Absa Group CEO Kenny Fihla visits Kenya to deepen strategic ties

Absa Group CEO Kenny Fihla has arrived in Kenya for a three-day working visit aimed at deepening engagement with senior government officials, regulators, and key leaders in the business and financial services sectors.

Accompanied by Charles Russon, Group Executive for Africa Regions, and Saviour Chibiya, Regional Executive for East Africa, Mr Fihla is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with public and private sector stakeholders.

The talks will centre on critical priorities for the banking industry and the broader economy, including improving access to credit, supporting SME growth, expanding trade and infrastructure financing, and the vital role financial institutions play in driving economic activity across East Africa.

Kenya’s strategic position as a regional financial and trade hub is expected to feature prominently, with particular focus on its enabling role in cross-border business and deeper regional integration.

“This visit is about engaging directly with stakeholders and customers to better understand the realities they are navigating,” said Mr Fihla. “That understanding is central to how we live our purpose of empowering Africa’s tomorrow by supporting businesses and households through different economic cycles.”

The visit also underscores Absa’s ongoing commitment to investing in banking infrastructure and digital transformation across the region. In Kenya, the group has recently committed approximately KSh 4 billion to modernising its technology platforms, with the aim of strengthening digital services, enhancing system resilience, and improving overall operational efficiency for customers.

Absa Bank Kenya Managing Director & CEO Abdi Mohamed highlighted the country’s central importance to Absa Group’s regional strategy.

“Kenya continues to play a pivotal role in our East African operations,” Mr Mohamed said. “This high-level visit reaffirms the significance of Kenya as a base for supporting regional trade, investment, and cross-border activity.”

ALSO READ: IFEYINWA OSIME APPOINTED CHAIR OF ACCESS BANK BOARD

Engagements during the three-day visit will include meetings with representatives from key industries, the financial sector, and the SME ecosystem. Discussions will reflect Absa’s strategic emphasis on sectors that drive durable economic growth—agriculture, trade, infrastructure, digital enterprise, and small and medium-sized businesses.

Mr Fihla has also stressed the importance of close collaboration between banks, government, and regulators to build a stable and resilient financial system.

“Constructive engagement and regulatory clarity are essential to sustaining investment and enabling long-term planning,” he noted.

The programme includes internal sessions with Absa’s leadership and teams in Kenya to reinforce the group’s customer-led approach, consistent execution, responsible capital allocation, and strong local delivery across the East Africa region.

As a pan-African financial services group operating across the continent, Absa continues to combine global banking capabilities with deep local understanding—supported by strong leadership and talent depth, as evidenced by its Top Employer certification in key markets.