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MONICAH KIHIA
GROUP DIRECTOR HUMAN RESOURCES AND CULTURE NCBA GROUP
In the fast-paced world of banking, where technology evolves overnight and customers expect more every day, it takes a special kind of leader to keep a company grounded in its most valuable asset: its people. For NCBA Group, that leader is CHRP Monicah Kihia, Group Director of Human Resources and Culture. Monicah Kihia marks 11 incredible years at NCBA Group since she joined in July 2014. As she reflects on the years she has served, she remains anchored with her personal Mantra: PDL; Purpose, Difference and Legacy. With over 30 years of experience in Banking and Human resources, Monicah has partnered with talented professionals across Africa to drive Business success by fostering a Culture of Excellence, Empowering People and Delivering Outstanding Leadership.
Monicah’s professional journey began with a strong foundation in human resources, where she quickly distinguished herself through her strategic thinking and people-first approach. Over the years, she held various HR roles that allowed her to build expertise in talent management, organizational development, and employee engagement. Her ability to align HR practices with business goals earned her recognition and paved the way for her to senior leadership positions.
Monicah holds a bachelor’s degree in education (Mathematics and Economics) after which she switched to a different career path to venture into master’s degree in Human Resources management from the University of Nairobi.
Monicah’s move at NCBA Group since Oct 2019 marked a turning point in her career. She was tasked with transforming the bank’s HR landscape and strengthening its culture, she saw more than a challenge, she saw an opportunity to redefine what it meant to put people at the center of business success.
Prior to joining NCBA, she was the Deputy Head of the HR for E.A and Head of Learning and Development for Sub-Saharan Africa at Citi Bank responsible for providing Leadership in the human capital and organizational development functions. During NIC Group PLC and CBA Group merger in 2019, Monicah orchestrated HR integration, bringing together over 3000 employees across 5 countries. While at NCBA, she has had notable achievements through her leadership, Monicah has created and implemented “NCBA Go Getter Culture” and a unique Employee Value Proposition, aligning with company purpose of “Inspiring Greatness Every day.” Monicah Kihia has created job opportunities for entry level positions through her launch of NCBA Go Getter Internship Program, enhancing talent pipeline with over 100 interns annually.
She has also elevated NCBA Groups employer brand, recognized in Universum Employer Brand Survey 2016. Monicah led the organization to bag 2nd Runners up in the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) Best Place to Work Award (2019) in Working Environment category. Monicah Kihia has continuously rolled out comprehensive performance management and reward strategies, hence improving employee productivity and retention. On a personal level she was recognized as Top HR Business Leader for the month of February 2025 by The Governance & Business Boardroom. She was crowned as the Director of HR for the Year 2019 and 2nd Runners Up in 2024 by Institute of Human Resources Management (IHRM) in Kenya, achievements she is most proud of.
At NCBA, Monicah has been on a mission: to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and success and the approach focuses on; Strategic People Management – she aligns HR strategies with business goals to create an environment where employees are not only engaged but also empowered to excel, Culture Building – She cultivates a resilient and inclusive company culture that drives innovation, collaboration and a strong sense of belonging, and Leadership Empowerment – she is partnering with executives to develop leadership strategies that resonate, inspire, and lead to measurable business results. She’s the driving force behind NCBA’s client-driven, staff competence model, which focuses on continuous learning and a shared sense of purpose.
For Monicah Kihia, workplace culture isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the soul of an organization. She has worked passionately to nurture a culture rooted in accountability, empathy, and excellence. Whether it’s through initiatives like Customer Service Week or daily interactions across teams, Monicah ensures that NCBA’s values are lived, not just listed.
But perhaps most inspiring is how she’s become a role model for women in leadership. She emphasizes that there is need to create an inclusive culture; one where women feel supported, valued, appreciated and empowered to succeed at all levels of the organization. NCBA has launched and unveiled 15 sustainable commitments, diversity and inclusion is one of them. Under her leadership, NCBA has incorporated a gender ratio and currently they are at 50:50 male to female.
In a world that’s constantly changing, Monicah Kihia remains a steady, inspiring force, guiding NCBA with wisdom, authenticity, and an unwavering belief that investing in people is the surest path to success. Her story is still being written, but the impact of her leadership is already felt in every corner of NCBA.
