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KATHRYNE MAUNDU
GROUP DIRECTOR – LEGAL & COMPANY SECRETARY, NCBA GROUP PLC
“The practice of law is a noble profession, but it is not enough to be a good lawyer; one must also be a good businessperson.” This sentiment, often echoed by legal professionals who have transitioned into leadership roles, is epitomised by Kathryne Maundu. No wonder she has numerous recognitions under her belt, including being named one of Kenya’s Top 40 Under 40 Women by the influential Business Daily newspaper.
In her professional journey to date, Kathryne has demonstrated that legal expertise and business acumen go hand-in-hand, shaping her exceptional career as a leader in corporate governance and legal affairs.
Currently serving as Group Director – Legal & Company Secretary for NCBA Group PLC, Kathryne is at the helm of this leading financial services company’s legal and corporate governance strategies. Her role ensures that the Group adheres to the highest standards of legal compliance, making her indispensable to NCBA Group’s legal and business operational success. Her ability to streamline governance processes and simplify complex legal frameworks has made her a most sought after and trusted advisor to both internal teams and external stakeholders. “I have always believed in the importance of simplifying complex concepts and tailoring policies to meet specific business needs,” she reflects, showcasing her pragmatic approach to governance and law.
Kathryne’s journey is marked by a series of notable achievements across both public and private sectors. At Deloitte, she played a pivotal role in improving the debtor collection cycle in Tanzania, reducing it from over 12 months to just one. This achievement not only brought operational efficiency but also earned her recognition within the firm, including a cash award for her efforts in recovering a debt exceeding USD 40,000 that had been outstanding for over four years.
Her accomplishments at Deloitte Uganda are equally impressive. By negotiating successfully with Stanbic Bank to provide share registration services for over 25,000 shareholders, Kathryne secured a key account for the company, ensuring a guaranteed annual revenue of USD 50,000. These successes highlight her exceptional skill in building strong business relationships and identifying opportunities that align with the strategic goals of the organisation.
In 2020, Kathryne facilitated the leadership transitions of three Managing Directors/CEOs at Safaricom, British American Tobacco (BAT), and East African Breweries (EABL). She liaised with boards, offered regulatory advice, and ensured the necessary approvals were obtained, making the transitions seamless and efficient. This role underscored her deep understanding of corporate governance and her ability to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics.
Kathryne holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Nairobi (UoN) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law (KSL). She earned a Postgraduate Certificate in International Business Law from the University of London, further expanding her expertise in the global legal landscape. Beyond this, Kathryne is an accredited Governance.
Auditor and a Certified Public Secretary (CPS). She also holds a Corporate Governance Certification from the Women on Boards Network (WOBN), reflecting her dedication to advancing the role of women in leadership.
Kathryne’s leadership style is characterised by her strategic thinking and her ability to simplify governance structures to foster efficiency and clarity. This was particularly evident in her time at Stamford Corporate Services LLP – Bowman’s, where she championed the establishment of robust governance structures and delivered top-tier company secretarial solutions across East Africa. Her work in pioneering compliance management and reporting processes for businesses in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda has had a lasting impact on these organisations, positioning them for long-term success.
Kathryne serves as a director at the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) and is deeply involved in the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICS-K), and the WOBN.
In her personal life, Kathryne balances her demanding career with a love for family, travel, and community engagement. Her interest in fostering positive change extends beyond the workplace, where she is known for her efforts to mentor young professionals and champion diversity in business leadership. Kathryne’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Kathryne Maundu stands as a prime example of how a lawyer in the C-suite can bring tremendous value to an organisation. Through her ability to merge legal expertise with business strategy, she is poised to continue influencing the future of legal and governance practices across the region.
AUTHOR: MARTIN O’NEIL
EDITOR: DR. HANNINGTONE GAYA
