British American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya has announced new appointments in its senior leadership, naming Sidney Wafula as the incoming Managing Director and Catherine Chepkong’a as the new Finance Director.
Wafula will take over as Managing Director on June 16, 2026. He previously served as Finance Director at BAT Kenya and currently holds the position of Finance Director for BAT Sub-Saharan Africa.
He has been part of the BAT Group since 2006 and has held several senior finance roles during that time. His past positions include Head of Finance for BAT Egypt in Cairo and Finance Director for BAT Kenya.
Wafula holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.
At the same time, the company has appointed Catherine Chepkong’a as Finance Director with effect from April 1, 2026.
Chepkong’a joined the BAT Group in 2012 and has worked in several finance leadership roles across the region. She previously served as Head of Finance for Uganda, Finance Controller for East Africa and Southern Markets, and Head of Markets for the Horn of Africa.
Most recently, she worked as Finance Controller at Strathmore University Business School in Kenya. She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales as well as the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.
Step downs
The appointments come as the company prepares for the departure of two senior executives.
Managing Director Crispin Achola will step down from his role on June 15, 2026, after serving in the position for more than five years. He joined BAT Kenya as Managing Director on January 1, 2021.
The company said Achola had completed his mandate and will hand over leadership as he pursues opportunities outside the organisation.
“Crispin was appointed on January 1, 2021 and, having successfully delivered on his mandate, will be handing over the leadership of the company to pursue opportunities outside the organisation,” BAT Kenya said.
According to the company, his tenure was marked by strong leadership during a period of regulatory changes and evolving market conditions.
“Under his leadership, this period has been marked by strong guidance through cross-market crisis experience and commercial acumen. He has guided the Company through complex regulatory and market transitions, bringing over 30 years of cross-market experience and commercial acumen,” the company added.
Finance Director Philemon Kipkemoi will also exit the company on March 31, 2026, after 19 years with the BAT Group.
Kipkemoi held several senior finance roles across East and Southern Africa during his time with the company.
The BAT Kenya board thanked both executives for their service and contribution to the company.
“The Board of Directors expresses its enormous appreciation and thanks Crispin and Philemon for their momentum, leadership, professionalism, dedication and lasting contribution to the Company. We wish them every success in their future endeavours,” the board said.
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