The Nairobi Securities Exchange has announced a change in its Company Secretary position, with Catherine Kawira taking over from Millicent Ngetich.
The transition, effective April 1, 2026, marks a leadership shift aimed at strengthening corporate governance, legal compliance and regulatory oversight within one of Kenya’s key financial market institutions.
In a public notice issued in accordance with the Capital Markets Act and its regulations, the Board of Directors confirmed that Millicent Ngetich stepped down from her role effective March 31, 2026.
The Board acknowledged her service and contribution to the institution during her tenure.
“The Board of Directors takes this opportunity to extend its gratitude to Ngetich, for her immense contribution and dedication to the NSE and wishes her the very best in her future endeavours,” the notice added.
The Exchange also confirmed the appointment of Catherine Kawira as the new Company Secretary, effective April 1, 2026.
“Catherine Kawira has been appointed as the new Company Secretary of the NSE effective April 1, 2026,” the statement said.
Her appointment places her in a critical governance role within the Exchange, which is central to ensuring regulatory compliance, board effectiveness and adherence to corporate governance standards.
Kawira brings over a decade of experience in corporate governance, legal advisory and regulatory compliance.
According to the announcement, she is both a Certified Secretary and an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, with a professional background spanning private practice and public sector institutions.
She previously worked at Image Registrars, where she was involved in company secretarial services, advising corporate clients on statutory and regulatory requirements.
“Catherine has previously provided Company Secretarial services to corporate clients within private practice, advising on statutory and regulatory compliance, supporting Board and Committee processes, drafting governance policies, and maintaining statutory records and reporting systems,” the statement noted.
Before her role in private practice, Kawira served in the Judiciary as a Legal Researcher, contributing to high-level judicial processes.
“Prior to joining Image Registrars, she served as a Legal Researcher with the Judiciary, where she supported high-level judicial decision-making through legal analysis, governance oversight, performance monitoring, and institutional compliance frameworks,” the notice said.
She has also worked with the Capital Markets Authority, gaining experience in regulatory oversight.
“She has also served at the Capital Markets Authority in the Market Operations Directorate, where she participated in risk-based supervision, regulatory inspections and compliance assessments,” the statement added.
Kawira’s academic qualifications reflect her focus on governance and law. She holds a Master of Laws in Corporate Governance from the University of Nairobi, a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Kenyatta University.
She is also a member of professional bodies, including the Institute of Certified Secretaries and the Law Society of Kenya.
The role of Company Secretary at the NSE is central to maintaining corporate governance standards, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks, and supporting the Board of Directors in its oversight functions.
The transition comes at a time when financial markets continue to face increased scrutiny on governance, transparency and regulatory compliance.
The announcement was issued “by order of the Board” and signed by the NSE Chief Executive Officer, Frank Mwiti, on March 30, 2026.
While the statement did not elaborate on the reasons behind Ngetich’s resignation, it reaffirmed continuity in governance through the appointment of a successor with extensive experience in both legal and regulatory fields.
The leadership change signals the Exchange’s continued emphasis on strengthening its governance structures as it carries out its role in Kenya’s capital markets.