NAIROBI, Kenya — Absa Bank Kenya has confirmed Yusuf Omari as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 10, 2026, following the completion of the required regulatory and internal approvals.
Omari had served as the bank’s Interim Managing Director and CEO since July 1, 2026, after previously holding the position of Chief Financial Officer, a role he occupied since 2009.
He succeeds Abdi Mohamed, who stepped down on June 30, 2026, to take up a similar position at I&M Bank.
Omari to Lead Absa’s Next Growth Phase
Commenting on his appointment, Omari said he was honoured by the confidence placed in him by the Absa Bank Kenya Board and Absa Group.
“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 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 initiatives aimed at strengthening the bank’s financial performance, improving its cost-to-income ratio, optimising capital and supporting growth across its Corporate and Investment Banking, Business Banking and Consumer Banking divisions.
Board Backs Omari’s Experience
Absa Bank Kenya Chairman Mohammed Nyaoga said Omari’s extensive experience within the bank and understanding of the Kenyan market were important considerations in his appointment.
“Yusuf’s appointment reflects his proven ability to lead, deliver sustainable growth and create long-term value.”
Nyaoga said Omari’s experience across different functions of the bank, combined with his relationships with customers, colleagues, regulators and other stakeholders, positioned him well to lead the institution.
“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, also welcomed the appointment, describing Omari as an accomplished leader who had made a significant contribution to the business.
“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.
Customer Relationships, Growth Among Priorities
Omari said his immediate focus would be on strengthening relationships with customers, accelerating sustainable growth and improving the bank’s competitiveness.
He also identified investment in employees and organisational capabilities as key priorities under his leadership.
“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.
The priorities come as Absa Bank Kenya positions itself for its next phase of growth under a leader with extensive institutional experience.
Omari’s Professional Background
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 (ICPAK) and a graduate of the Advanced Management Programme delivered by Strathmore University and IESE Business School.
His appointment marks a continuation of his long career at Absa Bank Kenya, where he has held the CFO position since 2009 before taking on the interim CEO role in July.
With his appointment now confirmed, Omari will lead the bank as it seeks to strengthen its market position, deliver sustainable growth and deepen support for customers and Kenya’s wider economy.
