#9
ESTHER WAITITU
CFSO – SAFARICOM PLC
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” These words resonate deeply with Esther Waititu Masese, a global-minded leader who believes that stepping beyond familiar borders opens new perspectives, fosters growth, and sharpens the tools of leadership.
As the Chief Financial Services Officer (CFSO) at Safaricom PLC, Esther embodies this philosophy daily, leveraging her international experience to steer one of Africa’s most innovative financial ecosystems towards greater inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability.
In her current role, Esther leads the strategic direction of M-PESA, Kenya’s pioneering mobile money platform that has redefined financial services across Africa. Since taking on the position in May 2023, she has been instrumental in M-PESA’s evolution from a payments’ platform into a full-suite financial services provider, offering credit, savings, insurance, and investment solutions to both individuals and businesses. Her mission is clear: to expand M-PESA’s reach, simplify access to financial tools, and empower communities to thrive in a digital world. “M-PESA is a lifeline for millions, and our goal is to continue breaking barriers, ensuring no one is left behind,” she shares.
Her influence extends beyond boardrooms; she recently spoke at the 12th Human Capital Ministerial Conclave during the World Bank Annual Meetings, advocating for youth skilling and women’s participation in technology-driven sectors. “The future belongs to those who are curious enough to learn and bold enough to lead,” she said during the event, emphasising the importance of mentorship, partnerships, and lifelong learning.
Esther’s professional journey is marked by a blend of ambition, adaptability, and strategic acumen. Her career began at Commercial Bank of Africa (now NCBA), where she supported critical projects such as government privatisation and corporate capital-raising initiatives. Her exceptional performance paved the way for her move to Standard Chartered Bank, where she played a pivotal role in establishing the banking partner network for the Johannesburg branch. While there, she helped structure trade finance solutions for key clients in South Africa and Botswana’s mining and telecommunications sectors.
Her career trajectory took her to Standard Bank Group, where she oversaw transaction banking in East Africa. During her tenure, she led the digitisation of the East African Tea Trading Association’s payment reconciliation system, streamlining processes for tea exporters and buyers across the region. At KCB Group, as Director of Corporate Banking, she spearheaded the development of tailor-made financial solutions for some of Kenya’s largest corporations. Her leadership style – defined by strategic foresight, collaborative problem-solving, and an unwavering focus on execution – helped her teams achieve impressive growth and operational efficiencies.
Esther’s commitment to lifelong learning is as evident as her passion for travel. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from the University of East Africa, Baraton, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Liverpool, and a Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching from the Academy of Executive Coaching (AoEC). Her academic pursuits have equipped her with a nuanced understanding of financial strategy, governance, and human-centric leadership – skills she applies daily at Safaricom.
Her influence extends into the boardroom, where she lends her expertise to organisations such as Sanlam East Africa Asset Management and African Alliance Kenya Asset Management. As a trustee for these firms, she offers guidance on financial management, governance, and sustainable business practices.
Esther attributes her strong work ethic and values-driven leadership to her late grandmother, who instilled in her the virtues of resilience, integrity, and courage. “She taught me that knowledge is a gift, but sharing it is a responsibility,” Esther often reflects. This belief fuels her dedication to mentorship, especially for women and youth in the financial technology sector.
When she’s not immersed in strategy meetings or industry panels, Esther enjoys traveling the world to experience new cultures, meet diverse people, and gain insights that shape her leadership approach. She finds joy in sharing her African heritage while learning from others, seeing travel as both a professional development tool and a personal passion.
As Safaricom marks 25 years of transformative impact and M-PESA turns 18, Esther Masese Waititu remains a driving force behind the company’s purpose of transforming lives by simplifying financial services and enhancing digital inclusion. With a leadership style rooted in empathy, curiosity, and global perspective, she continues to chart new paths, proving that when leaders embrace continuous learning and cultural exchange, they don’t just grow their organisations – they elevate entire communities.
AUTHOR: DR. HANNINGTONE GAYA
EDITOR: KAREN NDUKU
