Ex-Airtel Money Kenya chief joins Visa  as East Africa head

Global payments company Visa has appointed Anne Kinuthia-Otieno as Vice President and Head of East Africa, less than a week after she announced her exit as managing director of Airtel Money Kenya.

She starts the new role on August 4 and will be based in Nairobi, from where she will oversee Visa’s business across seven East African markets. Her role will focus on digital payments, partnerships with financial institutions, and the expansion of financial inclusion in the region.

“East Africa is one of the most dynamic and innovative payments markets in the world, with tremendous opportunities to advance financial inclusion and digital commerce,” she said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Visa’s clients, partners and talented teams across the region to help drive the next phase of growth and innovation.”

Kinuthia-Otieno joined Airtel Money Kenya in August 2021 after more than a decade in banking. She previously held senior leadership roles at Absa Group, where she oversaw governance and sales distribution, and spent more than seven years at Barclays Bank. At Airtel Money Kenya, she boosted its market share from 3.1% in September 2021 to 10.9% in March 2026. 

Following her exit, Airtel Money Kenya appointed Bonke Michael, who has spent nearly a decade at the company, as acting managing director.

Kinuthia-Otieno’s appointment comes as Visa accelerates its expansion across Africa. Visa has also opened its first African data centre in Johannesburg and is exploring stablecoin-based settlements.

“Anne’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Visa and for East Africa’s digital economy,” said Michael Berner, senior vice president and regional managing director, Southern and Eastern Africa, Visa. “Her deep understanding of the region, proven leadership experience and passion for financial inclusion will be instrumental as we continue working with clients, partners and governments to expand access to digital payments and economic opportunity.”

Last updated: July 30, 2026