NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 3 – BAT Kenya has appointed Sidney Wafula as its new Managing Director effective June 16, 2026.
Wafula, currently Finance Director for BAT Sub-Saharan Africa Area, will replace Crispin Achola, who has led the company for over five years and is set to exit the group.
In a statement, BAT Kenya credited Achola with strengthening operational resilience, reinforcing the company’s export business and advancing its long-term competitiveness strategy.
The firm noted that its strong share price performance and consistent dividend record during his tenure reflected disciplined execution and effective leadership.
Wafula joined BAT Kenya in 2006 as Head of Audit and has held several senior roles within the BAT Group.
His previous positions include Head of Operations and Marketing Finance for BAT West Africa in Lagos, Head of Finance for BAT Egypt in Cairo, Head of Finance for Southern Africa Markets in Mozambique, Head of Finance for East and Central Africa, and Finance Director for BAT Kenya.
The Board also announced the appointment of Catherine Chepkong’a as Finance Director effective April 1, 2026.
She will replace Philemon Kipkemoi, who exits the role on March 31, 2026, after a 19-year career with the company.
Chepkong’a joined the BAT Group in 2012 and has held multiple finance leadership roles across the region, including Head of Finance and Non-Executive Director for Uganda, Finance Controller for East Africa Markets, Head of Finance for the Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, and most recently Finance Controller for East and Southern Africa Markets. She also serves as a Trustee of the BAT Kenya Staff Provident Fund.
BAT Kenya Board Chair Rita Kavashe thanked Achola and Kipkemoi for their contribution to the company’s growth and transformation agenda, noting that the changes reflect the company’s long-term succession planning and strong internal talent pipeline.
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