Mbithe Wambua appointed regional HR director for Serena Hotels Africa

Robert Murengezi says HR professionals who cannot show how their work connects to business results will struggle to be taken seriously. He makes the case for an HR function that listens, measures its impact and keeps the human element intact even as AI takes over more of the work.

Mumbi Kahindo, CPO at Absa Bank Kenya, believes success is about knowing what deserves your attention in each season, asking for what you need and using every position you hold to make space for others.

He takes on the regional role after two years at Harley’s, where he served as human capital manager for Kenya.

For Grace Gathu, head of people & culture at Branch Microfinance Bank, the future of HR lies in bringing data, technology and humanity together.

She joins Sun Pharma after more than four years at Shalina Healthcare, where she served as human resource manager.

Wanja Kung'u has built a HR philosophy around being present, listening first and understanding the business before shaping its people strategy. As head of HR at AAR Hospital, she reflects on the evolution of the profession, navigating mergers and difficult employee exits, and learning the unique demands of healthcare. 

After nearly two decades in HR, Wanja Kungu has seen leadership evolve from a position of authority into one of continuous learning. The AAR Hospital HR head shares why developing people, sharing knowledge and staying open to new perspectives have become central to how she leads.

Great hospitality starts with great people, says Naftal Ndege, group head of HR at ARP Africa Travel Group.

Grace Gathu once dreamed of becoming a bank manager. Instead, her career took her through radio broadcasting, customer service, the non-profit sector, education and eight years in fintech before bringing her full circle into banking. Today, as head of people & culture at Branch Microfinance Bank, she reflects on the unexpected detours, defining experiences and lessons that have shaped her approach to people, culture and leadership.

During the inaugural CHRO East Africa Launch Summit in Nairobi, Titilope Olajide, partner for people and change at KPMG East Africa, urged human resources leaders to understand the commercial realities of technology and politics in their organisations.

As group head of HR at ARP Africa Travel Group, Naftal Ndege is helping shape a people strategy that spans Kenya and Tanzania while strengthening engagement, developing talent and aligning HR with business performance. Drawing on experience across manufacturing, FMCG and hospitality, he shares the lessons that have shaped his leadership and his vision for the future of work.

As AI reshapes the workplace, HR leaders across Africa are focusing less on adoption for its own sake and more on solving real business challenges. Rose Karugu, HR, administration and IT director Ishara Towers Rwanda, Victor Komu, HR director Africa at Gardaworld Africa and Caroline Karoki head of people and culture at ALN Kenya, share how organisations can approach AI thoughtfully, strengthen governance and prepare people for the future of work.