Latest articles

Faith will play a key role as the board seeks to strengthen governance, technology and digital transformation while expanding its investment banking business.

Beyond the day to day activities involved in running a tech department, tech leaders also engage in different community building initiatives in their free time. Paul Kioi, head of technology at ICEA Lion , Paul Njoroge, head of ICT at Hand in Hand Eastern Africa, and Raymond Machary, principal ICT officer at Ocean Road Cancer Institute, reveal how their off-duty passions sharpen their leadership and uplift their communities. 

In 2022, Uzma Qureishi, Senior Manager of EHR Operations at Aga Khan Hospital Nairobi, led one of the boldest bets of her career, overseeing the institution's transition to a paperless system. The transition wrote the hospital into the region's history books as the first hospital in East Africa to run a full Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, namely MEDITECH Expanse.

In his new role at DIB, Joel will be responsible for aligning the bank’s technology roadmap with business expansion. 

In his over 12-year IT career in banking, Tropical Bank's head of business technology, Ivas Kwikiriza has watched the industry move from simple alternative channels like ATMs to fully digital ones like mobile applications and USSD. He is convinced the next shift will be the biggest one yet, a future where banking technology stops looking like technology at all.

In today's rapidly evolving enterprise landscape, cybersecurity can no longer be treated as a behind-the-desk operation. Lilian Kamara, IT Manager at AAR Healthcare Uganda, shares her insights on why technology leaders must spearhead this shift and embed a security-first culture across the modern enterprise.

Geoffrey Andima has spent his career trying to find the simplest and most efficient IT solutions. As Old Mutual Uganda’s CIO, he is applying the same instinct to artificial intelligence, using it to streamline processes and modernise systems at the insurance company.

A 2025 PwC report placed knowledge and skills gaps among the top challenges organisations face when implementing AI for cyber defence. Mpesa Africa’s head of cybersecurity Tim Theuri, Ecobank Uganda’s head of IT Juliet Kyomugisha and WASREB’s head of IT Brenda Anzagi weigh in on the challenge of finding talent in IT.

At the recent CIO of the Future Summit held in Kampala, Uganda, participants identified AI as one of their main concerns with loopholes in AI governance emerging as one of the greatest hindrances towards its effective use.

For a long time, the debate around AI has revolved around whether AI will replace humans and whether businesses especially in Africa are ready to fully embrace AI. While these debates continue, Airtel Money, Uganda has already integrated AI into its systems and is already reaping the benefits as the CIO, Sulaiman Mugalasi shares.

Kibe has over two decades experienced in ICT management with expertise in IT strategy, governance and digital transformation among others

CITO East Africa's CIO of the Future Summit brought together Uganda's technology leaders to explore what it takes to lead through changing business expectations and a faster technology cycle.

When trying to determine the cost of IT solutions, most people’s deliberations begin and end with finances. However, Hariss International’s Dani Bachour believes that organisations may be getting it wrong by focusing only on finances.

As head of technology services at Ecobank Uganda, Juliet Kyomugisha is at the forefront of the bank's digital transformation and cybersecurity efforts. She oversees technology projects, strengthens governance frameworks, and helps the bank stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. She shares how Ecobank leverages data, manages cybersecurity risks, and balances innovation with security.

Joseph Wangombe knows all too well the pain and confusion of job loss and the uncertainty that comes afterwards. However, giving up is never an option for him and he has never been afraid of starting again.

Alex Siboe of Stanbic Bank, Alexander Gachihi of Shofco and Evans Ngala of Express Shipping & Logistics (EA) all work in demanding roles. For each of them, running has become a way to manage the pressure that comes with their work and lead better.

While Hariss International’s Dani Bachour admits the transition to his new position has been overwhelming, his journey, he believes, equipped him to steward Hariss to a future where AI power meets irreplaceable human creativity. 

In today’s tech landscape, the role of technology leaders is shifting. Kennedy Njenga, head of IT at Del Monte Kenya,  Paul Odero, ICT manager at the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), and Peter Kuya, agree that the real secret to sustainable innovation lies in human behaviour as much as it does in technology.

When it comes to information security, Kiprono Rugut brings both technical depth and business perspective. His more than two-decade career spans financial technology and legal-sector advisory work before cyber investigations brought him to his current role at Adili Group, where he is chief information security officer (CISO).

When Ecobank Uganda's Juliet Kyomugisha, Nation Media Group's Russell Akuom and AAR Hospital's Ibrahim Juma took to the stage at the CITO East Africa Data and Cybersecurity Summit to report back from the roundtable sessions, the consistent message was that implementation is the hard part of data governance.

The first-ever CITO East Africa Data and Cybersecurity Summit took place at the Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi on 17 July. During the event's keynote address, Jamila Aroi, partner for technology consulting at PwC Kenya, urged business and technology leaders to develop the ability to withstand, recover from and adapt to cyber incidents. 

Rita Apell Akot has been appointed to BIAN, a not-for-profit association built around common standards for banking architecture and interoperability. 

As CIOS weighed in on topics of data access, governance, cyber security and cyber resilience at the CITO East Africa Data and Cyber Security Summit held at Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi, it was apparent that human actors have a bigger role to play than the tech. 

Cybersecurity remains one of the biggest challenges that tech leaders grapple with on a daily basis. While companies continue to invest in technology to make their systems robust, Bank of Kigali’s CIO Eveque Mutabaruka, Del Monte’s head of IT Kennedy Njenga and Nairobi Water’s head of IT Jimmy Thuo believe that none of this counts for much if the person sitting behind the keyboard does not understand the risks they are exposed to every single day.

As group ICT Manager at Madison Group, Edward Tuitoek brings lessons from a career that spans telecoms, healthcare, and manufacturing. Known for his pragmatic approach and people-centered leadership, he continues to push for technology that drives both efficiency and impact.

His career spans across two decades with skills in IT governance, banking systems administration and digital transformation.

There has been a long-running debate on whether AI will replace humans. While some quarters believe it will, Mpesa Africa CTO Vinod Sharma, Onfon Mobile CTO Timothy Wahome, Ocean Road Cancer Institute’s principal ICT officer Raymond Machary,  and Brice Mutoni, an IT specialist at Eden Care Rwanda, see things differently.

Paul Odero has steered APHRC through IT-related challenges and led initiatives such as development of AI-driven systems that make health research more collaborative and impactful. Recognised among East Africa’s top ICT leaders, he brings a grounded perspective on technology and leads by creating space for his team to grow and innovate.

Michael has been in the IT industry for the last two decades and has worked in different organisations in Kenya and Ghana

Mitchell Cotts head of technology Dennis Katusya, Stanbic Uganda’s CIO Rita Apell, and BasiGo’s IT manager Nicholas Musau, weigh in on the contributions of technology towards business strategy and the tension between innovation and governance.

For Diageo’s head of digital and technology Kenneth Ogwang, the most defining leadership lesson came in one of the most challenging environments of his career. What began as a short-term assignment in Congo quickly evolved into a test of resilience, adaptability, and trust.

Peter Ojekunle took a risk, leaving PwC Nigeria for PwC Uganda at a time when the market was still young. After close to a decade in East Africa, Peter believes that companies must build risk-aware capabilities to survive ever increasing pervasive IT and security risks in the region.

Very few people, if any, would describe themselves as “someone who does not like enjoying life.” Yet this is the statement Dennis Katusya picks as a way to introduce himself.

Three tech leaders shed light on how technology is slowly changing the face of healthcare in Africa.

Bhanu brings over 18 years of experience in Information technology to Amsons and will lead the company’s IT strategy focusing on innovation and digital transformation.

Bank of Kigali’s CIO Eveque Mutabaruka has built his entire career by stewarding transformation programs in different financial institutions, from Rwanda to Botswana and Kenya. In every program, his leadership philosophy is simple: empower first then follow up.

Over 35 CIOs and technology leaders from across Tanzania gathered on June 11 in Dar es Salaam to help shape the future of the country's technology leadership community. The inaugural CITO East Africa Tanzania Summit served as an agenda-setting forum, creating space for candid discussions on the priorities that will define the community in the months ahead.

Dianah joins the board of Educating the Children, bringing experience in ICT leadership and a strong interest in expanding opportunities for girls and women in technology.

From surviving ‘by God’s grace’ to fending off cyberattacks from around the world, Kevin Korir head of ICT has turned KEWI’s ICT environment into a modern, secure and integrated ecosystem. 

The Uganda edition of the CITO East Africa Summit began as a room full of technology leaders comparing operational challenges. By the end of the evening, the conversation had evolved into a discussion about community, collaboration and the need for CIOs across East Africa to stop working in isolation.

Raymond Machary, principal ICT officer at Ocean Road Cancer Institute, sees technology as a lever capable of transforming lives. Over the years, he has pioneered digital health systems in Tanzania and mentored young IT professionals. Central to his work is the belief that true innovation begins with people.

Emmanuella joins the bank from BPR Bank Rwanda, where she has served as Head of Technology and Cybersecurity since 2022.

He joins Axian Telecom after 16 years at Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Kenya Data Networks, bringing extensive experience in telecommunications infrastructure, network engineering and regional technology leadership.

As head of ICT at Machakos University, Jacqueline Madara has led major digital transformations. She believes the future of work depends on professionals who actively adapt and integrate technology into their roles.

The evening of 14 May brought together about 50 CIOs from various organisations across Uganda, united by a shared goal: to shape the agenda for the country’s CIO community.

Stanbic Bank Uganda CIO Rita Apell is leading efforts to build a structured AI strategy focused on business value and operational efficiency. She believes successful adoption depends on strong foundations, clear governance and practical customer-focused applications.

Whenever anyone says they work in IT, society pictures the archetype of a male always clad in a black hoodie. This stereotypical representation of IT professionals, especially in films, also portrays them as introverted nerds. However, this portrayal is far from the truth and Henry Abea is proof of that.

Rwanda’s technology leaders say their biggest challenge is getting risks funded before they escalate into costly failures. Critical warnings around cybersecurity, infrastructure, and system upgrades are often raised early, but not always approved in time.

A visit to Nairobi for the CITO EA launch by software escrow provider ESCROWSURE has brought renewed attention to a concern raised by technology leaders across East Africa: how to maintain business continuity when critical software vendors fail.

In another life, where computers never came to Kenya and cyber cafes were non-existent, Nicholas Musau would have been a nurse running long shifts, doing rounds in hospital wards and taking care of patients. However, in this life, Nicholas is the IT Manager at Basi-Go, an e-mobility company that aims to revolutionise public transport by introducing electric public transport vehicles.

Rwanda's top technology executives gathered in Kigali for the country's first CITO East Africa Summit, and the conversation they had was candid and built on a simple premise: the problems IT leaders face in isolation are better solved in company.

Alexander Gachihi, technology director at SHOFCO, takes a calm, thoughtful approach to his work, dealing with problems as they come and learning from them. He focuses on helping people do their jobs well and making sure things keep running, even when it gets difficult.

The evening of 16 April marked a defining moment for Rwanda’s technology leadership community, as an exclusive group of chief information officers and senior IT leaders gathered at the Kigali Marriott Hotel for the country’s first CITO East Africa Summit.

Uzma Qureishi is helping transform healthcare in East Africa through her work at Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi. Guided by strong family support and determination, she is breaking barriers and showing that women can lead in technology and healthcare.

He joins the hospital with over a decade of experience in digital transformation, cybersecurity and business IT alignment across healthcare and public sector institutions.

Clement Muhire may not wear a white coat or carry a stethoscope to work as he would have wished, but he is making remarkable contributions to the next frontier in medical training. As the head of IT at University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda, Clement is overseeing the digital backbone that supports the training of the continent’s next generation of medical doctors.

Brice Mutoni spends his days fixing problems behind a screen, learning through trial, error, and patience. At Eden Care, he keeps things running when they falter, relying not just on skill but on a steady belief that people, not machines, still make the real difference.

The quiet revolution in banking is already underway, according to insights shared by Mpesa Africa CTO Vinod Sharma on his blog titled “The Future of Digital Banking: Powerful Trends to Watch.” From instant loan approvals to real-time money transfers, digital systems are reshaping how financial services operate and how customers experience them.

Noelah Lugongo spent a decade finding fault with bank systems. Today, she is responsible for keeping them running.

The question facing technology leaders in East Africa is no longer whether to adopt artificial intelligence, but whether the foundations beneath it are ready, whether the people it is meant to serve will actually benefit, and whether the organisation has the courage to put the technology in its proper place.

He steps up from his role as head of department for billing and core applications, bringing experience across telecommunications and financial services technology to the position.

Timothy Wahome sees AI as a tool that should already be reshaping how people work, solve problems and access opportunity. His approach to technology is rooted in real-world impact, where speed, reliability and access carry real consequences for how people live.

Dr Leah Miano, head of information communication and technology at the Universities Fund, Geoffrey Gitagia, CIO at Avenue Healthcare and Jaine Mwai, chief technology and operations officer at Standard Chartered share their perspectives on how technology leaders are shaping organisations to become future ready CIOs.

Universities Fund ICT head Dr Leah Miano has spent 17 years building systems, climbing mountains and teaching music, while raising three children. From nearly resigning over a database mistake to standing beside the CEO in Parliament, her career has been marked by moments that tested and defined her.

Vinod Sharma has spent years working at the intersection of technology and financial services. At the Future Ready CITO Summit organised by CITO East Africa, he made a case for keeping AI in its proper place, reminding the room that the people using the tools matter more than the tools themselves.

More than 50 chief information officers gathered in Nairobi for the CITO East Africa Future-Ready CITO Summit at Villa Rosa Kempinski on 12 March 2026. The event created space for candid discussions about artificial intelligence, data and the realities of digital transformation. CIOs arrived eager to exchange experiences and learn from one another.

He joins the organisation from Unilever, where he served as technology lead for East Africa, bringing more than 30 years of experience in enterprise technology leadership and digital transformation.

Jimmy focuses on using technology to solve operational challenges and improve efficiency. As head of IT at Nairobi Water, he oversees systems that connect offices, dams and treatment plants while protecting against cyber threats. He is also a key player in tackling non-revenue water through smart metering and innovative solutions.

He steps up from his role as head of enterprise applications, bringing over 17 years of banking technology experience within the organisation to the top position.

Long before he was leading IT at Oasis Healthcare, John Paul Oduor was harvesting flowers as a casual labourer, armed with a diploma in IT and a quiet determination to do more. His story is about saying yes, again and again, and building from wherever you stand.

I spent 20 years in the digital sphere, growing from systems analyst and systems administrator to the director of ICT and innovation in a Level 6 healthcare facility. This was crowned by the recognition as the CTO of the Year 2025 in public service through the Ministry of ICT and e-Government. Then, in mid-2025, came the transition to the CFO ecosystem.

Across East Africa's technology landscape, IT executives are increasingly clear on what sustains long-term success. Geoffrey Gitagia, Kennedy Njenga and Rita Apell, who lead technology functions in healthcare, agribusiness and banking respectively, each point to the same foundation: people.

He steps up from his role as vice president of software engineering, bringing over a decade of experience in technology leadership and product development to the top position.

After a failed project, Gilbert Mutai focuses on thorough preparation and aligning technology with business goals. As CIO, he now supports systems that improve decision-making and drive performance and value across the organization.

The Stanbic CIO shares how running transformed from a dreaded chore into a lifestyle, and how the lessons of endurance, discipline and community continue to shape his leadership.

As head of IT at Del Monte Kenya, Kennedy Njenga believes technology leadership begins with people. His approach has been shaped by a conviction that listening matters more than control.

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday decision-making across East Africa’s technology landscape, yet many organisations are still navigating how to adopt it responsibly. Abdulrazaaq Adan, Kenlewis Nderi and Erick Ngwiri share how they are using AI, and why human oversight remains critical.

Edgar Malili’s leadership style is all about patience, consistency and practicality. At WEC Lines, he handles complex systems, compliance and cybersecurity with a calm and focused approach. Outside of work, he applies the same discipline to training his seven dogs. For Edgar, success whether in technology or life, is about being prepared, sticking to routines, and understanding both people and animals.

Finance and technology leaders are finding their roles more intertwined than ever. The success of any organisation increasingly depends on how well its finance directors and chief information officers work together to balance innovation with impact. While technology brings the tools and possibilities, finance keeps the business grounded in value creation and measurable results.

Dr Mwirigi Kiula’s life has been marked by hardship, resilience, and faith. Growing up, he struggled to stay in school due to financial constraints. Today, he serves as the deputy vice chancellor of finance and administration at St Paul’s University, leading with the conviction that every challenge is part of God’s greater plan.

CITO East Africa joined the graduation of the CIO Leadership Programme Class of 2025 at Strathmore University, celebrating 11 senior IT executives as they transitioned from technical experts to strategic, business-focused digital leaders. The graduates expressed enthusiasm to join CITO East Africa, expand their professional networks and continue learning while driving impact across the region through the CITO community.

Away from the office, Rita Apell, CIO at Stanbic Bank Uganda, finds balance on the golf course.  She began playing in 2017, drawn in by the precision and focus the sport demands, and is now the lady president of the Uganda Ladies Golf Union. 

As more organisations commit to locally built technology, the focus is turning to execution, sustainability and scale. IT leaders Evans Ngala of Express Shipping & Logistics East Africa, Paul Mandele of Smart Foundry, Russell Akuom of Nation Media Group and Tadeo Kyeyune of Tugende reflect on the realities of building in East Africa, from infrastructure gaps and talent development to open-source tools, partnerships and the long-term vision for homegrown tech.

Geoffrey Gitagia carries a quiet discipline that extends beyond the hospital corridors he manages. A committed gym enthusiast, he prioritises personal fitness, heading to the gym in the evenings between 5 and 7 pm to lift weights and recharge. 

Faith Muricho, operations manager at AWS Kenya, credits her growth in tech to mentors who believed in her before she believed in herself. From leading Absa’s tech rebrand to helping launch AWS in Kenya, she has built a career rooted in problem-solving, resilience and leadership. She is passionate about mentoring young professionals and making technology and AI more accessible.

Faith Nkatha’s career spans some of the region’s top leadership roles in tech and strategy; but it’s her unwavering faith and sense of purpose that define her journey. Whether in the boardroom or the pulpit, she leads with heart, believing that every assignment is divine and every role is a chance to change lives.

Stanbic Bank Kenya CIO Alex Siboe Wekunda has quietly shaped East Africa’s digital landscape. In this candid conversation, he shares his career wins and why, if AI ever tried to replace him, it had better be ready for a long hike.

East Africa is steadily shifting from adapting imported systems to building technology shaped by local realities. Organisations across the region are backing solutions designed closer to home. CITO Magazine reached out to tech executives who are pumping out local solutions, to ask them about strategy, capacity, market realities and the ecosystem that underpins their shift to homegrown technologies.

ICEA Lion CITO Paul Kioi’s office is a world of digital innovation and corporate strategy. As head of technology and transformation, he manages the challenges of digital systems, the changing needs of tech infrastructure and the pressures of corporate values and business growth.

In a panel discussion titled Vision of an African Technology Future, three senior technology executives, Jay Patel, director of technology at Jacaranda Health, Kenya; Jamila Aroi, partner for technology consulting at PwC Kenya and Tom Juma group CIO at Britam reflected on how East Africa can shape the next chapter of its digital development through homegrown talent, stronger infrastructure and solutions centred on local realities.

For Laolu Akindele, partner and leader of PwC’s Technology Consulting practice in East Africa, technology is no longer a support function; it is the engine that will determine whether organisations grow, stagnate or fall behind.

Faith Nkatha Gitonga, Russell Akuom and Moses Okundi shared their insights into the importance of local development at the CITO East Africa launch. 

During the CITO East Africa launch, participants broke into four interactive groups to reflect on the region’s technology challenges and opportunities. Their discussions revealed the issues that CIOs and technology leaders believe the new community must address in the year ahead.

East Africa’s top IT leaders came together at Emara Ole Sereni in Nairobi for the launch of CITO East Africa, sharing insights on technology leadership, innovation and shaping the region’s digital future