#4
DR. PETER NDEGWA
MANAGING DIRECTOR & CEO, SAFARICOM PLC
Without strong values, true leadership is impossible, and Dr. Peter Ndegwa exemplifies this principle in his role at Safaricom PLC, East Africa’s leading telco. Since becoming Managing Director (MD) and CEO in 2020, Ndegwa has consistently demonstrated integrity and humility, two guiding principles in his leadership. Upon his appointment, he emphasised the importance of integrity, which he defined as “…doing what you say,” and humility, knowing, “…there is always something more you can do.”
Ndegwa’s leadership stands out for its human-centric nature, placing the needs of all stakeholders at the heart of Safaricom’s strategy. His focus on listening to the voices of various stakeholders has ensured that Safaricom’s business model aligns with their needs, from employees to investors. This has fostered a culture of inclusivity, where everyone feels valued, supported, and integral to the company’s success. This people-first philosophy has also played a significant role in Safaricom’s ability to remain competitive and agile in an ever-evolving industry.
One of Ndegwa’s most noteworthy achievements has been leading Safaricom’s successful expansion into Ethiopia in 2022, marking a historic step for the company as it ventured into one of Africa’s largest untapped telco markets. Under Ndegwa’s visionary leadership, Safaricom Ethiopia has experienced significant growth, attaining 6.1 million 90-day active customers within the network. In just 18 months, Safaricom Ethiopia has managed to cover 46 percent of the population with its network services, positioning the company as a key player in Ethiopia’s fast-developing telco industry. Additionally, its mobile money platform M-PESA, another pillar of Safaricom’s success, has already reached over 8.3 million registered users in Ethiopia – a remarkable feat that reflects Ndegwa’s strategic foresight and ability to navigate new markets successfully.
His commitment to innovation and sustainability has also been a defining feature of his leadership at Safaricom. In 2023, the company attained a KES 15 billion sustainability-linked loan (SLL), the largest of its kind in East Africa, as part of its broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts. In September 2024, the Telco secured an additional KES 15 billion SSL enabling it to diversify its investments while managing its environmental impact. A key initiative within this framework is the company’s plan to convert 5,000 sites to solar power by 2025, an ambitious project that demonstrates Ndegwa’s long-term vision for a more sustainable future.
Under his leadership, Safaricom’s has continued to deepen efforts in its engagement with the community, a core tenet of his human-centric leadership. Through the Safaricom Foundation and the M-PESA Foundation, the company has continued to support initiatives in health, education, economic empowerment as well as humanitarian efforts. One of the most impactful initiatives under Ndegwa’s leadership has been the Ndoto Zetu (Our Dreams) program, which empowers hundreds of Kenyans to spearhead community-driven projects.
Ndegwa’s vision extends to supporting youth and talent development through sports and digital education initiatives. The Safaricom Chapa Dimba grassroots football platform, launched in 2018, continues to thrive under his leadership. The 2023 season, branded “Cheza Kama Wewe” (Play Like You), saw more than 4,000 games played by 3,353 teams, with over 60,000 players participating across Kenya. For the first time, Safaricom introduced GPS sports vests powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and provide real-time data for over 1,000 players, a groundbreaking move that has elevated the level of competition and opened doors for young talent to be scouted.
Ndegwa’s leadership is further marked by a strong commitment to leveraging digital innovation as a catalyst for socioeconomic development. In partnership with Britam and Google, Safaricom has extended its reach to offer digital and financial literacy training to over 4,000 Kenyans. This emphasis on digital inclusion aligns with Ndegwa’s broader vision of creating a more connected and technologically advanced Kenya. In the agricultural sector, Safaricom’s role in digitising the country’s fertiliser subsidy program has benefited over 5.5 million farmers, further enhancing the company’s contribution to national development.
Born in Nyeri, Kenya, in 1969, Ndegwa’s journey to the helm of Safaricom is rooted in a deep commitment to education, global experience, and the influence of his formative years. His parents played a crucial role in shaping his values of integrity, hard work, and purpose, which have been key to his leadership approach. Ndegwa attended Starehe Boys’ Centre and School, where he encountered influential mentors like the late Dr. Geoffrey Griffin, whose guidance enriched his development as a leader.
He pursued a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Economics at the University of Nairobi (UoN), followed by professional certification as a Chartered Public Accountant (CPA) through the Institute of Chartered Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).
His career began at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he quickly rose through the ranks to become an Audit Manager. His ambition and drive led him to relocate to London, United Kingdom (UK), as part of PwC’s talent development program. While in London, Ndegwa pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Finance and Strategy from the London School of Business, further expanding his expertise in corporate advisory and project management.
Ndegwa’s global experience continued to grow as he took on senior roles in European and American banks and insurance companies, eventually becoming Associate Director and Senior Manager in corporate advisory.
After a decade at PwC, Ndegwa returned to Kenya to join East African Breweries PLC (EABL) as the Strategy Director, later becoming Finance Director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). His experience in shaping corporate strategy and overseeing key business initiatives prepared him for the next stage of his career.
Ndegwa subsequently took on the role of CEO for Diageo subsidiaries Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC and Guinness Nigeria PLC, where his leadership led to significant growth for both companies. His success in these roles earned him a global leadership position as Diageo’s MD for Continental Europe, overseeing operations in 50 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
In recognition of his significant contributions to business and leadership, Ndegwa was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Management from Meru University of Science and Technology, officially bestowing him the title of Dr. Peter Ndegwa.
Ndegwa’s rich international exposure, coupled with his deep understanding of the transformative power of education and mentorship, made him the ideal candidate to be the first Kenyan to lead Safaricom. His global outlook, combined with a commitment to local impact, has enabled him to navigate Safaricom’s ambitious expansion plans while ensuring that the company remains deeply connected to its Kenyan roots. As a thought leader, Ndegwa embodies the balance of effectiveness and human-centricity, making him a driving force behind Safaricom’s continued success.
Nationally, Dr. Peter Ndegwa is frequently called upon by the President of Kenya to lead various working groups, spanning both industry and CSR initiatives, including chairing the National Steering Committee on Drought Response now the National Steering Committee on Disaster Response.
AUTHOR: KAREN NDUKU
EDITOR: ASHLEY NGANGA
