Centum Investments: Thomas Omondi Named Interim CEO Kenya

• Thomas Omondi-Achola has been appointed as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Centum Investments, effective immediately.
• This appointment follows the departure of James Mworia, who has become the inaugural CEO of Kenya's National Infrastructure Fund (NIF).
• Omondi-Achola previously served as Centum's Partner, Portfolio Operations and Group Chief Operating Officer since 2018, bringing extensive experience from Kenya Airways.
• The NIF, approved by the National Assembly, aims to mobilize nearly Sh5 trillion over the next decade to finance critical infrastructure projects.
• Mworia's immediate priorities at the NIF include setting up its organization, mobilizing co-investment capital, and building a project pipeline.

The NIF is designed to leverage both public and private sector financing, drawing funds from government allocations, private investment, proceeds from privatization, as well as grants and loans.

Centum Investments has announced the appointment of Thomas Omondi-Achola as its Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, a move effective immediately. This leadership change follows the departure of James Mworia, who has taken on a new national role. Mr. Omondi-Achola, who has served as Centum's Partner, Portfolio Operations and Group Chief Operating Officer since 2018, steps into the interim CEO position to ensure seamless strategic momentum and operational continuity for the investment firm in Kenya. This appointment aligns with the company's established succession plan, providing stability during this transition period.

Mr. Omondi-Achola brings extensive experience to his new role. Prior to joining Centum, he dedicated over 13 years to Kenya Airways, where he held a variety of executive positions. His tenure at the airline included roles such as Chief Transformation Officer, Director of Strategy and Performance Management, Acting Chief Commercial Officer, and General Manager of Jambojet. He also managed critical operational and human resources functions, serving as Head of Operations Control, Head of HR Business Partners, and Head of IT Development. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and an MBA in Finance from the University of Nairobi, complemented by an MBA in General Management from IESE Business School in Spain. He is also recognized as a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and a RIKA Fellow.

Donald Kaberuka, the Centum Board Chair, acknowledged Mr. Mworia's significant contributions while expressing confidence in Mr. Omondi-Achola's ability to oversee the company during this period. The Centum Investments CEO appointment of Mr. Omondi-Achola as the Thomas Omondi Centum interim CEO Kenya underscores the board's commitment to maintaining strong leadership and operational efficiency, even as key personnel transition to new responsibilities. The board extended its profound appreciation to Mr. Mworia for his long-standing service, noting his new national assignment as a testament to his exceptional leadership capabilities.

The leadership change at Centum was prompted by James Mworia's appointment as the inaugural CEO of the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), a pivotal development for Kenya's economic landscape. Mr. Mworia officially commenced his duties at the NIF on Monday, immediately after concluding his tenure at Centum. His initial priorities in this crucial role include establishing the fund's organizational structure, developing its systems and workforce, cultivating its institutional culture, actively mobilizing co-investment capital, and building a robust pipeline of infrastructure projects across the nation.

Mr. Mworia's selection for this significant position was part of a broader set of appointments to the NIF Board. He was among six individuals named to the board on July 9, 2026, by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. The other distinguished members appointed to the NIF Board include Fahima Ali Ahmed Zein, Christopher Kibui Maranga, Latoya Ouna, Lawrence Kibet, and Mohammed Abdirahman Hassan. This collective expertise is poised to guide the strategic direction of the newly established fund.

The Kenya National Infrastructure Fund establishment received approval from the National Assembly earlier this year, signaling a major governmental initiative. The fund has an ambitious target of mobilizing nearly Sh5 trillion over the next decade. This substantial capital is earmarked for financing a wide array of critical infrastructure projects, encompassing highways, railways, ports, agribusiness infrastructure, and energy systems, all vital for the country's development.

The establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) and the appointment of James Mworia as its CEO represent a significant strategic shift in Kenya's approach to national development. The NIF is designed to leverage both public and private sector financing, drawing funds from government allocations, private investment, proceeds from privatization, as well as grants and loans. This diversified funding model aims to ensure the sustainability and scale required to undertake large-scale, transformative projects across various sectors.

This development holds significant implications for legal and financial professionals involved in project finance, public-private partnerships, and investment in infrastructure. The NIF's mandate to mobilize substantial capital and its focus on a broad spectrum of infrastructure projects will undoubtedly create new opportunities and necessitate careful consideration of regulatory frameworks and investment structures. The fund's success in attracting co-investment capital will be crucial for achieving its ambitious targets and driving economic growth.

While Centum ensures operational continuity through its Centum succession plan and the appointment of an interim CEO, the broader national focus shifts towards the NIF's potential to reshape Kenya's infrastructure landscape. The fund's ability to effectively set up its operations, attract diverse funding, and execute its project pipeline will be a key determinant of its impact on the nation's long-term economic prosperity and its standing as a hub for regional development.

The appointment of an interim CEO at Centum ensures leadership continuity for existing legal relationships and transactions. However, the departure of the former CEO to lead the new National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) signals a major development in Kenya's infrastructure financing, which lawyers advising on project finance, public-private partnerships, or investment in infrastructure should closely monitor for new opportunities and regulatory implications.

Source: Original reporting via Capital FM