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CLIFFORD MACHOKA
SENIOR DIRECTOR – PUBLIC AFFAIRS, COMMUNICATIONS & SUSTAINABILITY – EAST & CENTRAL AFRICA, COCA-COLA
As renowned American actress Lily Tomlin states, “The road to success is always under construction,” These words encapsulate Clifford Machoka’s journey, whose career has been shaped by relentless dedication, resilience, and a visionary approach to leadership. Clifford’s rise to prominence as the Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability for Coca-Cola is a testament to his unwavering commitment to driving meaningful change. His ability to innovate in the face of challenges, amplify the impact of those around him, and lead with purpose underscores the journey of a leader who has navigated through global organisations and diverse industries, always with an eye on progress.
A man of many talents, Clifford’s academic qualifications alone make an impressive statement. He holds a Master’s of Law (LLM) degree in Globalisation and Law with a specialisation in International Trade Law from Maastricht University, Netherlands, alongside an undergraduate Honours Law Degree (BA, LLB) from NALSAR University of Law in India. Additionally, he earned an Executive Certificate in Business Sustainability Management from Cambridge University and completed the Business Leadership and Strategy program from the Fast Forward Leadership Program. A practicing lawyer and advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Clifford’s legal background has provided a solid foundation for the diverse roles he has undertaken in his career.
Clifford’s professional journey spans more than a decade of invaluable experience across industries such as international organisations, regional trade blocs, legal, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and media. He began his career with a traineeship at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland, which set the stage for his future trajectory. Over the years, Clifford’s expertise has expanded to regulatory affairs, government relations, public policy and advocacy, strategic communications, sustainability, media relations, and partnership development. His deep understanding of the political, socio-economic, and business dynamics within East & Central Africa, the Horn of Africa, and the Indian Ocean Islands has made him a highly sought-after leader.
In 2012, Clifford joined British American Tobacco (BAT) as Regulatory Affairs Manager for the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC), before taking on roles such as Government Affairs Manager, Kenya, and Regulatory Affairs Manager for East African markets. These formative years helped him hone his skills in navigating complex regulatory landscapes, building strategic relationships, and advocating for policies that drive growth.
In 2016, he moved to Nation Media Group (NMG) as Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, where he expanded his influence further, overseeing external affairs and marketing while also leading the Nation Media Foundation. One of his most remarkable accomplishments at NMG was his instrumental role in the creation of the Kusi Ideas Festival, a Pan-African platform that has fostered a vibrant marketplace for ideas, innovation, and collaboration. During his tenure, the festival attracted thousands of delegates across Africa and beyond, positioning NMG as a powerhouse in promoting Africa’s vision on the global stage. The success of the festival was not just limited to its impressive reach but also to the recognition it earned, including first place at the International News Media Association (INMA) Global Media Awards in the ‘Best Use of an Event to Build a News Brand’ category.
In 2021, Clifford took his next step in his career by joining Coca-Cola as Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability for East and Central Africa. Here, his role involves leading all public affairs, government relations, strategic communications, and sustainability programs across a dynamic and diverse region. His ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and create impactful, sustainable initiatives has made him a central figure in Coca-Cola’s growth and success in the region.
Clifford’s leadership style is nothing short of inspiring. He believes in leading with empathy, putting people at the center of every decision. His innovative mindset enables him to transform challenges into opportunities, crafting solutions that deliver measurable results and advance both business objectives and community impact. His values – passion, dedication, resilience, innovation, and collaboration – are evident in everything he does. Whether it’s advancing sustainable business practices or spearheading initiatives that benefit communities, Clifford’s work is guided by a deep sense of purpose and responsibility.
Beyond the boardrooms, Clifford is a devoted family man and a passionate sports enthusiast. He is a loving father of three and an avid participant in athletics and basketball, with a penchant for fitness and travel. Clifford and his wife are deeply committed to giving back to society, regularly volunteering in children’s homes and instilling these values in their children. His holistic approach to life – balancing professional excellence with personal fulfillment – has shaped him into the well-rounded leader he is today.
Clifford’s commitment to lifelong learning and growth is another defining feature of his career. As a proud Seventh-day Adventist (SDA), his faith is central to his life, providing the spiritual guidance that grounds him in all his endeavours. He attributes much of his success to the mentorship he has received from remarkable individuals throughout his career, including industry stalwarts such as Joe Muganda, Dr. Wilfred Kiboro, and the Honorable Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga.
Among his most notable contributions is his leadership of the 2022 Kenya Presidential Debates Secretariat. The event, hailed as one of the best in Africa, attracted millions of viewers and raised critical national awareness on key issues facing Kenya. Clifford’s ability to lead a diverse team of over 300 media professionals to execute a flawless event showcased his talent for high-pressure situations and his ability to mobilize resources towards achieving large-scale impact.
As one of the top most impactful C-suite executives in 2025, Clifford Machoka stands as a beacon of leadership, resilience, and impact – qualities that will continue to define his remarkable journey.
AUTHOR: CLIFFORD MACHOKA
EDITOR: KAREN NDUKU
