As the world marks International Women’s Day, we celebrate four extraordinary women who are transforming Kenya’s banking sector. In an industry long dominated by men, these leaders have not only shattered glass ceilings but also paved the way for future generations through innovation, resilience, and strategic leadership. Their remarkable careers exemplify the power of determination and the impact of women in high-level financial positions.
- Nasim Devji – Group CEO, Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)
Nasim Devji is a formidable force in Kenya’s banking industry. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, as well as an Associate of the Institute of Taxation (UK), she has led DTB with strategic vision and financial expertise. Devji sits on multiple boards, including Jubilee Insurance Burundi, Diamond Trust Insurance Agency Limited, and DTB branches in Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi.
Her contributions to the sector have earned her numerous accolades, including ‘Leading African Woman in Business of the Year’ (2010) and ‘CEO of the Year’ from the Capital Markets Authority (2011, 2014). She has been consistently recognized among the Top 25 Women CEOs in Africa and the 50 Most Influential CEOs in Kenya (2024). Under her leadership, DTB has continued to expand its footprint, reinforcing its position as a top-tier financial institution.
- Rebecca Mbithi – Former CEO, Family Bank
A lawyer, accountant, and corporate executive, Rebecca Mbithi made her mark as the CEO of Family Bank from 2019 to November 2023. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from the United States International University-Africa. She is also a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Public Secretary.
During her tenure at Family Bank, Mbithi spearheaded strategic growth initiatives that enhanced the bank’s performance and service delivery. Her leadership strengthened the institution’s position in Kenya’s competitive banking landscape, ensuring that Family Bank remained a key player in financial inclusion and customer-centric services.
- Ann Karanja – Managing Director, Kenya Post Office Savings Bank (Postbank)
Ann Karanja has had a distinguished career in banking, rising through the ranks to become the Managing Director of Postbank. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Sociology and a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi. Her career began in the office of the Controller and Auditor General of Kenya before she transitioned to Postbank in 1989 as an auditor.
Over the years, Karanja held various senior roles, including Senior Manager of Money Transfer Services and Manager of Internal Audit. In 2014, she was appointed Acting CEO, taking over from Nyambura Koigi. Under her leadership, Postbank has embraced digital transformation, making financial services more accessible to underserved populations across Kenya.
- Nancy Njau – Managing Director and CEO, Family Bank
Nancy Njau, a seasoned accountant and corporate executive, is the current CEO of Family Bank. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from Kenyatta University, a Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management, and an MBA from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Additionally, she is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Executive Leadership Coach.
Njau’s journey at Family Bank began in 2002 as a graduate clerk. Over the years, she climbed the corporate ladder, holding key positions such as Branch Manager, Regional Manager, Head of Retail Banking, and Chief Officer of the Public Sector. Before her appointment as CEO, she served as Acting Chief Commercial Officer. Her deep understanding of the bank’s operations and customer needs has positioned her as a transformative leader, guiding Family Bank towards greater financial inclusion and innovation.
- Mary Wamae – Former Group Executive Director, Equity Group Holdings Plc
Mary Wamae has played a significant role in the transformation of Equity Group Holdings Plc. Before her promotion to Group Executive Director in 2018, she served as the Group Company Secretary, Corporate & Strategy Director from 2007 to 2017. Her journey with Equity Group began in 2004 when she was appointed as Company Secretary and Secretary to the Board, later taking on the role of Director of Strategy in 2007.
During her tenure, she oversaw the expansion of Equity Group, which now operates seven banking subsidiaries across Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania, DR Congo, and Ethiopia, alongside insurance, investment banking, and fintech subsidiaries. Under her leadership, Equity has significantly invested in social and impact-driven initiatives, growing its customer base to over 16.1 million by 2021. Her efforts have been instrumental in modernizing agriculture, enhancing microbusinesses through financial literacy, and supporting education through the Wings to Fly scholarship and Equity Leaders Program.
Wamae is also a member of the Women Corporate Directors Kenya Chapter, an association dedicated to equipping women with leadership skills. Additionally, she serves as a Non-Executive Director on the Boards of Finserve Africa Limited, Equity Group Foundation, Equity Investment Bank Limited, and various Equity Bank subsidiaries.