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BAT Kenya has named Sidney Wafula as its new Managing Director, with his appointment taking effect on June 16, 2026.
Wafula, who currently serves as Finance Director for BAT Sub-Saharan Africa Area, will take over from Crispin Achola, who is leaving the company after more than five years at the helm.
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In a statement, the firm commended Achola for enhancing operational stability, expanding the export business, and driving the company’s long-term competitiveness strategy. It noted that the company’s steady share price growth and reliable dividend payouts during his leadership reflected strong execution and sound management.
Wafula joined BAT Kenya in 2006 as Head of Audit and has since risen through several senior positions within the BAT Group. His past roles include Head of Operations and Marketing Finance for BAT West Africa in Lagos, Head of Finance for BAT Egypt in Cairo, Head of Finance for Southern Africa Markets in Mozambique, Head of Finance for East and Central Africa, and Finance Director for BAT Kenya.
The Board also confirmed the appointment of Catherine Chepkong’a as Finance Director effective April 1, 2026. She will succeed Philemon Kipkemoi, who retires on March 31, 2026, after serving the company for 19 years.
Chepkong’a joined the BAT Group in 2012 and has held several regional finance leadership roles, including Head of Finance and Non-Executive Director for Uganda, Finance Controller for East Africa Markets, Head of Finance for the Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, and most recently Finance Controller for East and Southern Africa Markets. She also serves as a Trustee of the BAT Kenya Staff Provident Fund.
Board Chair Rita Kavashe expressed appreciation to Achola and Kipkemoi for their contributions to the company’s growth and transformation efforts, saying the leadership changes demonstrate BAT Kenya’s structured succession planning and strong internal talent development pipeline.
