Highest Paid Bank CEOs in Kenya command some of the most lucrative executive pay-packages in corporate Africa, with total compensation running into hundreds of millions of shillings.
Rapid shifts in profits, boardroom reward philosophy and economic headwinds have shaped 2025’s highest payouts.
This list highlights the individuals at the helm of Kenya’s biggest banks, their estimated earnings and the broader implications for the financial services sector.

In 2026, Kenya’s banking sector remains one of the highest paying corporate arenas for top executives, with chief executive officers (CEOs) of major commercial banks earning compensation packages that dwarf average national incomes.

While the precise 2026 disclosures are still rolling out through annual financial statements, the most recent 2024–25 data, covering salary, bonuses and other benefits, allows us to compile an authoritative Top 10 list of bank CEOs by total pay.

Highest Paid Bank CEOs in Kenya

Paul Russo — CEO, KCB Group

Estimated Pay: ~KES 250 million+ per year

Paul Russo, chief executive of the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Group, continues to top the list of highest-paid bank bosses in Kenya. In the 2024 financial year, the basis for most 2026 disclosures, Russo’s total remuneration surged to approximately KES250.2 million (about $1.9 million), a roughly 40 per cent jump over the previous year. This reflects strong performance at KCB amid robust profits driven by high-yield government securities and expanded regional operations.

Why it matters: Russo’s package underscores how Kenya’s largest banks reward strategic leadership during periods of economic uncertainty, balancing credit risk and profitability.

John Gachora, CEO, NCBA Group

Estimated Pay: ~KES 208 million+ per year

John Gachora of NCBA Group sits firmly in second place among bank CEO earners. With compensation of about KES208.4 million in 2024, a significant increase from prior years, his pay reflects NCBA’s solid profitability and expanding digital offerings.

Leadership highlight: Gachora’s tenure has been marked by cautious yet effective private-sector lending growth, contributing to higher executive rewards.

Kariuki Ngari, CEO, Standard Chartered Kenya

Estimated Pay: ~KES 174 million+ per year

Outgoing Standard Chartered Kenya CEO Kariuki Ngari recorded one of the steepest percentage increases in compensation, rising nearly 44 per cent as the bank posted strong earnings. His estimated KES174.4 million package places him among the elite tier of banking executives in Kenya.

Context: The bank emphasised operational efficiency and digital transformation during Ngari’s pay rise, balancing performance with global strategic shifts.

Gideon Muriuki, CEO, Co-operative Bank of Kenya

Estimated Pay: ~KES172 million+ per year

Gideon Muriuki of Co-operative Bank has consistently commanded a high compensation package, historically ranking among the top earners nationally. For 2024, his reported remuneration stood at approximately KES172.5 million, reflecting steady institutional profitability.

Boardroom spotlight: Co-operative Bank’s strong regional footprint and resilient performance underpin Muriuki’s pay.

James Mwangi, CEO, Equity Group

Estimated Pay: ~KES 166 million+ per year

James Mwangi, long-standing leader of Equity Group Holdings, earned about KES166.3 million in 2024, a modest rise compared to peers. His remuneration package reflects Equity’s status as a major financial services provider in Kenya and East Africa.

Equity edge: Mwangi’s compensation illustrates stability and shareholder confidence in one of the region’s most expansive banking networks.

Abdi Mohammed, CEO, Absa Bank Kenya

Estimated Pay: ~KES 110 million+ per year

Abdi Mohammed’s total pay climbed to approximately KES 109.8 million, marking a near 40% increase. His position at Absa Bank Kenya underscores strong performance in both interest and non-interest income streams.

Performance pivot: Absa’s focus on efficiency gains and cost controls supports competitive executive compensation.

Patrick Mweheire, CEO, Stanbic Bank Kenya

Estimated Pay: ~KES 95 million+ per year

Stanbic Bank Kenya’s Patrick Mweheire earned around KES 95.5 million in the 2024 disclosure, a respectable pay level among top Kenyan bank executives. Stanbic’s model emphasises blue-chip client lending and careful risk management, contributing to Mweheire’s total rewards.

Kihara Maina, CEO, I&M Bank

Estimated Pay: ~KES 69 million+ per year

I&M Bank’s Kihara Maina saw his compensation decline in the latest reporting period to about KES 69.3 million, making him one of the lower-paid CEOs among major banks. However, he still ranks within the top ten. The drop signals boards’ willingness to moderate executive pay when performance metrics dictate.