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MWENDE KAUSYA
FORMER REGIONAL CFO – ACCESS BANK (KENYA) PLC
Many times, life’s journey takes us on paths we never anticipated. We may begin with one vision, only to find ourselves flourishing in an entirely different field, one that brings fulfilment and success beyond our original dreams. Such is the story of Mwende Kausya, a dynamic force in the finance world who began her career in IT before making a pivotal switch to finance.
Mwende is the former Regional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Access Bank (Kenya) PLC, a role that placed her at the helm of financial leadership across Eastern and Central Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Congo.
In this capacity, Mwende was responsible for driving the Group’s strategy in collaboration with the Regional Managing Director (MD) and respective country leaders. She provided regional functional leadership in finance, encompassing treasury management, financial reporting, regulatory oversight, and business performance. Her role also involved spearheading partnerships with financial institutions to drive liability growth and engaging with various Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to secure long-term debt for the region.
Mwende’s strategic acumen was instrumental in shaping the 2023-2027 strategic plan for Access Bank in her region. She streamlined processes, improving the timeliness of reporting to the Board, regulators, and the parent company. Additionally, she stayed committed to succession planning, focusing on creating an optimal finance structure and nurturing talent within the finance department.
Mwende’s sojourn into finance is quite interesting. Having attended Precious Blood Secondary School in Kilungu, she pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree at Egerton University, where she enrolled in 2003 with aspirations of becoming a Computer Scientist. Her academic journey was driven by a passion for technology and a desire to carve out a successful career in IT.
As fate would have it, in 2007, during her final year at university, a graduate recruitment opportunity at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) popped up. Curiosity led Mwende to apply, choosing an IT option, and though she was not initially committed to the idea, she found herself progressing through the interview stages with increasing interest.
The turning point came during one of the interviews at PwC, where an insightful discussion about the Assurance role reignited a long-dormant passion for numbers. It was at that moment that Mwende made the life-changing decision to switch from IT to Accounting, marking the beginning of her illustrious career in finance.
She joined PwC’s Graduate Recruitment Program and embarked on a journey that would span 13 years, during which she rose through the ranks to become Assurance Senior Manager. Her tenure at PwC included a two-year secondment in the United Kingdom (UK), where she honed her skills in financial services, particularly focusing on banks and insurance companies.
In 2020, Mwende made a bold move, leaving PwC to join one of her clients, Middle East Bank Kenya Limited, as its Head of Finance and Strategy. This role provided her with hands-on experience in corporate finance, including leading a significant project on affordable long-term finance debt. Her success in this role set the stage for her next career leap in May 2023, when she joined Access Bank (Kenya) PLC as Regional CFO.
Working for a Nigerian bank profoundly influenced Mwende’s outlook on life. She views the world as an oyster, believing that limitations are self-imposed and that with determination, one can achieve anything. Her involvement in acquisition transactions, including the high-profile acquisition of National Bank of Kenya (NBK) from KCB Bank, was a testament to her expertise and drive.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mwende finds strength and inspiration in her family. She is a devoted mother to three young daughters, including six-year-old twins and a four-year-old. Her weekends are joyfully spent with her children and husband, cherishing the phases of life they are navigating together. Mwende credits her family’s love and support for her success, noting that they are her anchor and her greatest motivation.
Outside of work and family, Mwende enjoys dancing and camping, hobbies that allow her to unwind and stay active. She has also taken up gymnastics, inspired by her daughters’ enthusiasm for the sport. Additionally, her husband’s passion for Formula 1, basketball, and soccer has rubbed off on her, and she now finds herself supporting his favourite teams and athletes.
Mwende Kausya’s successful journey from IT to finance is a powerful testament to the possibilities that lie in embracing change and pursuing one’s passions with vigour. Her ability to lead with both strategic insight and empathy makes her a force to reckon within the finance realm.
