After nearly 18 years under the leadership of James Mworia, Centum Investment Company has handed the reins to Thomas Omondi-Achola, who takes over as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer as his predecessor moves into a new national role.
Centum announced on September 7, 2026, that Omondi-Achola’s appointment took effect immediately, describing the change as part of its succession plan aimed at maintaining the company’s strategic direction and ensuring smooth operations.
Mworia has left the Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed investment firm to become the founding Chief Executive Officer of the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), a new State-backed vehicle that is expected to attract private and other forms of capital to infrastructure projects and reduce dependence on debt for commercially viable developments.
Omondi-Achola joins the top office with extensive experience at Centum, having served as the company’s Group Chief Operating Officer and Partner for Portfolio Operations since 2018.
During his time in that position, he has been responsible for strategy development, turning around businesses, creating value and overseeing capital exits involving more than 15 investee companies.
“Omondi brings over 25 years of senior executive leadership and strategic transformation experience. As Centum's Group COO and Partner for Portfolio Operations since 2018, he has overseen strategy development, turnarounds, value creation, and capital exits across more than 15 investee companies.”
His elevation comes after one of the longest leadership periods at a major listed Kenyan company. Mworia took over as Centum’s Group CEO and Managing Director in October 2008 and remained in charge until his move to the National Infrastructure Fund.
Before joining Centum, Omondi-Achola spent more than 13 years at Kenya Airways, where he held several senior positions, including Chief Transformation Officer, Director of Strategy and Performance Management, Acting Chief Commercial Officer and General Manager of Jambojet.
He later served as Chief Transformation Officer at Sidian Bank, where Centum said he played a key role in turning around the lender before its eventual sale.
“Notably, Omondi served as Chief Transformation Officer for Sidian Bank, driving its turnaround to a Sh516 million profit position within 18 months, leading to its recent successful exit.”
Omondi-Achola holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and an MBA in Finance from the University of Nairobi. He also holds an MBA in General Management from IESE Business School in Spain and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor and a RIKA Fellow.
Mworia leaves Centum after leading a period of major growth and changes within the investment company.
Centum said its total assets increased from Sh4 billion in December 2008 to about Sh46 billion during his tenure. The company also retired Sh20 billion in total group debt, including Sh16 billion at Centum PLC level.
“Under his stewardship, total assets grew tenfold from Sh4 billion and operating on a Sh200 million overdraft in December 2008 to approximately Sh46 billion today. He retired Sh20 billion in total Group debt (including Sh16 billion at Centum PLC level), completely eliminating holding company leverage and refinancing risk.” the statement reads.
The outgoing CEO also oversaw the creation of strategic platforms and the repositioning and reduction of debt in major holdings such as Vipingo SEZ, Pearl Marina and TRIFIC SEZ, without requiring additional equity.
Centum said his tenure also delivered approximately Sh5.8 billion in cumulative declared and approved dividends to shareholders.
His period at the company included the exit from Sidian Bank, the oversubscribed TRIFIC-REIT, the strategic sale of its stake in Nabo Capital and a recent recommendation for a special dividend.
Centum’s growth during Mworia’s leadership was also reflected in its earlier financial results. In 2017, the company reported that shareholder funds had reached Sh44.8 billion, while net asset value per share had increased by 388 percent between 2010 and 2017.
The company later reported in its 2024 annual review that it had delivered an 18 percent annualised return between FY2009 and FY2024. During the same period, it distributed Sh5.1 billion in dividends and brought its debt-to-equity ratio down to 4.8 percent by March 2024.
Centum’s board expressed gratitude to Mworia for his years at the company and described his appointment to the National Infrastructure Fund as a move into national service.
“The Board of Centum extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. James Mworia for a legendary era of service. His call to national duty at the National Infrastructure Fund is a testament to his exceptional leadership.”
The board said it was confident that Omondi-Achola’s background in portfolio operations, governance and business turnarounds would help Centum maintain its momentum while pursuing further value creation under the new leadership.