The Abojani annual Economic Empowerment Conference brought together thought leaders from finance, entrepreneurship, technology, and real estate. Here’s a recap of the key highlights from its 4th edition..
Here’s what the thought leaders shared:
1. Elizabeth Irungu – CEO, Absa Asset Management Limited
“Money market funds are a great place to start, but they’re not the destination for building sustainable wealth.”
“When you get a windfall (an unexpected large sum of money):
- Sober up
- Get proper advice objective advice with no conflict of interest
- Don’t make hurried decisions put the money in a liquid asset”
2. Rose Muturi – Managing Director East Africa, Branch International
“If you lack information, it’s not because it’s not available, it’s because you are not looking for it. If it’s important to you, you will find time to do it.”
“High emotions mean low intelligence. Calm down before making your next financial decision.”
3. Peter Wachira Maina – CEO & Principal Officer, ICEA Lion Trust Company
“By 2018, in Nairobi High Court alone, there were more than 13,000 family succession cases ongoing. This shows why we must take succession planning and estate administration seriously.”
“Most challenges in succession aren’t about the wealth itself but stem from poor communication, lack of trust within families, and inadequate training of successors.”
4. Robert Kibaara – CEO, HF Group
He highlighted his perspective on SME financing: strong record-keeping and solid business knowledge are essential for securing funding.
“What’s the biggest financial mistake I’ve ever made? It was investing in a business I wasn’t actively involved in, and hiring a relative to run it. The result? A loss of KES 9 million.”
5. Esther Masese – Chief Financial Services Officer, Safaricom PLC
“Look at your M-Pesa statement. You might be shocked by how much money you turn over in a year. You may also be surprised by how much you could potentially save. These are crucial data points. When thinking about your big vision or what you want to achieve in the next 5–10 years, remember that it all starts with the financial choices you make today. Use the digital tools at your disposal to plan and manage your finances wisely.”
“If you don’t know where to cut your money when a shock happens, then you’re truly shocked.”
6. Isaac Ngunjiri – Home Loan Specialist, Absa Bank Kenya
He shared perspectives on Kenya’s growing mortgage market and emphasized thorough due diligence:
“Cutting corners, such as bypassing professional valuations or legal reviews, can result in costly mistakes. Ensure you do your homework in real estate investments.”
7. Kenneth Mbae – Managing Director, Centum Real Estate
“Real estate continues to be a powerful vehicle for building lasting wealth and creating a generational legacy.”
“Investing in real estate is one of the ways you can leave a legacy for your future generations. For instance, if you own a home or rental property, you can pass it down to your children and grandchildren, providing them with a place to live or a steady income for years to come.”
“For a retail investor, residential properties have an easier entry point and simpler financing options.”
“Educating your generation on real estate ensures continuous growth and sustainability of real estate beyond one generation.”
“Real estate remains one of the most reliable paths to sustainable wealth creation and generational legacy.”
8. Juliet Sospeter – Personal Finance Coach
“Homeownership is a deeply personal decision, and like all investments, it comes with risks.”
Juliet emphasized that buying a home is not just a financial choice,it’s a personal one that should align with your life goals, lifestyle, and long-term plans. She also noted that, while owning a home can be a powerful wealth-building tool, it should not come at the expense of financial balance.
9. John Paul Okwiri – CEO, Konza Technopolis Development Authority
“As entrepreneurs, without research, we weren’t able to innovate.”
He highlighted the Jitume Digital Enablement Program as a platform to help SMEs adopt digital tools and enhance business operations.
10. Isaac Owilla – Group Director, Technology & Operations, NCBA Group
“I work in a bank that said #GoForIt. We are all about bringing products that inspire growth and change in our customers.”
“I build solutions not for myself, but for my customers. The customer journey has to work for them, hence the need for continuous iterations.”
“Try doing the things that everybody else seems to fail at. Excel at it and emerge on top.”
11. Caren Musungu – Senior Probation Officer, State Department of Probation and Correctional Services
“Whatever is popular, brings popular results. And I would encourage you to go above what is expected of you.”
“I went above what was expected of me. I did the hard things. It’s what separated the ordinary from the extraordinary. Training was hard, but I never wanted to do average, I wanted to do the extraordinary.”
12. Phyllis Migwi – Country General Manager, Microsoft
“One of the things we require right now is curiosity and the choice to become a lifelong learner.”
“I started my career in finance, but I have spent the last 20 years in technology.”
“Upskilling & re-skilling is key to define what you are bringing to the table & how far you are willing to go.”
13. John Mwangi – CEO, Tai Sacco Society Ltd
“When you join a SACCO, don’t necessarily go for the high dividends. High dividends don’t necessarily indicate that a SACCO is doing very well. Paying dividends without profits drains your resources.”
14. Steven Maleche – Head of Research, Old Mutual Investment Group
“Key indicators to watch in the local economy:
Are banks back to lending to the economy?
Are there more job opportunities and fewer people being auctioned?
Key sectors to consider when investing: Financial sector, Agriculture sector, Technology sector.”
15. Esther Waweru – Muchai – Senior Portfolio Manager, ICEA LION Asset Management
“All investment options have cycles. That’s why, as an investor, you need resilience to withstand the ups and downs.”
Diversification is very important — it helps investors maintain stability and resilience in any market condition.
16. Dr. Dan Gikonyo – Chief Cardiologist & Founder, The Karen Hospital
“If you want to succeed in business, you need three things: an Idea, Finance, and Consistency.”
“Find something you enjoy, and with time, it may also bring you financial rewards.”
IFC Principle:
✅ Idea – Dare to dream and start with a viable business idea.
✅ Finances – Approach financiers with a convincing pitch.
✅ Consistency – Stay on course; build your business brick by brick.
17. John Gachora – Group CEO & MD, NCBA Group
“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify and think long-term when making your investments.”
“There are times when something fails, but another thing will work.”
Key tips: Diversification, Resilience, Risk awareness
18. Raphael Agung’ – Group Director Global Markets & Chief Economist, NCBA Group
“In an uncertain world, households and businesses go through significant challenges, testing their resilience every day.”
Adaptability and financial literacy are keys to surviving and thriving in uncertain times.
19. Julius Ouma – CEO, Faulu Microfinance Bank
“The number 1 risk to any business is the entrepreneur themselves.”
“Keeping up with the digital world is essential to keep businesses relevant; attention is the newest form of currency.”
“As an entrepreneur, you need to think of a partner who can pay attention to you. It will be central to your success.”
20. Kennedy Odenyo – Assistant General Manager, Business Development, ICEA LION Life Assurance Ltd
“Retirement is wonderful when you have ‘much to live on’ and ‘much to live for.’ It’s not just about financial stability, but also about having purpose and fulfillment in your life after work.”
“Whether you act on it or not, retirement is still approaching. So, the real question is, are you taking charge?”
“Start early you have ample time for your savings and investments to grow into a substantial amount.”
“By retirement, your productivity may have reduced. This is the time to rest and enjoy life. In retirement, cash is king.”
If you were inspired by these lessons from the 4th Abojani Economic Empowerment Conference, you won’t want to miss the 5th edition
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CEO & Co-Founder, Abojani Investment
Robert Ochieng is a visionary entrepreneur and the co-founder of Abojani Investment, a leading financial education platform in Kenya that has empowered over 20,000 Africans to embark on their investment journeys. As CEO, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to financial literacy, successfully demystifying money and investments and making them accessible and relevant to individuals from all walks of life.
Running Thriving Investment Communities
Robert’s influence extends well beyond Abojani Investment’s core offerings. He has actively fostered a sense of community by running investment forums and groups with a vast following of over 300,000 Africans. These communities provide a safe space for individuals to exchange ideas, share experiences, and support each other on their investment journeys.
Vision for the Future
As co-founder of Abojani Investment, Robert envisions a financially empowered Africa. He strives to expand the reach of his financial education initiatives, enabling millions more to gain the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve their financial goals. His vision is to create a society where every individual has the tools and understanding to build lasting wealth and prosperity.
Professional Background
Robert Ochieng is a highly accomplished CEO at the helm of Abojani Investment, an investment and advisory firm in Kenya. He is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience in IT, Finance, and leadership.
His career includes key roles at prominent institutions such as Equity Bank, Gulf African Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Airtel.
Robert’s expertise has also been sought after by the National Treasury for consultancy on planning and budgeting systems, showcasing his exceptional knowledge and skills in the field. Passionate about driving meaningful conversations and collaborations between academia, industry, and the public sector, Robert actively engages in research projects focusing on digital transformation within the financial services sector. With his visionary leadership and strategic insights, Robert Ochieng continues to make a significant impact in the business world.
