John Mwendwa Appointed as CEO of Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest)
The Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) has announced the appointment of Mr. John Mwendwa, OGW, as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2025.
Mr. Mwendwa, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, takes on this pivotal role at a time when Kenya is focusing on strengthening its position as a global investment hub. He is widely recognized for his key leadership in driving the country’s Ease of Doing Business agenda, a move that saw Kenya’s global ranking soar from 136th in 2013 to 56th in 2019. His efforts have significantly streamlined the business environment, making Kenya an attractive destination for investors.
Throughout his career, Mr. Mwendwa has been at the forefront of major legal and regulatory reforms, as well as facilitating investment transactions totaling nearly $1.5 billion in the past 18 months. He has also held influential roles across various ministries, including Investments, Trade & Industry, and East African Community, and previously served in senior positions at Barclays Group in Kenya and South Africa. Most recently, he contributed to the President’s Strategy & Execution Office.
KenInvest Board Chairperson, Mrs. Sally Mahihu, expressed the Board’s confidence in Mr. Mwendwa’s appointment, emphasizing the significant impact his leadership would have on the Authority’s efforts to attract and support both domestic and foreign investments. “We are delighted to appoint John Mwendwa as the new CEO of KenInvest. His vast experience and comprehensive understanding of Kenya’s business landscape will be key in advancing our mission. Under his leadership, we are confident KenInvest will continue to enhance Kenya’s standing as a prime investment destination,” said Mrs. Mahihu.
In response, Mr. Mwendwa expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I am honored to take on this role and look forward to leveraging my experience in both the public and private sectors to drive investment growth and contribute to Kenya’s economic transformation.”
A highly qualified professional, Mr. Mwendwa holds a Master’s degree in Finance from Strathmore University and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Finance) from Kenyatta University. He has also undergone executive leadership training at the University of Oxford (UK) and Harvard University (USA). He is a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investments (CISI, UK) and the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM).
As Kenya continues its journey towards becoming a leading investment destination in Africa, Mr. Mwendwa’s appointment is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the country’s investment future.
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