Safaricom’s Esther Waititu Recognized Among Top 25 Women in Finance in East Africa

Esther Waititu, the Chief Financial Services Officer, has been honored as one of the top 25 women in finance in East Africa, marking a significant achievement in her remarkable career. 

Fondly referred in Safaricom PLC as “Mama M-PESA,” Waititu has been a driving force in the financial services sector, leading her team in the continuous innovation of products and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of customers and businesses alike.

With a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the University of East Africa, Baraton, and an MBA from the University of Liverpool, UK, Esther combines academic prowess with practical expertise. 

She also holds a Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching from the Academy of Executive Coaching (AoEC), which has enriched her leadership capabilities. 

Her governance expertise is further demonstrated through board positions with Sanlam East Africa Asset Management and African Alliance Kenya Asset Management Limited, where she serves as a trusted advisor on financial management and corporate governance.

Esther’s background in executive coaching enhances her role as a mentor, enabling her to foster a culture of dialogue, reflection, and strategic goal-setting that benefits both individuals and organizations. 

Her recognition as one of the top women in finance not only celebrates her professional accomplishments but also highlights her unwavering commitment to promoting financial inclusion and enhancing the financial wellness of communities. 

In a detailed interview featured by The Knowledge Warehouse, Waititu shared insights into her journey and the challenges she has overcome in the largely male-dominated field of finance.