Visa names Anne Kinuthia-Otieno head of East Africa operations

Visa has appointed Anne Kinuthia‑Otieno as Vice President and Head of East Africa, effective 4 August 2026. Based in Nairobi, she will oversee Visa’s business across seven East African markets, driving digital payment expansion, client and partner relationships, and financial inclusion.

Kinuthia‑Otieno brings more than two decades of experience in banking, telecommunications and digital financial services, previously serving as Managing Director of Airtel Money Kenya where she led a platform overhaul and a partnership with KCB Bank. She has also held senior roles at Absa and Barclays Bank. Visa senior vice‑president Michael Berner said her deep regional knowledge and leadership will help advance the region’s dynamic payments ecosystem. Kinuthia‑Otieno, a recipient of Kenya’s Moran of the Burning Spear award, highlighted the opportunities for digital commerce and inclusion in East Africa.