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ZIPPORAH CHEGE
CFO – ICEA LION
“I enjoy listening to audiobooks, watching documentaries, travelling, and networking. These are my sources of inspiration,” shares Zipporah Nyokabi Mungai-Chege, affectionately called ‘Zippy’ by those who know her well. A woman of many passions, Zipporah finds joy in activities that expand her horizons both intellectually and socially. This thirst for knowledge and connection has greatly influenced her professional journey, allowing her to rise to prominence as a finance expert.
Currently, Zipporah serves as Chief Finance Officer (CFO) at ICEA LION General Insurance Company. Her career trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by her relentless dedication to excellence, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of both local and global financial landscapes.
Zipporah’s tenure at ICEA LION has spanned over eight years, during which she has demonstrated her prowess in executing business strategies that drive profitable growth. Her meticulous attention to detail and strong finance background have given her a competitive edge, allowing her to oversee critical aspects such as financial reporting, investments management, credit control, and treasury functions. Beyond the day-to-day numbers, Zipporah offers strategic insights that contribute to the company’s decision-making process, driving both innovation and efficiency.
Her impact at ICEA LION extends beyond financial reporting and compliance. A champion of industry transformation, Zippy spearheaded the successful implementation of the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS 17) across the company’s general businesses in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This was no small feat, as it involved navigating complex regulatory landscapes while ensuring the company maintained its competitive edge in the market. Notably, ICEA LION has won several Financial Reporting Excellence Awards (FiRe), a testament to Zipporah’s commitment to excellence in financial stewardship.
Zipporah’s career foundation was built at Deloitte & Touche, where she worked for 12 years, rising through the ranks from an Audit Associate to Senior Audit Manager. Her early years were spent in Deloitte’s Mombasa office, a smaller operation compared to Nairobi, where she gained extensive experience handling audit, tax, and consulting assignments. Zipporah credits her time in Mombasa for shaping her holistic understanding of the business. During these formative years, she worked with clients in hospitality, shipping, and logistics, gaining invaluable experience that would later serve her well in her finance career.
In 2010, Zippy transitioned to Deloitte’s Nairobi office, where she was introduced to the financial services industry. This marked a turning point in her career, as she began working with some of Kenya’s largest financial institutions, including Africa Reinsurance Corporation, ICEA LION, Britam Group, and Family Bank. Her responsibilities as an Audit Senior Manager included overseeing audit plans, preparing board presentations, and driving business development initiatives. It was here that Zipporah honed her skills in client relationship management, financial strategy execution, and board-level communication.
Beyond her executive roles, Zipporah serves on the boards of several organisations. She is a Non-Executive Director at Kenya Nut Company, where she chairs the Finance, Audit, and Risk Committee. She also holds a Non-Executive Director position at Heri PLC, where she contributes as a Member of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Education has played a central role in shaping Zipporah’s career. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a focus on Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi (UoN), complementing her Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree in Accounting from the same institution. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K), she studied at Strathmore College and completed her CPA exams in 2002. Committed to lifelong learning, Zipporah has also undertaken CEO Masterclasses in Strategy at Cass Business School in London and earned certification as an Engagement and Productivity Coach from CDI Africa.
Her commitment to professional development extends to her memberships in the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and the Association of Women Accountants of Kenya (AWAK). Zipporah’s dedication to empowering women in leadership is also evident in her co-authorship of ‘She-Leads Volume 2’, a publication that highlights the achievements of women leaders across various sectors.
As a wife and mother of two boys, Zipporah embodies the delicate balance of personal and professional life. She has proven that with determination, passion, and resilience, it is possible to excel in both arenas. Her leadership style is characterised by empathy, integrity, and a strong commitment to building teams that thrive.
