For close to two decades, the NCBA Johari Awards have stood as a symbol of excellence where partnership, performance, and progress meet. Now in its 19th year, the Awards continue to shine a light on the individuals and institutions that keep Kenya’s wheels of enterprise turning vehicle dealers, machinery suppliers, and insurance brokers whose work drives entire industries forward.
The 2025 edition of the Johari Awards began in Mombasa this October, marking the start of a nationwide celebration that will travel through Kisii, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri, Meru, Thika, and culminate in a grand finale in Nairobi later this year. Each regional event is more than a ceremony; it is a gathering of visionaries whose innovation, integrity, and collaboration define Kenya’s asset finance landscape.
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NCBA Johari Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Asset Finance Across Kenya
At the heart of the Johari Awards is NCBA’s belief that success is never achieved alone. Kenya’s asset finance ecosystem thrives because of the collective effort between banks, dealers, and brokers who enable individuals and businesses to access vehicles, machinery, and tools that fuel productivity.
Speaking at the Coastal Region launch, Lennox Mugambi, NCBA Group Director, Asset Finance and Business Solutions, captured this sentiment perfectly:
Why the Awards
“The Johari Awards are more than a rewards forum. They reflect the Bank’s desire to forge closer connections, inspire industry transformation and celebrate the individuals who drive it.”
This philosophy has shaped NCBA’s approach for years; one that goes beyond providing financing to building ecosystems of shared growth. It is this collaborative spirit that has seen NCBA maintain its leadership in Asset Finance, commanding over a third of Kenya’s market share and setting the standard for innovation and trust in the sector.
The name Johari, meaning “jewel”, is a fitting metaphor. Every dealer, broker, and partner recognized at these awards represents a gem polished by effort, consistency, and excellence. Through the Awards, NCBA celebrates not just financial performance but the values that define great partnerships: reliability, innovation, and shared ambition.
For NCBA, recognition is more than an event. It is a way to encourage continuous improvement and deepen relationships across regions. From Mombasa to Kisii and Kisumu, each Johari Awards stop creates a moment to listen, learn, and engage to appreciate what has been achieved and envision what’s next.
The Johari Awards success lies in its purpose to highlight the people behind the progress and strengthen the networks that sustain Kenya’s industries.
By celebrating the dealers and brokers powering Kenya’s transport, logistics, and construction sectors, NCBA continues to affirm its role not just as a financier but as a partner in development. Whether supporting individual entrepreneurs or corporate clients, the Bank’s philosophy remains constant: Asset Finance is about enabling growth, not just funding assets.
As the 2025 Johari Awards continue their journey across the country, they carry with them a powerful message that Kenya’s story of progress is written by partnerships. Every handshake, every deal, and every award speaks to a shared commitment to excellence and sustainable growth.
From the coast to the capital, NCBA continues to celebrate the people who keep our economy in motion, proving once again why it remains the Home of Asset Finance, and a trusted partner for businesses and communities across Kenya.
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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.
