NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 11 – Absa Bank Kenya has appointed Yusuf Omari as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 10, 2026, following completion of the required regulatory and internal approvals.
Omari, who has served as the bank’s Interim Managing Director and CEO since July 1, 2026, previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer, a role he occupied since 2009.
The new MD and CEO succeeds Abdi Mohamed, who stepped down on June 30, 2026, to take up a similar role at I&M Bank.
“I am deeply honoured by the confidence that the Board and Absa Group have placed in me through this appointment. Absa Bank Kenya has a strong foundation, an exceptional team and an important role to play in supporting Kenya’s economic growth and development,” Omari said.
Omari brings more than two decades of banking experience spanning finance, treasury, risk management, governance, sustainability, strategy, transformation and executive management.
During his tenure as CFO, he was involved in efforts to strengthen the bank’s financial performance, improve its cost-to-income ratio, optimise capital and support the growth of its Corporate and Investment Banking, Business Banking and Consumer Banking divisions.
Absa Bank Kenya Chairman Mohammed Nyaoga said Omari’s experience within the bank and knowledge of the Kenyan market were key factors in his appointment.
“Yusuf’s appointment reflects his proven ability to lead, deliver sustainable growth and create long-term value. His extensive experience across the Bank, deep understanding of the Kenyan market, and strong track record of working with customers, colleagues, regulators and other stakeholders position him strongly to lead Absa Bank Kenya into its next chapter,” Nyaoga said.
Saviour Chibiya, Regional Executive for East Africa at Absa Group, described Omari as an accomplished leader who had made a significant contribution to the bank.
“Yusuf is a highly accomplished leader who has made a significant contribution to our business and exemplifies the values of excellence, integrity and performance that define our organisation,” Chibiya said.
Omari said his immediate priorities would include strengthening customer relationships, accelerating sustainable growth, improving competitiveness and investing in the bank’s people and capabilities.
“My focus will be on building on this foundation, deepening our relationships with customers, accelerating sustainable growth, strengthening our competitiveness and investing in our people and capabilities,” he said.
Omari holds a degree in Economics and a Master of Business Administration. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya and a graduate of the Advanced Management Programme delivered by Strathmore and IESE Business School.
