Kenya’s banking sector has seen a wave of boardroom changes in 2026, with several lenders reshuffling their leadership.

The appointments, reappointments, and resignations span some of the country’s largest lenders, including Equity Bank, Stanbic Bank, Absa Bank, and Eco Bank.

Here is a look at the banks that have made major board changes so far this year.

Equity, Stanbic and Absa Record Major Board Changes in 2026

In an announcement on July 15, Equity Bank Kenya appointed Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) Board Member Carole Kariuki to its board.

Kariuki has an extensive background in both the public and private sectors, including serving as Chief Executive Officer of KEPSA from January 2010.

“The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) extends its heartfelt congratulations to our Board Member, Ms. Carole Kariuki, on her appointment to the Equity Bank Kenya Board,” read part of the statement.

Later, on July 3, Absa Bank Kenya announced Diana Mwaniki as its Acting Chief Financial Officer, effective July 1, 2026, pending regulatory approval.

Her appointment followed the elevation of long-serving CFO Yusuf Omari to Interim Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer after the resignation of Abdi Mohamed.

Mwaniki became the first person other than Omari to hold the bank’s CFO position in 17 years.

On the other hand, I&M Bank Kenya named former Absa Bank Kenya boss Abdi Mohamed as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

His appointment came shortly after he resigned from Absa Bank Kenya, ending a 32-year career with the lender.

Stanbic and DTB Banks’ Appointments

In its latest leadership changes, Stanbic Bank Kenya appointed Michael Mutiga as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2026, subject to regulatory approval.

Prior to his appointment, Mutiga served as Safaricom’s Chief Business Development and Strategy Officer.

He replaced Abraham Ongenge, who served as acting CEO since March 1, 2026.

At the same time, DTB announced the appointment of Charles Mukorwe Luo as a non-executive director, effective June 25, 2026.

Luo previously served as a partner at Deloitte, where he led audit and advisory engagements for financial institutions.

Weeks later, DTB appointed Paul Muthaura as a non-executive director. His appointment came just weeks after he assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of the American Chamber of Commerce Kenya (AmCham Kenya).

Other Banks

Ecobank Kenya also made significant leadership changes in 2026, appointing Rebecca Mbithi as its new Managing Director, effective February 9.

She succeeded Josephine Anan-Ankomah, who stepped down from the role to focus on her responsibilities as Ecobank’s Regional Executive for Central, Eastern and Southern Africa (CESA), while continuing to serve as a Group Executive.

The lender later strengthened its board by appointing veteran business leader Flora Mutahi as a Non-Executive Director in June.

Mutahi is widely known for being the first woman to serve as chairperson of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM).

HFCB Limited (formerly HF Group) also reshaped its board through a series of appointments.

On July 9, the lender appointed Dr. Robert Ochieng’ Agonda Ochola as a Non-Executive Director, replacing the retiring Dr. Dorcas Gachari Muthoni.

The appointment followed an earlier board change in March, when Elizabeth Gitau joined the lender as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

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Equity, Stanbic and Absa Lead Kenyan Banks in Board Changes in 2026
Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) branch in Nakuru. Photo/ NMG