Lawyer Mohammed Nyaoga has been tapped to lead Absa Bank Kenya as its Chairman of its Board of Directors starting 1st October, 2025.

The former Chairman of the Central Bank of Kenya will be taking over from Charles Muchene who has been leading the Nairobi Securities-Exchange listed lender for the last nine years.

In an update to the public, Absa Bank Kenya PLC said lawyer Nyaoga brings to the Board more than 40 years of distinguished experience in legal practice as a respected Senior Counsel, specializing in Corporate Finance, Civil, Commercial Litigation, and Corporate Governance.

Additionally, Nyaoga has extensive leadership experience gained from various senior positions across the public and private sectors, having served as the Chairman of EcoBank Kenya, and Chairman of the International Monetary Fund (Washington) External Experts Panel.

He currently serves as the Chairman of the African Development Bank Group’s Disclosure and Access to Information Appeals Panel and was bestowed the prestigious Presidential Award of the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) for his distinguished service to the country.

Mr Nyaoga is a certified director and corporate governance training consultant for over 22 years and has trained several boards in Kenya and globally.

He has been a regular trainer and speaker at Central Banking Publications (UK) Governance Training Series at Windsor, Cambridge, and Oxford, and for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in their regional corporate governance capacity building training forums. 

During his tenure, Mr. Muchene has steered the Bank through defining moments that have not only created strong business growth but also enhanced organizational resilience, evolving Absa into a formidable financial institution that is well positioned for long-term sustainability.

His Chairmanship is marked by foresight, stability, and purpose, leaving an enduring imprint on the Absa Kenya story. 

Mr. Muchene said: “I would like to congratulate Mr. 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. I am confident that the Bank is strategically placed to continue its growth trajectory into the future.

He added: "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.”

Speaking upon his appointment, Mr. Nyaoga stated: “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. 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. I would like to thank Mr. Muchene for his stellar leadership which has set a strong foundation for us to accelerate growth into the future.”