From Tanzania to Kenya, Robert Rutahoile has helped build GTBank’s IT backbone from the ground up. As the bank’s Head of IT in Kenya, Robert brings a rare blend of deep technical expertise, cultural fluency and a people-first leadership style. Having navigated the complexities of regional expansion, he knows that true transformation isn’t just about infrastructure - it’s about understanding people.
After breaking ground as the first IT employee for Guaranty Trust Bank (Tanzania) Limited in 2016, Robert Rutahoile is now based in Nairobi as Head of IT for the Kenyan subsidiary of the same company. "The most significant challenge,” he says, “is to be able to work with people from different disciplines and different cultures".
Robert’s career as an IT Executive is interwoven with GTBank’s expansion in East Africa. "I started the journey with only one boss and I was the only staff member in the IT department," he recounts. Relying on his degree in computer science from the University of Dar es Salaam and his brief stint as a tutorial assistant, Robert got to work and helped build the whole banking infrastructure from scratch. “In the first years, we were deploying all the infrastructure and solutions to the branch and the head office,” he says.
His hands-on experience across virtually every IT discipline – security, infrastructure, development, database and business analysis – has shaped his deep technical understanding, though he admits his "passion has always been infrastructure". His experience in Tanzania led to his appointment as Head of Information Technology, Tanzania in 2021 after which he agreed to transfer to Kenya (2024), following the former Managing Director of Tanzania who made the same move.
Driving business transformation
“Kenya is so welcoming. It is the best country I have ever gone to,” says Robert, who now leads a team of 13. His approach to driving business transformation centers on automation and practically solving business challenges. "Kenya is a bit ahead in terms of technology compared to Tanzania and most of their services are 24/7,” he adds.
He says the most significant complexity in his current role lies in navigating the distinct organizational cultures within the Bank. “Our leaders in Nigeria do not take any excuse," he explains, contrasting this with a more laid back culture in East Africa. He prides himself on balancing this culture of excellence with care for his team. “It's not only about achieving the targets, it's also about well-being,” he says.
Like any good modern IT leader, Robert keeps a keen eye on emerging trends. “AI is a powerful tool that brings efficiency and automation of so many things in a short time," he says. At the same time he is also wary of the dangers, in particular in relation to cybersecurity: When you give sensitive information to AI, it's like you're exposing yourself and you might easily be attacked.”
Outside of work, Robert enjoys a wide variety of activities including travel, sports, music and clubbing. But being a social creature helps to be a better leader too and Robert firmly believes in the power of community for all leaders. He believes being part of a community allows leaders to connect with peers who may have already faced similar issues, offering invaluable insights. “I think CITO East Africa will be a vital space for sharing experience and a platform that can help us navigate challenges and find solutions,” he says.
