NAIROBI, Kenya — Absa Bank Kenya PLC has appointed Diana Mwaniki as its Acting Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective July 1, 2026, as the lender continues to implement leadership changes following the resignation of former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamed.
The appointment, which is subject to regulatory approval, was announced by the bank on Thursday.
Mwaniki takes over the finance portfolio after the bank’s substantive Chief Financial Officer, Yusuf Omari, was appointed Interim Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer following Abdi Mohamed’s departure.
Leadership Transition
Before her appointment, Mwaniki served as Absa Bank Kenya’s Head of Financial Decision Support, a position she has held since joining the bank in September 2022.
She will now oversee the bank’s finance function, providing strategic financial leadership as the institution executes its growth strategy and strengthens value creation for customers, shareholders and other stakeholders.
Interim Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Yusuf Omari said Mwaniki has played a key role in strengthening the bank’s financial planning and decision-making capabilities.
“Diana has been instrumental in strengthening our financial planning and decision-support capabilities since joining Absa. She brings deep financial expertise, strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” Omari said.
He added that her appointment would ensure continuity in the bank’s financial stewardship as Absa advances its strategic priorities.
Experienced Finance Executive
According to the bank, Mwaniki has more than 17 years of experience in the financial services sector.
Her expertise spans financial strategy, performance management, governance, internal controls and risk management.
Before joining Absa, she held senior finance leadership positions within the banking industry, where she was responsible for strengthening financial controls, enhancing governance frameworks and supporting regulatory compliance.
The bank said her appointment reinforces its commitment to strong financial oversight and leadership continuity.
Academic and Professional Credentials
Mwaniki holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the United States International University (USIU) and a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from Moi University.
She is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) and has completed executive leadership training at Duke University.
Leadership Reshuffle
The appointment forms part of a broader leadership transition at Absa Bank Kenya following the resignation of former Managing Director and CEO Abdi Mohamed.
With Yusuf Omari now serving as Interim Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mwaniki’s elevation is expected to ensure continuity in the bank’s financial management as it awaits regulatory approval for the new appointments.