BAT Kenya (British American Tobacco Kenya plc) has announced top leadership changes, days after the company posted impressive results and issued record dividend.
In a public statement on March 3, BAT Kenya confirmed the exit of its Managing Director and Finance Director and the appointment of new Managing Director and Finance Director.
“Public Announcement of Changes to the Board of Directors of British American Tobacco Kenya plc…The Board of Directors of British American Tobacco Kenya plc (the “Company”) announces the following changes,” read a section of the notice.
BAT Kenya Appoints Sidney Wafula and Catherine Chepkonga as New Executives
Following the exit of Crispin Achola, the company announced the appointment of Sidney Wafula as the incoming Managing Director of the Company effective 16th June 2026.
“The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of the following Executive Directors…Sidney Wafula is the incoming Managing Director of the Company, effective 16th June 2026,” the statement read.
Sidney Wafula holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree from the Catholic University of East Africa in Kenya and is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.
He currently serves as the Finance Director for the BAT Sub-Saharan Africa Area, and his career with BAT began in Kenya in 2006, where he joined as Head of Audit.
Over the years, he has accumulated extensive experience through a series of senior finance positions within the BAT Group.
These roles have included Head of Finance for BAT Egypt and North Africa, Head of Finance for BAT Group’s Southern Africa Markets operations based in Mozambique, and Head of Finance, East and Southern Africa, and Finance Director for BAT Kenya.
“These roles have provided him with a wealth of expertise in financial management, developing business strategy, enhancing commercial and operational performance, and leading diverse teams across the varied cultures of Sub-Saharan Africa,” BAT Kenya noted.
In the finance director position, the company announced the appointment of Catherine Chepkonga, effective 1st April 2026.
“Catherine joined the BAT Group in 2012 and brings extensive, multi-market finance leadership to the Company,” the company wrote.
Catherine Chepkonga has held various senior finance roles, including Head of Finance and Non-Executive Director for Uganda, Finance Controller for the East Africa Market, Head of Trade for the Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, and, most recently, Finance Controller for the East and Southern Africa Markets.
Also Read: BAT Kenya Loses Ksh2.5 Billion in Revenue to Illicit Cigarettes
She also serves as a Trustee of the BAT Kenya Staff Provident Fund.
Further, she holds an MBA from Durham University Business School (UK) and a Bachelor of Commerce from Strathmore University Business School (Kenya) and is a member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.
Exit of Crispin Achola and Philemon Kipkemoi
In its statement, the company confirmed Crispin Achola’s exit, who was appointed on 1 January 2021 as the managing director.
During his tenure, Crispin led the company through regulatory and market challenges and oversaw strong operational and shareholder performance.
“Crispin was appointed on 1st January 2021 and, having successfully delivered on his mandate, will be handing over the leadership of the Company to pursue opportunities outside the Company,” the company further explained.
Additionally, in the statement, he was expected to continue to provide support to the Company to ensure a smooth and orderly transition during this period.
Also Read: BAT Kenya Declares 100% Dividend Hike After Ksh4.3 Billion Profit
Philemon Kipkemoi, the finance director, is also expected to step down from his role, effective 31 March 2026, after 19 years with the company.
Appointed Finance Director in 2020, BAT Kenya confirmed that he held several senior finance roles across Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa and contributed to strengthening financial management systems and operational performance.
“Mr Philemon Kipkemoi will step down as Finance Director with effect from 31st March 2026 to pursue his career interests outside the Company, following a distinguished 19-year career with the organisation,” the notice stated.
The company expressed its gratitude to the exiting executives and wished them well in their next moves.
“The Board of Directors expresses its sincere appreciation and thanks Crispin and Philemon for their leadership, professionalism, dedication and lasting contribution to the Company. We wish them every success in their future endeavours,” it stated.
BAT Records Growth Despite Huge Revenue Loss Announces Dividend
In its latest financial report, BAT Kenya revealed that it lost an estimated KSh2.5 billion in revenue in 2025 due to the rapid growth of the illicit cigarette trade.
The company stated that illegal cigarettes now represent 45% of the domestic market, up from 37% in 2024.
Despite the 2.5 billion losses in illicit trade, the firm has recorded growth.
Growth in 2025 was driven mainly by disciplined cost management and lower finance expenses, even as sales volumes declined.
Net revenue fell by 10%, from Ksh 25.7 billion in 2024 to Ksh 23.2 billion in 2025, largely due to the rising prevalence of untaxed and unregulated cigarettes in the market.
In delivering sustainable shareholder value, the firm proposed a final dividend of KSh 60 per share, to be approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 12th June 2026.
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