John Mwendwa has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), with his tenure set to begin in January 2025. Mwendwa, who previously worked at the President’s Strategy and Execution Office, brings over two decades of professional experience spanning both the public and private sectors.
In announcing the appointment, KenInvest Board Chairperson Sally Mahihu lauded Mwendwa’s extensive expertise, stating, “His extensive experience and deep understanding of Kenya’s investment and business climate will be invaluable in advancing KenInvest’s mission to attract and support both domestic and foreign investments. We are confident that under his leadership, KenInvest will continue to strengthen Kenya’s position as a global investment hub.”
Mwendwa is widely recognized for his significant contributions to Kenya’s Ease of Doing Business reforms. His efforts saw the nation’s global ranking improve dramatically from 136th in 2013 to 56th by 2019, signaling a more favorable business environment.
A Proven Leader in Economic Transformation
Mwendwa’s career reflects a deep commitment to economic growth and regulatory reform. Over the past nine years, he has spearheaded numerous legal and regulatory initiatives that have streamlined processes for investors and businesses alike. Notably, in the past 18 months, he facilitated investment transactions worth nearly $1.5 billion, underscoring his ability to attract significant investments to the country.
His roles in government have included critical stints at the Ministries of Investments, Trade & Industry, East African Community, and Industrialization. These positions allowed him to engage directly with key stakeholders and develop strategic policies aimed at enhancing Kenya’s economic competitiveness.
Additionally, Mwendwa has held senior roles in the private sector, including with the Barclays Group in Kenya and South Africa, where he demonstrated a keen ability to navigate complex financial systems and drive organizational success.
Vision for KenInvest
Acknowledging his appointment, Mwendwa expressed gratitude and a strong commitment to his new role. “I am honored to be appointed to this role and am committed to leveraging my experience in the public and private sectors to drive investment growth and contribute to Kenya’s ongoing economic transformation,” he said.
Under his leadership, KenInvest is expected to further enhance its efforts to attract both domestic and foreign investments. His proven track record in improving business climates and executing large-scale reforms positions him well to advance KenInvest’s mission of fostering a thriving investment ecosystem in Kenya.
Academic and Professional Excellence
Mwendwa’s academic qualifications reflect a strong foundation in finance and leadership. He holds a Master’s degree in Finance from Strathmore University and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Finance) from Kenyatta University.
Further sharpening his leadership skills, Mwendwa has undergone executive training at prestigious institutions such as the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom and Harvard University in the United States. These programs have equipped him with a global perspective on economic development and business strategy.
Mwendwa’s professional affiliations include memberships in the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investments (CISI, UK) and the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), underscoring his commitment to maintaining high professional standards and staying abreast of industry trends.
A Promising Future
As he prepares to take the helm at KenInvest, Mwendwa’s vision and expertise are expected to guide the organization through a transformative era. His leadership is poised to attract significant investments, create employment opportunities, and solidify Kenya’s reputation as a premier investment destination on the global stage.
With his appointment, stakeholders are optimistic about KenInvest’s future and its ability to contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s economic growth and development.
