
Francis Waithaka
Founder & CEO, Digital for Africa Ltd
Francis is the Founder and CEO at Digital 4 Africa Ltd that help companies grow their business through excellent web design, content marketing, and data analytics. He has more than 19 years of experience working on technology and new media. He is a steadfast commentator of digital trends through his social media assets where he analyses the use and application of new digital technology. He is also involved in regular thought leadership initiatives for digital practitioners.
Francis is a passionate digital skills trainer having taught and mentored entrepreneurs and students at Centonomy, Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK), Africa Digital Media Institute and Tangaza University College.
He has worked for companies such as KCB Group Ltd, Rich Management and KAPC. As a Digital Marketer for KCB, he supported and trained hundreds of bankers in six East African countries – Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan.
Francis is a certified digital marketer by Google, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. He has done advanced courses in digital marketing at The University of Manitoba in Canada.