Absa Bank Kenya has confirmed Yusuf Omari as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The board announced the decision on September 10, 2026, after securing the necessary regulatory and internal approvals.
Omari is not new to the role. He has been running the bank on an interim basis since July 1, 2026. Before that, he spent 17 years as the bank’s Chief Financial Officer, a post he took up in 2009.
A Long Run at the Top of Finance
Omari’s career at Absa Kenya spans more than two decades, covering finance, treasury, risk management, governance, strategy and transformation.
As CFO, he is credited with improving the bank’s cost-to-income ratio, optimizing its capital position, and backing the growth of its Corporate and Investment Banking, Business Banking, and Consumer Banking units. He also pushed digital transformation and ecosystem banking projects during his tenure.
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His Background
Omari holds a degree in Economics and an MBA. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya and completed the Advanced Management Programme run jointly by Strathmore University and IESE Business School.
Board Chairman Mohammed Nyaoga pointed to Omari’s track record and his familiarity with the Kenyan market as reasons for the board’s confidence in him.
“Yusuf’s appointment reflects his proven ability to lead, deliver sustainable growth and create long-term value. 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.”
Saviour Chibiya, Absa Group’s Regional Executive for East Africa, described Omari as a leader who has made a real 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. We have every confidence in Yusuf as he takes on the leadership of Absa Bank Kenya and wish him every success in this important role.”
Omari himself said his priority now is deepening customer relationships, accelerating growth, and investing in the bank’s people.
“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. 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.”
