-Lillian Ngala is the HR Director for DTB Bank, besides running an organisation that helps widows, orphans, youths and disabled people live a dignified life.

-Her commitment to this cause is deeply personal and inspired by her own experience her mother struggling with the family’s needs following the death of her father.

Here is her story as told by WoK:

Widowed mom struggling

While in high school, Lillian Ngala’s father passed away leaving the widowed mother facing significant financial and social challenges. The mother had to relocate the family to Homa Bay where they lived in a grass-thatched house which leaked whenever it rained.

To make a living, the mom worked as a tailor and would sew uniforms for a missionary school which in turn waived the required school fees.

“The family never lacked food, but dignity was a daily struggle,” she told Daily Nation.

Helping Widows

Following her illustrious career in the corporate sector where she has steadily risen to become the HR Director at DTB Bank, Lillian extends her impact beyond the boardroom through various philanthropic initiatives.

She runs the Lillian Ngala Foundation, an NGO meant to restore dignity and empower vulnerable people in the community.

She has been able to support over 100 widows from Homa Bay get decent housing. The initiatives also extends to helping them acquire capital for various small scale ventures and training them on managing the business.

Ngala says that this has in turn helped the women build on their confidence and live decent lives.

“Poverty makes widows hide, they don’t want to be seen, but the moment you give them a decent house, they come out. They walk into the market with their heads high. The transition is everything,” she says.

Her foundation also helps with school fees bursaries for orphaned and vulnerable children. It also empowers youths noting that this is beneficial for the wider community. For persons with disabilities, she helps with removing various barriers.

Decorated corporate career

Ngala has a decorated corporate career and has been in the human resource management field for over 20 years. She joined DTB Bank in 2012 where she has risen to become the HR Director. She overseas various functions including strategy and talent initiatives.

She holds an MBA in Strategic Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. She is certified as a professional trainer by the Institute of Human Resource Management.

She sits in various board including the Kenya Institute of Bankers, African Human Resource Congress and the Kenyan Network Information Centre (KeNIC).

She spearheads the Lillian Ngala Network that is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders.

Awards

• Shujaa Award 2025
• Top 50 HR leaders in Africa 2022
• Top 20 women making a difference in Kenya, 2021
• Top 50 influential women in Kenya 2025

-At its peak, Elgon pine was processing up to 90 tonnes of canola, sunflower and soya annually and was seen as a promising venture. In fact, the proprietor was optimistic of upscaling to 300 tonnes.

-While their monthly power bills averaged Ksh 30 000, they were surprised when Kenya Power slapped them with a Ksh 400 000 bill, a matter that led to the ultimate fall of the project.

Here is the story as told by WoK:-

Humble beginnings 

Njuguna worked as a technical manager engineer at the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) before his retirement in 2019. For years, he had mastered the process of cold pressing and manufacturing of animal feeds from various produce, albeit on a small scale.

Njuguna decided to upscale his production upon retirement and invested Ksh 16 million into the business which he used to purchase pressing and refining machines.

“I’m now processing 90 tonnes of canola, sunflower, and soya in a year and my goal is to hit 300 tonnes, which is the capacity of our machines,” he said in a past interview.

Njuguna had contracted 100 farmers who supplied him with raw materials although he also grew sunflower and canola on his 10-acre farm.

“The farmers aggregate their produce at specific centers then they call us when ready to go and inspect and collect,” he added.

Other than oil products, Njuguna also made poultry feeds and soap.

“We sell by-products of the crops to those who make livestock feeds and also make some for sale at between Ksh 40 and Ksh 45 per kilo,” he said.

Kenya Power erroneous Ksh 400000 bill

In August 2021, Njuguna was surprised when he was slapped with a Ksh 400000 power bill from Kenya Power. This was a shocker for him given the fact that his bills mostly averaged Ksh 30000 monthly.

This prompted him to file a complaint to the company, remaining optimistic that the dispute would be resolved amicably. However, Kenya Power stated that they had underbilled him for several months and that he had to pay the amount. Njuguna insisted that the bill was abnormal.

In what then led to grounding of operations, Kenya Power then disconnected electricity to both his plant and residence. He complained to EPRA stating that the power to his residence was separate from the plant and pleaded for reconnection. EPRA ruled in his favour but implementation of the reconnection was never implemented.

For a plant that depended on electricity to run its operations, the income channels had been painfully cut off, while his relationship with various farmers and suppliers became frosty.

Energy and Petroleum Tribunal

In 2024, the dispute escalated to the Energy and Petroleum Tribunal which ruled that Kenya Power had failed to satisfactorily justify the disputed bill. It ruled that any monies that had been paid to offset the Ksh 400000 bill be refunded.

However, despite noting that Njuguna had stayed without power for an extended period of time, the tribunal didn’t award damages. It ruled that the losses had not been ‘proven to the legal standards’ required.

-Oyatsi has been a lawyer for over 40 years and is the Deputy Group Chair of NCBA where he has 21.7 million shares valued at around Ksh 1.8 billion.

Desterio Oyatsi is a man who has built his empire through the sharp knitting of legal and business acumen.

Legal Career 

Oyatsi studied law at Oxford University then proceeded to Kenya School of Law for his postgraduate diploma. For over four decades, he has served as an advocate of the high court, and is a managing partner at Shapley Barret & Co. Advocates. It is among the oldest law firms in Kenya.

Oyatsi represented former President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Hague. When serving as the Deputy Prime Minister, Uhuru also tasked Oyatsi with suing the Star Newspaper for alleged defamation.

Mining, Banking & Hospitality interests

Oyatsi has accumulated his wealth through lucrative corporate interests.

Between 1998 and 2002, he served as the director for the Capital Markets Authority where he was tasked with laying the regulatory framework. At the same time, he worked as the director for Telkom Kenya and a commissioner for Kenya Law Reform Commission.

He also served in the Kenol Kobil board and worked as the chairman of the Commercial Bank of Africa between 2012 and 2020.

Currently, Oyatsi chairs the Base Titanium Limited, the country’s largest mining project. He was pivotal in initial negotiations and resettlement that paved way for the project. This underscored his skills in community interests’ advocacy in such sensitive projects where deadly disputes have previously prevented implementation of such ventures.

Oyatsi plays a leading role at Musiara Limited, part of Wilderness Holdings, which manages high-end safari properties.

As a man who wears many hats, he serves as the Deputy Group Chair of NCBA where he has 21.7 million shares valued at around Ksh 1.8 billion.

-Dick Wathika is reported to be the architect behind Sportpesa. Being well connected enabled him to plan on how two Bulgarian would incept and run Sportpesa.

-However, when Sportpesa began churning out billions, some of the board members began sidelining him. He reportedly developed health complications, and any mention of ‘Sportpesa’ became a trigger for high blood pressure during his hospitalisation.

***

Becoming a councillor at 19 years old

Wathika was born in 1973 and in 1992, he was elected a councillor. This achievement was a signal for a luminous future for him. In 2004, he was elected as Nairobi City mayor, becoming Kenya’s youngest mayor at the time. He went on to retain the seat in the subsequent election.

In 2007, he vied for the Makadara parliamentary seat and won it. However, this was annuled only three years later after Lady Justice Kalpana Rawal ruled that the elections were marred with irregularities. In the by-elections, Wathika lost to Mike Sonko. In 2013, Wathika unsuccessfully vied for the Mukurwe-ini parliamentary seat.

SportPesa Establishment in Kenya

Unknown to many, Wathika played an extremely critical role in setting up the giant betting firm in Kenya.

He met Guerassim Nikolov and Gene Grand, two distantly related Bulgarians who were in the betting and gambling business who asked him to help them set up a gambling business in Kenya. Wathika was open to the idea and at this stage began seeking Kenyan investors to put their money in the business.

He approached his friend, billionaire Paul Wanderi Ndung’u who invested a whooping Ksh 100 million into SportPesa. The investment would propel marketing and seeping into all the regions in the country.

Dick Wathika was at the forefront of setting up casinos and lotteries around Nairobi for the two Bulgarians.

This initial groundwork was indeed hefty as on more than one occasion, he had to take personal initiative to repay debts and cover financial loopholes that were threatening the business they were working so hard to set up.

However, when the institution launched in 2014 began raking in hundreds of millions, the Bulgarians slowly began sidelining him.

At this stage, Ronald Karauri, an engineer turned pilot, made a Ksh 30,000,000 investment into the business making him one of the shareholders and later on would be elected the company’s Chief Executive Officer taking over Wathika’s seat.

Sportpesa Troubles 

Wathika began experiencing a challenging relationship with the other directors in 2015. The giant firm had been making mind blowing revenue figures with a gambling boom that masked the nation.

Coupled with tax evasion, subtle threats, and money laundering allegations, the betting giant was soon on the taxman’s radar and upon further investigation would be flagged down. The stress levels especially on the leadership was heavy and took a toll on the late Dick Wathika.

Mention of ‘Sportpesa’ became a trigger

He was hospitalised in October 2015, where it was noted that the mention of ‘Sportpesa’ would trigger worse readings on the monitor. He was reportedly suffering from high blood pressure at the time.

On December 14th 2015, Wathika went to Finix Casino where a meeting with other board members including the Bulgarians was supposed to iron out the ‘Sportpesa’ creases.’

After hours of deliberations, Wathika is said to have collapsed, sadly passing on while on the way to hospital. The post-mortem results showed an artery had ruptured claiming his life.

Succession

Wathika’s 21% stake at the giant betting company (alongside the tussles) was passed to his widow, Asenath Wachera.

In his role as CFO, Dilip reports to the CEO and is responsible for the overall financial planning, management, and oversight of the organization at the telco giant.

Education

The CFO holds a Master’s in Commerce from Calcutta University and a Bachelor of Commerce from Goenka College of Commerce. He is also a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and a Cost Accountant from the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India.

Career

Before joining Safaricom, he was the CFO with DTAC Thailand, part of the Telenor Group, from 2017 to 2020. Prior to this, he worked in the same capacity at Grameenphone Bangladesh for three years. Earlier in his career, Dilip held various finance roles in Vodafone India, rising to the role of EVP Finance. He has also held senior finance roles in Hutchinson Essar, Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages, and Tata Tinplate.

As CFO of Safaricom PLC, he has been involved in several key strategies. He played a crucial role in signing off on the $850 million investment for a telecom license that allowed Safaricom to enter Ethiopia.

He is responsible for the overall financial planning, management, and oversight of Safaricom. He aims to enhance productivity through cost leadership, management, and optimization. He also seeks to partner and collaborate with business units for growth, transform finance into an advanced analytics-driven organization, and simplify, digitize, and automate business processes to improve customer experience.

Salary

In 2024, Dilip Pal received a salary of KSh 58.9 million. Additionally, he earned a performance bonus of KSh 35.1 million and non-cash benefits valued at KSh 19.8 million. During the same year, he also accumulated 1,342,105 shares valued at KSh 23.41 million making him one of the most highly paid CFO’S in the industry. He also receives residential accommodation, utility bills payment, and club membership as part of his benefits.

Headquartered in Kenya, AGI operates six state-of-the-art steel plants within the country, alongside two additional plants in Ethiopia. The company also engages in mining activities in Uganda, ensuring a steady supply of billets for its manufacturing processes. With a robust infrastructure and strategic regional presence, AGI is committed to meeting the diverse steel demands across East Africa.

AGI specializes in a wide range of steel products, including hot-rolled steel, cold-formed steel, wire products, and welding rods. This extensive product line caters to various industrial and construction needs, ensuring that clients receive durable and reliable steel solutions.

Mahendra Patel has been in steel since he apprenticed in it in 1968 while studying Metallurgy at Sheffield.

“We bought Kenya’s first rolling mill in 1969 and have been in steel since then. I have seen steel go from a labour-intensive network to fully integrated steel mills. With over 40 years in “a life of steel” Africa has gone through tremendous change, whereby today we must demand high production and quality products,” he says.

Mahendra Patel was recognized by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) for over 50 years of achievement, service and contribution to the steel industry.

AGI Group

The Abyssinia Group of Industries is the largest steel producer in East Africa with a capacity in excess of 350,000 metric tons per annum.

The company has been operational in Kenya since 2003 and has utilized locally available resources, made substantial investments in the country and created employment opportunities for thousands of Kenyan citizens. It has also been a major contributor to the country’s economy and infrastructure growth.

The group has also actively participated in important Corporate Social Responsibility projects, such as building schools and assisting in the supply of water and power to rural areas.

Using mineral resources from its own mining operations in Homa Bay County, the Abyssinia Group is the first Integrated Steel plant in East Africa.

The group also manufactures a wide range of value-added iron and steel products for the construction industry ranging from TMT reinforcing bars, angle irons, window sections and BRC rolls, weld mesh, galvanized wire, barbed wire, black binding wire and wire nails.

As a major steel manufacturer in the region with an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Kenya, AGI leverages this advantage to export collated nails beyond Africa, marking its footprint in the global market. The company’s dedication to quality and innovation has solidified its reputation as a leader in the steel industry.

The success of AGI is built on a foundation of advanced technology, a skilled workforce, and a commitment to sustainable practices. By investing in modern manufacturing techniques and adhering to stringent quality standards, AGI not only meets but exceeds industry expectations.

Operations in Uganda

Operations in Ethiopia

The Abyssinia Group of Industries has been present in Ethiopia for over a decade and has multiple business interests in the country catering to building and construction needs. AGI is a significant market player having an integrated mill with the production of billets and ingots from locally sourced raw material which is then converted in our in-house rolling mills to produce the widest range of long structural steel products.

The group also has investments in the Cement Industry to complement our product offering to the customers. Our product range consists of various grades and sizes, such as: TMT – reinforced bars, angles, channels, flats, rounds to name a few.

AGI has invested in keeping pace with the changing technology to bring the best in class to customers and is continuously expanding investments in the country in line with the same.

Corporate Social Responsibility

The Abyssinia Group has been involved in a wide variety of social projects. The group has worked on Environmental protection projects including the publication of “green books”; we have participated in local and international “green events”, and worked alongside retail partners to create pleasant, eco-friendly shopping environments and innovative, eco-friendly technology.

The group also nurture and mentor young talent and work with local and international universities to develop sustainable production methods in various applications. The Abyssinia Group has also donated monetary funds towards relief and reconstruction following natural disasters, women’s rights projects, girl child education and orphan support.

Other CSRs include;

• Sponsoring the publication of “Abyssinia Go Green”
• Sustainable Development International (SDI) “Climate Action”
• Kenya Carbon points association
• Friends of Nairobi National Park
• Green Belt movement
• The company’s commitment to increase the green belt around our sites to 15% of the total area
• Community participation in the growth of fruit trees.

Popat inherited Simba Corp from his father Abdul Karim Popat and has since diversified its portfolio behind its original motor business.

Adil Popat, who holds a Business Administration degree from the University of Washington and an MBA from Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, has transformed Simba Corp into a Kenyan economic powerhouse.

In this article, WoK explores the vast Simba Corp portfolio, listing companies owned by the billionaire philanthropist and their sectors of trade.

1. Simba Corp

The company was founded in 1948 by the late Abdul Karim Popat as a modest used-car selling enterprise but has since grown into a large integrated multi-sector business services group representing international vehicle brands and franchises in Kenya.

Adil took over the reins of the company in 2007 and served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) before he rose to the position of the Executive Group Chair in 2017, four years after his father’s death.

According to a report by the Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC)’s Kenya Family Business Survey of 2018, the company had morphed into one with an annual turnover of Ksh10 billion and employed over 1300 people as of the time.

“Since 2007, Simba Corporation has experienced great change and diversification. The group grew its auto dealership portfolio with the introduction of BMW, Mahindra, and Renault franchises as well as a separate division, Africa Fleet Management,” the report reads.

2. Simba Colt Motors

The conglomerate’s vehicle distribution and leasing business works with major motor vehicle companies such as BMW, Mitsubishi, Renault, and Mahindra in Kenya.

3. Simba Corp Hospitality

The conglomerate’s hospitality wing manages the Olare Mara Kempinski in the Maasai Mara reserve, Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi, and Simba’s own branded hotel, the Acacia Premier in Kisumu.

4. Simba Foundation

Popat is also involved in philanthropic works, focusing on enhancing education, health care, and disaster management for communities around Simba Corporation.

5. Hemingways Holdings

The astute businessman acquired a 35 per cent stake in hospitality giant Hemingways Holdings, which is the parent company for three iconic establishments; Hemingways Watamu, Ol Seki Hemingways Mara, and Hemingways Nairobi.

6. Simba Corp Real Estate

Simba Corp has an impressive portfolio of both developed and undeveloped properties all around the country.

Macdonald Obudho is the Director General at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), a role he has held since his appointment in November 2020.

He holds a Master of Science degree in Statistics from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the same university.

He also holds a PhD in Statistics.

Obudho joined KNBS in 1995 and has risen through the ranks from Economist/Statistician II (2) to the current position of Director General.

Obudho has vast experience in conducting population and housing censuses including the first ever Kenyan digital census that was conducted in 2019. He has competency in designing and carrying out statistical sample surveys and compilation of official statistics. He has successfully spearheaded many surveys in the areas of demography and social statistics.

From his statistical background, Macdonald Obudho is experienced in designing and creating different types of statistical household sampling frames. He also served in the KNBS field offices and later coordinated them for many years.

His experience in top management spans over 13 years. He has a number of certificates under his name that arise from short and long courses, workshops, conferences and seminars attended both locally and abroad.

He serves on a number of Boards including Hazina SACCO Ltd.

Recognitions

As a result of exemplary work in the design and execution of the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, Mr. Obudho was honoured with a State Award; The Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS).

He is a vital member of the Board of Directors at the CBK—Kenya’s financial heartbeat. The Board provides oversight of the Bank’s functions by formulating policies other than the formulation of monetary policy and reviewing performance.

The CBK Board comprises eleven members, consisting of the Chairman, the Governor, the Permanent Secretary to the National Treasury, and eight non-executive directors appointed by the President.

CBK is managed by staff with diversified skills, including economists, statisticians, accountants, lawyers, communications specialists, information technology experts, and human resources professionals, amongst others. This pool of talented staff ensures effective and efficient implementation of the bank’s mandate.

Background & Education

David Luusa attended Robert Gordon’s College from 1990 to 1995, but it is unclear what degree they pursued or their field of study.

After completing their education at the college, they went on to enrol at the University of Aberdeen from 1995 to 1999.

At the university, they obtained an MA in Economic Science with a focus on Economics.

Career

David Luusa has extensive work experience in the financial industry, particularly in financial markets. David currently holds the position of Director of Financial Markets at the Central Bank of Kenya since April 2020.

Previously, he worked for Standard Chartered Bank, where he held various roles, including Managing Director and Head of Financial Markets for Kenya and East Africa from May 2015 to April 2020.

David also served as Chair of the Kenya Advisory Council for Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), an organization that combats gender inequality and extreme poverty in urban slums in Kenya.

Overall, David Luusa has a strong background in financial markets and strategic leadership.

He excelled in providing comprehensive macroeconomic research and insights that drive informed decision-making. His experience spans qualitative and quantitative research, client relationship management, and process improvement, all aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and delivering value to stakeholders.

During his tenure as a research economist in NCBA Bank’s Global Markets Department (Treasury), Luusa played a key role in reinstating the Monthly Economic Report, which had been inactive. He was responsible for conducting comprehensive market research and economic analysis, which provided critical insight.

Mr William Nyagaka is the incumbent Director of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Institute of Monetary Studies, a role he assumed in June 2020.

He is a vital member of the Board of Directors at the CBK – Kenya’s financial heartbeat. The Board provides oversight of the Bank’s functions by formulating policies, other than the formulation of monetary policy, and reviewing performance.

The CBK Board comprises eleven members consisting of the Chairman, the Governor, the Permanent Secretary to the National Treasury and eight non-executive directors appointed by the President.

CBK is managed by staff with diversified skills including economists, statisticians, accountants, lawyers, communications specialists, information technology experts and human resources professionals amongst others. This pool of talented staff ensures effective and efficient implementation of the Bank’s mandate.

In this article, WoK explores the illustrious career of William Nyagaka, highlighting his academic qualifications and prior roles.

Background & Education

Mr William Nyagaka holds an MBA (Finance), and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree from the University of Nairobi. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPAK) and a Certified Public Secretary (CPSK).

He also holds a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.

He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.

Career

Mr Nyagaka joined the CBK in May 1994. He was appointed Director, of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Institute of Monetary Studies in June 2020. He previously served as Director, Financial Markets and Internal Audit.

Prior to joining the Bank, he worked at the Office of the Controller and Auditor General and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited.

He has served in various departments, including Finance, Banking, Financial Markets, Bank Supervision and the Deposit Protection Fund Board. He also served, on secondment, at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) during its formative stages.