Michael Mutiga Returns to Banking as Stanbic Bank Kenya CEO
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has approved the appointment of Michael Mutiga as the Stanbic Bank Kenya CEO, completing the lender’s leadership transition that began earlier this year.
Mutiga takes over the role in August 2026 after returning to the banking sector following four years at Safaricom, where he served as Chief Business Development and Strategy Officer from May 2022 to June 2026.
At Safaricom, Mutiga was responsible for business development and transformation, including strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, funding strategy and asset optimisation.
He was also involved in the telecommunications company’s financing activities, including a multi-billion-shilling sustainability-linked loan completed in 2023.
Michael Mutiga’s Banking Experience
Mutiga brings more than 20 years of experience across corporate finance, investment banking, telecommunications and digital financial services.
Before joining Safaricom, he spent more than 15 years at Citigroup, where he progressed through senior roles in corporate and investment banking.
He became Managing Director and Head of Corporate Finance for Sub-Saharan Africa, overseeing transaction origination, capital markets advisory and structured finance activities across the region.
Earlier, he served as Managing Director and Head of Corporate Banking in Kenya, where he led Citi’s corporate and investment banking operations.
Mutiga began his career in investment banking at Barclays, now Absa, where he progressed to Regional Coverage Head for East Africa in the investment banking division.
What Michael Mutiga Brings to Stanbic Bank Kenya
Mutiga’s appointment brings together his banking, corporate finance and strategy experience at a time when banks are expanding their digital services and deepening relationships with corporate and retail customers.
At Stanbic Bank Kenya, he is expected to focus on digital transformation, customer relationship development and the lender’s broader corporate growth strategy.
His previous roles have included capital markets, syndications, project finance, mergers and acquisitions, strategy execution and large-scale operations.
His experience at Safaricom also gives him exposure to the intersection between banking, telecommunications and digital financial services, areas that continue to shape Kenya’s financial sector.
Education and Professional Qualifications
Mutiga holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Laws in Corporate Finance and International Law from Temple University’s James E. Beasley School of Law in the United States.
He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a Certified Public Secretary, combining his financial-sector experience with legal and corporate governance training.
Awards and Industry Recognition
Mutiga has received the Corporate Banker of the Year award five times during his career.
He was also recognised among the Top 40 Under 40 for three years, reflecting his progression through senior banking and corporate leadership positions.
