Absa Kenya Appoints Mohammed Nyaoga as Board Chair

Absa Bank Kenya has named Senior Counsel Mohammed Nyaoga as the next Chairman of its Board of Directors.

His appointment takes effect on October 1, 2025, following the retirement of Charles Muchene, who steps down after serving nine years on the board, including a long stint as Chairman.

The lender paid tribute to Muchene’s leadership, crediting him with guiding the bank through a transformative period. According to the institution, “His leadership has been defined by foresight, stability, and purpose.”

Nyaoga comes to the role with more than 40 years of legal practice and is widely recognised as one of Kenya’s most respected corporate governance experts.

He was admitted to the Bar in 1985 and holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in law from the University of Nairobi.

He also has a diploma from the Kenya School of Law and is a Certified Public Secretary and Company Director.

Over the years, he has held prominent leadership roles, including chairing the Central Bank of Kenya, Ecobank Kenya, and the International Monetary Fund’s External Experts Panel in Washington.

He currently leads the African Development Bank Group’s Disclosure and Access to Information Appeals Panel. In recognition of his public service, he has been awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS).

In his parting remarks, Muchene reflected on his journey at the bank and welcomed his successor.

“It has been a privilege for me to lead the Bank through a period of change, growth and resilience, during which we have achieved significant progress in our strategic ambitions and resolutely pursued our purpose of empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, one story at a time,” he said.