Mohamed joins from Absa Bank Kenya, where he served as Country CEO and Managing Director. I&M Group Executive Director Sarit Raja Shah said his experience and understanding of the Kenyan and regional financial sector would support the bank's next phase of growth. Former interim CEO Kihara Maina resumes his role as Regional CEO of I&M Group.
I&M Group first announced the appointment in Nairobi on June 29, 2026, subject to CBK approval, after Mohamed left Absa. He has had a 32-year career with Absa and the former Barclays franchise, becoming Absa Bank Kenya CEO in May 2023 after serving as Managing Director and CEO of Absa Bank Tanzania. His tenure at Absa ended on June 30, 2026, and Absa named its Chief Financial Officer, Yusuf Omari, interim CEO from July 1.
In a notice to shareholders dated October 5, I&M Group said its board congratulated Mohamed and looks forward to working with him. The bank said he will focus on accelerating growth while putting customers and employees at the centre of its strategy.
The appointment adds to a wave of leadership changes in Kenya's banking sector this year. Family Bank, Commercial International Bank Kenya, Stanbic Bank Kenya, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya and Sidian Bank have all named new chief executives since January.
