James Mworia

Group CEO, Centum Investment, CFA Charterholder| Leader in Investment, Conservation, & Youth Empowerment

Kenya

About

As Group CEO and Managing Director of Centum Investment Company Limited, the largest listed investment firm in East Africa, I lead a dedicated team focused on driving transformative growth and generating tangible wealth for our stakeholders. Appointed in 2008 at age 30, I became the youngest CEO of a Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed company. Since then, we’ve grown Centum’s asset base from Kshs 4 billion to over Kshs 50 billion, distributing more than Kshs 5 billion in dividends without raising additional capital. Under my leadership, Centum has pioneered major projects that have reshaped Kenya’s economic landscape. These include Two Rivers Mall, the largest mall in East and Central Africa, and Vipingo Business Park, a key industrial development. These ventures reflect my belief in building enterprises that not only deliver value but also drive national development. I am deeply committed to sustainability and environmental conservation. As Chairman of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Africa Council, I am supporting the organization to launch a Project Finance for Permanence fund in Kenya to support conservation and climate change mitigation efforts. Centum itself integrates sustainable practices across its investments, contributing to a greener future. Empowering youth is a cornerstone of my leadership. As Chancellor of Machakos University, I established the Chancellors Scholarship Fund, which has awarded over 200 scholarships to deserving students. Additionally, through Centum’s Ajiry program, we’ve created employment opportunities for over 20,000 young Kenyans, helping them gain valuable skills and experience. On the global stage, I have worked to position Kenya as a premier destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). From 2013 to 2023, Centum accounted for a quarter of all investment exits in Kenya, with an average USD Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 21%, positioning us as a leader in East Africa’s investment landscape. My leadership is driven by a commitment to creating lasting impact—through both business and societal contributions. I believe success is measured not just by financial returns but by the long-term value we create for communities and the environment. Balancing business growth with sustainability and social responsibility is at the heart of my vision for Centum and its role in shaping Kenya’s future.

Experience

  • Chancellor at Machakos University
    Oct 2016 - Present · 9 yrs 9 mos

    Installed as Chancellor of Machakos University on Oct 7, 2016

  • Chairman at Sidian Bank
    Dec 2014 - Present · 11 yrs 7 mos

    Non Executive Chairman

  • Group Chief Executive Officer at Centum Investment Company Limited
    Dec 2008 - Present · 17 yrs 7 mos

  • Chairman at Almasi Beverages Limited
    Jan 2016 - Sep 2019 · 3 yrs 9 mos

    Non Executive Chairman

  • Director at NAIROBI STOCK EXCHANGE
    Jun 2015 - Jun 2018 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    Non executive Director