BAT Kenya has appointed its finance director for Sub-Saharan Africa Sidney Wafula as the new managing director effective June 16.
This, as the cigarette maker moves to re-organise its executive ahead of current MD Crispin Achola’s imminent exit, set for June 15.
The Nairobi Securities Exchange listed firm’s board has also appointed an insider Catherine Chepkong’a as finance director effective April 1, to replace Philemon Kipkemoi who is set to exit on March 31, “to pursue his career interests outside the company.”
Achola is leaving “to pursue opportunities outside the BAT Group” after an illustrious five-and-a-half-year tenure where he oversaw the continued transformation of the business.
He was appointed the company’s managing director on January 1, 2021 and has led the business through a period marked by significant market complexity, regulatory evolution and strategic transformation.
During an interview with the Star last week, Achola mentioned trade in illict cigarettes as one of the biggest challenges the company is facing.
Illicit products are estimated to have captured an estimated 47 per cent of total cigarette consumption in 2025, up sharply from 37 per cent in 2024, affecting the firm while denying government revenues.
“When you take that 47 per cent and apply the applicable tax rates, the government is losing close to Sh12 billion annually,” Achola noted, calling for a heightened war on illicits.
During his tenure, BAT Kenya strengthened its operational resilience, enhanced commercial execution and delivered sustained value for shareholders, with a record dividend payout of Sh70 per share for year ended Dec 31, 2025.
Under his leadership, he strengthened the company’s operational resilience, reinforced its export franchise and advanced its strategic agenda to ensure long-term competitiveness and sustainability.
Commenting on the change, Achola said: “It has been an honour to lead BAT Kenya and to work alongside a talented and dedicated team to deliver historical results. I am proud of what we have achieved, strengthening our fundamentals, delivering shareholder value and positioning the business for continued success.”
Wafula, his successor, joined BAT Kenya in 2006 as head of audit. He has held various senior management roles within the BAT Group including head of operations and marketing finance for BAT West Africa Area based in Lagos and head of finance BAT Egypt based in Cairo.
He has also served as head of finance for BAT Group’s Southern Africa markets, head of finance, East and Central Africa and finance director for BAT Kenya.
These assignments, the firm said, have provided him with broad perspective and experience in developing business strategy, enhancing financial and operational performance and leading diverse teams across the varied cultures of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Chepkong’a on the other hand joined the BAT Group in 2012 and brings extensive, multi market finance leadership to the company, the board noted.
She has held several strategic roles, including head of finance and non-executive director for Uganda, finance controller for the East Africa markets, head of finance for the horn of Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, and most recently finance controller for the East and Southern Africa markets.
She also serves as a trustee of the BAT Kenya Staff Provident Fund.
Kipkemoi’s exit comes after a 19-year career with the firm. Since his appointment as finance director in 2020, he has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s strategic ambitions, delivering strong financial performance.
BAT Kenya board chair, Rita Kavashe, said: “These changes represent the company’s long-term succession planning and is evidence of a strong talent pipeline within the organisation.”
