Esther Waititu, Chief Financial Services Officer, Safaricom

Esther Waititu is the Chief Financial Services Officer at Safaricom PLC, a purpose-led technology company providing a wide range of services and solutions, including mobile voice, messaging, data, financial and converged services, and digital services that enable commercial and personal platforms as well as ecosystem partnerships. It is also the pioneer of M-PESA, the world’s most developed mobile money payment system.

 As a seasoned business leader, Esther is passionate about the transformation of financial services for the community and has built a strong track record of transforming individuals and businesses on their respective growth journeys. 

 She joined Safaricom PLC in May 2023, having previously served as the Director, Corporate Banking at KCB Group where was responsible for the delivery of financial solutions to corporate clients in Kenya. Over the last 20 years she has gained a wealth of experience in the financial services industry where she held senior leadership positions in Standard Bank Group, Standard Chartered Bank and NCBA having worked and lived in Kenya, Zambia and South Africa.

Esther continues to lead economic empowerment activities for the community in her current role as the Chief Financial Services Officer at Safaricom PLC by providing strategic leadership and oversight for financial solutions via M-PESA. She leads the Financial Services team in the development of financial products, services and solutions for consumers, enterprises and corporates through M-PESA. 

She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of East Africa, Baraton and a Master of Business Administration from University of Liverpool, UK. She is also an AoEC Accredited Executive Coach.