Interviews

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

At DHL Express Kenya, head of IT Peter Kuya focuses on making technology work quietly in the background so people can shine. With a hands-on approach and a belief that good systems should never get in the way, he is bringing that philosophy to life, one system and one team at a time.

As acting head of business technology at Tropical Bank, Ochen Solomon Eliud has driven digital transformation and delivered impact despite limited resources and a tough regulatory climate.

Jean-Marie Gashonga has spent his career building technology systems and empowering teams to deliver results. As IT manager at Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda, he has modernised core systems for insurance operations, championed automation and fostered collaboration within the wider IT leadership community. In this conversation, he shares how innovation, people and shared knowledge are shaping the future of insurance technology.

ICT Manager at Bimas Kenya Kimathi Marangu has spent nearly a decade designing solutions that make technology accessible and impactful for low-income communities.

Eric Karerangabo isn’t just leading IT at the Rwanda Green Fund, he is building its climate finance digital backbone. From custom-built M&E tools to patented commercial solutions, Eric’s hands-on tech expertise now powers major initiatives at the fund.

With nearly a decade in the shipping industry, Evans Ngala, group ICT manager at Express Shipping & Logistics (EA) is challenging the one-size-fits-all approach to tech, pushing for solutions that actually work for East Africa.

Hawa Mwakatundu didn’t just rise through the tech ranks; she rewired them. Starting on the customer side of the screen, she now leads Tanzania’s Smart Africa Group’s technology subsidiary as Smartnology’s CTO. She reflects on challenging boardroom assumptions and building the company’s entire IT infrastructure from scratch.

Michael Monda, principal ICT officer at ATIDI, shares his 17-year journey in tech leadership. He reflects on the power of AI, the evolving cybersecurity landscape, and why family and community remain at the heart of his mission.

From turning down a government scholarship to choosing tech over tradition, Emmanuella Nzahabonimana has chartered her own path to the top. As head of technology at BPR Bank Rwanda – and the only female head of technology at KCB Group – she shares how staying calm, pushing boundaries, and lifting others has shaped her leadership journey.

Richard Ssenono wants to build a digital legacy across borders. The head of information services at Makerere University’s Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is bridging the gap between health and tech and doing it on his own terms

As global director of data and analytics at Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Erick Ngwiri is leading data transformation on a global scale, while exploring cultures through cuisine in his downtime.

Faith Nkatha Gitonga, head of technology and digital transformation at the Tony Blair Institute, shares a powerful, humorous, and deeply personal take on what it means to be a woman in tech, the strength of saying ‘no’, and why a strong support system matters just as much as ambition.

Kenlewis Nderi believes the best way to solve a problem is to never have to solve it again. At Kenfreight East Africa, he’s leading a regional IT operation rooted in automation, cloud innovation and cybersecurity strategy – all while building a culture of proactive problem-solving and continuous learning.

Abdulrazaaq Adan is redefining ICT leadership in East Africa’s energy sector. As group head of ICT at Hass Group, he is leading digital transformation across seven countries through stabilising systems, championing cloud migration, and integrating regional platforms.

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.

Justine Opira didn’t start his career in a server room. But his determination and passion for innovation have propelled him to his current role as ICT officer at Amref Health Africa in Uganda. He shares his unlikely journey – and why building a tech community matters.

Absa Bank Tanzania’s Emmanuel Mwinuka is championing digital and financial inclusion through a clear vision for mobile-first solutions, strategic partnerships and a commitment to cybersecurity.

For Deborah Masara, acting head of technology and operations at KMRC, the boundaries between science fiction and real-world technological innovation are fascinatingly blurred. The future she glimpses through sci-fi movies fuels her drive in her professional life, where she finds profound satisfaction in developing technology solutions.

Britam group CIO Tom Juma is no ordinary tech leader. With a career built on turning around broken systems, a sharp sense of humour, and a deep commitment to business-first IT, Tom is redefining what it means to lead in the digital era.

From PHP developer to director of engineering, Ideon van Niekerk’s story reflects ambition, resilience and growth. He shares how he leads remote teams, tackles the challenges of business in East Africa, and builds innovative tech solutions for WhatsApp-based repeat loans.

From being the first member of the tech team at Jacaranda Health, to now leading a team of 12, Jay has been instrumental in building systems that impact millions of mothers across Kenya.

Paul went from engineering to managing teams at service providers to ultimately defining his own role at ICEA LION. His greatest challenge and greatest privilege is growing the next generation of IT leaders.

Peter Ngugi, regional head of ICT at Mayfair Insurance, thrives on unpredictability. His leadership is rooted in a passion for delivering impactful solutions. In an industry that evolves at the speed of light, Peter is embracing change and making it work.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies chief technology officer David Bagandanswa is intent on building empowered teams that “run themselves”. As the company transitions into a fully-fledged tech solutions provider, his focus is set on building a global presence and pivoting fully to strategy.

Paul believes a single shift in technology can change the course of thousands of lives. In his view, technology has the power to reshape the future of Africa.

HighChem Group head of ICT Dan Wachira’s thrill for finding solutions has shaped his journey at the group. What began as a three-month internship has seen him take charge of the conglomerate’s IT transformation and lead the effort to streamline systems.

When you ask Manav Mengi what excites him most about his work, his answer is simple: transformation. As the CIO of DTB Uganda, he is leading the bank’s shift to digital banking in a country where cash is still king.

Roland Lukyamuzi embodies the spirit of lifelong learning in the fast-changing world of technology. Celebrating a quarter of a century of IT leadership this year, he reflects on the value of curiosity, continuous learning and community.

ABM Group IT head Dominic Kebenei is on a mission to embed technology in every facet of the business. As a champion of digital transformation, he believes innovation is the lifeblood of any forward-looking organisation.

Kibe Kamau’s unconventional journey from finance to IT is a masterclass in blending disciplines to maximise value. He reveals how he leverages his experience in both fields to align the company’s in-house solutions with strategic business needs.

The head of ICT advocates for creating efficiency without eliminating jobs because “society has to continue”.

The Diamond Trust Bank CDIO says no two days in his role are the same and agility is the greatest learning from his childhood.