Over the course of 5 years, Abojani has been shaping Africa’s economic empowerment journey. Together with financial experts, industry leaders, successful entrepreneurs and professionals, we strive to empower all Africans the opportunity to create and grow their wealth.
As we prepare to host hundreds of attendees at our thought-provoking event next month, we encourage all those who’d like to truly build their wealth, to join us Be part of the financial freedom movement!
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, and even more by how much you could save.”
Esther Waititu reminded us that awareness is the foundation of transformation. The financial choices we make today shape the next 5–10 years. Use data and digital tools to plan wisely, and remember, “if you don’t know where to cut your money when a shock happens, then you’re truly shocked.”
Elizabeth Irungu – CEO, Absa Asset Management Limited
“Money market funds are a great place to start, but they’re not the destination.”
Her advice for handling windfalls was practical: sober up, seek unbiased advice, and park your money in a liquid asset before making big moves. Wealth requires both patience and prudence.
Rose Muturi – Managing Director, East Africa, Branch International
“If you lack information, it’s not because it’s not available – it’s because you’re not looking for it.”
She added, “High emotions mean low intelligence. Calm down before your next financial decision.” A reminder that emotional control is a financial skill.
Peter Wachira Maina – CEO & Principal Officer, ICEA LION Trust Company
By 2018, there were over 13,000 family succession cases in Nairobi’s High Court alone, a staggering number. Peter reminded us that the greatest succession challenges aren’t about wealth itself but about communication, trust, and preparation.
Robert Kibaara – CEO, HF Group
He shared his biggest financial mistake — investing in a business he wasn’t involved in and hiring a relative to run it. The loss? KES 9 million. His lesson: marry financing with hands-on knowledge and strong record-keeping for sustainable SME growth.
Isaac Ngunjiri – Home Loan Specialist, Absa Bank Kenya
Kenya’s real estate market is expanding, but Isaac cautioned against taking shortcuts. Always do your due diligence — get professional valuations, legal reviews, and avoid emotional buying. In property, discipline protects your wallet.
Kenneth Mbae – Managing Director, Centum Real Estate
“Real estate remains one of the most reliable paths to sustainable wealth creation and generational legacy.”
He underscored long-term planning, family education, and the power of ownership in shaping generational wealth. “Educating your generation on real estate ensures continuity beyond one lifetime.”
Juliet Sospeter – Personal Finance Coach
Homeownership, she noted, is deeply personal. Like every investment, it carries risk. The best strategy? Diversify to balance opportunity and protection.
John Paul Okwiri – CEO, Konza Technopolis Development Authority
“As entrepreneurs, without research, we aren’t able to innovate.”
He highlighted how digital enablement and innovation – especially through platforms like Jitume – empower SMEs to become more competitive.
Isaac Owilla – Group Director, Technology & Operations, NCBA Group
“I build solutions not for myself, but for my customers.”
He stressed that customer-centric innovation drives growth. Keep refining your product and journey – the difference lies in execution and persistence.
Caren Musungu – Senior Probation Officer, State Department of Probation and Correctional Services
“Whatever is popular brings popular results. Go above what’s expected of you.”
Her journey was a reminder that excellence is born from doing the hard things — the extraordinary often hides behind the uncomfortable.
Phyllis Migwi – Country General Manager, Microsoft
“I started my career in finance, but I’ve spent the last 20 years in technology.”
Her message was clear: stay curious. In a changing world, lifelong learning and re-skilling determine how far you go.
John Mwangi – CEO, Tai Sacco Society Ltd
“When you join a SACCO, don’t chase high dividends blindly.”
He warned that unsustainable payouts can drain a SACCO’s resources. Sound financial governance beats short-term allure.
Steve Maleche – Head of Research, Old Mutual Investment Group
He offered a quick local economic compass:
- Are banks lending again?
- Are jobs returning and auctions reducing?
- Are key sectors (finance, agriculture, tech) showing growth?
These, he said, are early signals of real economic recovery.
Esther Waweru-Muchai – Senior Portfolio Manager, ICEA LION Asset Management
“All investment options have cycles. That’s why resilience and diversification matter.”
Esther’s advice was to spread investments to weather market swings and protect your long-term wealth journey.
Dr. Dan Gikonyo – Chief Cardiologist & Founder, The Karen Hospital
He redefined IFC – Idea, Finance, Consistency.
“If you want to succeed in business, you need an idea, access to financing, and consistency.” His story reminded us that great things are built brick by brick.
John Gachora – Group CEO & MD, NCBA Group
“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
He emphasized three pillars for investing wisely: diversification, resilience, and risk awareness. Even when one thing fails, another may thrive — that’s the balance every investor must master.
Raphael Agung’ – Group Director, Global Markets & Chief Economist, NCBA Group
“In an uncertain world, households and businesses face daily tests of resilience.”
He underscored that adaptability and financial literacy are not optional — they’re the new survival tools.
Julius Ouma – CEO, Faulu Microfinance Bank
“The number one risk to any business is the entrepreneur themselves.”
He reminded us that self-awareness, focus, and digital adaptability are now business essentials — because attention has become the new currency.
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.”
Kennedy spoke powerfully about retirement planning, urging young people to start early.
“Whether you act on it or not, retirement is still approaching. The question is – are you taking charge?”
He reminded us that when retirement comes, your energy might not be the same, so let your money work for you. “In retirement, cash is king – but purpose keeps you going.”
At Abojani’s 4th Economic Empowerment Conference, we brought together thought leaders, changemakers, and industry experts to share practical lessons on personal finance, entrepreneurship, leadership, and generational wealth creation.
As we count down to our 5th Conference on 22nd November 2025 – themed “Ownership Economy & Self-Sustenance for African Households and Businesses” – I find myself reflecting on the powerful nuggets that defined last year’s conversations.
Here are some of the lessons that continue to resonate deeply:
Panel 1: Financial Discipline and Empowerment
Esther Masese (Safaricom PLC) reminded us that self-awareness is the starting point of financial empowerment.
“Look at your M-Pesa statement. You might be shocked by how much you turn over in a year… When thinking about your big vision, remember it all starts with the financial choices you make today.”
Elizabeth Irungu (Absa Asset Management) shared practical wisdom on managing windfalls and making smart investment decisions.
“Money Market Funds are a great place to start, but they’re not the destination for building sustainable wealth.”
Rose Muturi (Branch International) challenged us to take responsibility for our own financial literacy.
“If you lack information, it’s not because it’s not available – it’s because you’re not looking for it.”
Peter Wachira (ICEA LION Trust Company) highlighted a pressing reality:
“By 2018, there were over 13,000 family succession cases in Nairobi’s High Court. Most challenges stem not from wealth itself, but from poor communication and lack of trust.”
Robert Kibaara (HF Group) brought it home with a personal story – a KES 9 million lesson in the cost of disengaged investing.
His takeaway? Only invest where you’re actively involved.
Panel 2: Real Estate, Homeownership & Generational Wealth
Isaac Ngunjiri (Absa Bank Kenya) explored the evolving mortgage market and cautioned investors:
“Never bypass due diligence. Skipping valuations or legal reviews could cost you much more in the long run.”
Kenneth Mbae (Centum Real Estate) spoke powerfully about real estate as a path to legacy.
“Investing in real estate is one of the ways you can leave a legacy for future generations.”
He urged continuous education within families on property management to ensure wealth sustainability beyond one generation.
Juliet Sospeter (Personal Finance Coach) added a grounded reminder:
“Homeownership is a personal decision. Like all investments, it carries risk — and diversification is key.”
Panel 3: Innovation, Growth Mindset & Lifelong Learning
John Paul Okwiri (Konza Technopolis) underscored the role of research and innovation for entrepreneurs.
“Without research, we aren’t able to innovate.”
Isaac Owilla (NCBA Group) emphasized designing customer-centric solutions.
“I build solutions not for myself, but for my customers. The customer journey must work for them.”
Caren Musungu (State Department of Probation) shared an inspiring message on excellence:
“Whatever is popular brings popular results. Go above what’s expected of you.”
Phyllis Migwi (Microsoft) closed the panel with a timeless truth:
“Curiosity and the choice to become a lifelong learner are key to defining your future success.”
Panel 4: Investing with Resilience and Perspective
John Mwangi (Tai Sacco) cautioned against chasing high dividends:
“High dividends don’t necessarily mean a SACCO is doing well. Focus on sustainability over short-term gain.”
Steve Maleche (Old Mutual Investment Group) pointed to key economic indicators:
“Watch if banks are lending again, if jobs are returning, and which sectors are showing momentum — finance, agriculture, and technology remain key.”
Esther Muchai (ICEA LION Asset Management) reinforced a timeless investing truth:
“All investment options have cycles. Diversification builds resilience.”
Keynote Reflections: Vision, Diversification & Resilience
Dr. Dan Gikonyo (The Karen Hospital) shared a powerful framework for entrepreneurship – IFC: Idea, Finance, and Consistency.
“If you want to succeed in business, you need three things: an idea, finance, and consistency.”
John Gachora (NCBA Group) reminded us to spread our risks and think long-term:
“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify and stay resilient.”
Raphael Agung’ (NCBA Group) spoke about navigating uncertainty:
“Adaptability and financial literacy are the keys to surviving and thriving in uncertain times.”
Julius Ouma (Faulu Microfinance Bank) left us with a wake-up call for entrepreneurs:
“The number one risk to any business is the entrepreneur themselves. Keep learning and stay digitally relevant — attention is the new currency.”
The Big Takeaway
Across every panel and keynote, one truth stood out – financial empowerment is not a destination, but a continuous journey of learning, discipline, and adaptability.
From personal finance to real estate, from innovation to entrepreneurship, the conversations reinforced that ownership begins with understanding, and sustainability comes from wisdom.
Looking Ahead: The 5th Abojani Economic Empowerment Conference
This November, we return for the 5th Abojani Economic Empowerment Conference, themed “Ownership Economy & Self-Sustenance for African Households and Businesses.”
It will be a space to take these lessons further – from empowerment to ownership, from learning to lasting impact.
- Date: Saturday, 22nd November 2025
- Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill – Nairobi
Let’s continue the journey of building financially empowered, self-sustaining African households and businesses.
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