He believes the lender can compete through innovative products, digital services and competitive pricing CIB Kenya Chief Executive Officer Tirus Mwithiga FRESH from securing regulatory approval, new CIB Kenya chief executive officer Tirus Mwithiga has unveiled an ambitious growth blueprint aimed at transforming the lender from a niche corporate bank into a major player in Kenya's banking sector.
CIB Kenya is targeting a leap from Tier III to a Tier II bank within the next few years, banking on aggressive expansion in retail lending, SME financing, technology upgrades and deeper trade links between Kenya and Egypt. In an exclusive interview with the Star, e Star since taking over as Chief Executive Officer, Mwithiga outlines an ambitious growth strategy that could see the lender triple its market share while maintaining profitability.
The veteran banker, brings more than 35 years of experience across East Africa and international markets, having worked for NCBA and Barclays (now Absa). The bank, a subsidiary of Commercial International Bank (CIB) of Egypt, posted its strongest-ever performance last year, growing assets by more than 40 per cent and expanding its loan book by 68 per cent.
CIB Kenya is coming off its strongest financial performance since entering the Kenyan market, having posted record profitability, strengthened its capital base to Sh5.3 billion, expanded its loan book by 68 per cent and grown total assets by more than 40 per cent in 2025.
We grew strongly across manufacturing, trade, agriculture and financial services. Tea exporters were a particularly important segment because Egypt imports about 98 per cent of its tea from Kenya. At the same time, we reduced exposure to some government securities positions and redirected that liquidity into productive lending opportunities.