NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) has appointed John Mwendwa as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2025.
Mwendwa, a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience spanning public and private sectors, is expected to spearhead efforts to attract both local and foreign investments and bolster Kenya’s economic standing.
KenInvest’s Board of Directors announced the appointment in a statement shared by Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industry Salim Mvurya on Wednesday.
Mwendwa’s career reflects a track record of transformative achievements.
He is widely credited for leading Kenya’s Ease of Doing Business agenda, a pivotal initiative that saw the country’s global ranking leap from 136th in 2013 to 56th by 2019.
Over the last nine years, he has driven regulatory reforms and facilitated investment transactions worth approximately $1.5 billion, according to KenInvest.
“We are delighted to appoint John Mwendwa as the new CEO of KenInvest. His extensive experience and deep understanding of Kenya’s investment and business climate will be invaluable in advancing KenInvest’s mission,” said Sally Mahihu, Chairperson of the KenInvest Board. “We are confident that under his leadership, KenInvest will continue to strengthen Kenya’s position as a global investment hub.”
Mwendwa, who previously served in the President’s Strategy and Execution Office, brings cross-sector expertise.
His professional journey includes senior roles within the Ministries of Investment, Trade, and Industry, as well as stints at Barclays Group in Kenya and South Africa.
In his acceptance, Mwendwa affirmed his commitment to driving investment and fostering economic growth.
“I am honored to be appointed to this role and am committed to leveraging my experience to contribute to Kenya’s ongoing economic transformation,” he said.
Mwendwa holds a Master’s degree in Finance from Strathmore University and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Finance) from Kenyatta University.
He has further honed his leadership skills through executive training at Harvard University and the University of Oxford.
He is also a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI, UK) and the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM).
Mwendwa, a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience spanning public and private sectors, is expected to spearhead efforts to attract both local and foreign investments and bolster Kenya’s economic standing.
KenInvest’s Board of Directors announced the appointment in a statement shared by Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industry Salim Mvurya on Wednesday.
Mwendwa’s career reflects a track record of transformative achievements.
He is widely credited for leading Kenya’s Ease of Doing Business agenda, a pivotal initiative that saw the country’s global ranking leap from 136th in 2013 to 56th by 2019.
Over the last nine years, he has driven regulatory reforms and facilitated investment transactions worth approximately $1.5 billion, according to KenInvest.
“We are delighted to appoint John Mwendwa as the new CEO of KenInvest. His extensive experience and deep understanding of Kenya’s investment and business climate will be invaluable in advancing KenInvest’s mission,” said Sally Mahihu, Chairperson of the KenInvest Board. “We are confident that under his leadership, KenInvest will continue to strengthen Kenya’s position as a global investment hub.”
Mwendwa, who previously served in the President’s Strategy and Execution Office, brings cross-sector expertise.
His professional journey includes senior roles within the Ministries of Investment, Trade, and Industry, as well as stints at Barclays Group in Kenya and South Africa.
In his acceptance, Mwendwa affirmed his commitment to driving investment and fostering economic growth.
“I am honored to be appointed to this role and am committed to leveraging my experience to contribute to Kenya’s ongoing economic transformation,” he said.
Mwendwa holds a Master’s degree in Finance from Strathmore University and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Finance) from Kenyatta University.
He has further honed his leadership skills through executive training at Harvard University and the University of Oxford.
He is also a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI, UK) and the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM).
