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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

Paul Mandele’s love for gadgets sparked a career in building practical, home‑grown tech solutions. As head of IT at Smart Foundry, he is turning bold ideas into products, drawing on a journey that spans 3D printing for education, an SMS tool protecting farmers and a lifelong passion for teaching.