Background

Umba is seeking a senior regulatory and government relations advisor based in Nairobi to lead engagement with the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) on strategic regulatory matters. This is a high-impact advisory engagement working directly with the Group CEO and Umba’s legal counsel.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day engagement with CBK on licensing, compliance, and strategic regulatory matters
• Advise on Kenya’s banking regulatory framework, including license categories and upgrade pathways
• Attend in-person meetings at CBK and coordinate with Umba’s legal advisors
• Develop and execute regulatory strategy aligned with Umba’s growth objectives
• Provide regular briefings on regulatory progress, risks, and stakeholder dynamics
• Navigate informal dynamics and relationships within CBK and the broader regulatory ecosystem
• Prepare regulatory filings, applications, and formal correspondence as needed
• Support coordination between Umba, external partners, and CBK

Requirements

• 10+ years in Kenyan financial services regulation, banking compliance, or government relations
• Deep understanding of CBK’s licensing framework and regulatory processes
• Based in Nairobi with availability for in-person meetings at short notice
• Strong written communication skills for regular remote briefings to the CEO

Preferred Qualifications

• Former CBK staff (examiner, supervisor, department head) or senior regulatory/compliance role at a Kenyan commercial bank
• Experience with banking license applications, upgrades, or regulatory approvals
• Familiarity with recent CBK policy direction (core capital requirements, sector consolidation)
• Experience advising international investors entering Kenya’s financial services sector
• Network across Kenya Treasury, National Assembly Finance Committee, or other relevant government bodies

Umba is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

• Lead day-to-day engagement with CBK on licensing, compliance, and strategic regulatory matters
• Advise on Kenya’s banking regulatory framework, including license categories and upgrade pathways
• Attend in-person meetings at CBK and coordinate with Umba’s legal advisors
• Develop and execute regulatory strategy aligned with Umba’s growth objectives
• Provide regular briefings on regulatory progress, risks, and stakeholder dynamics
• Navigate informal dynamics and relationships within CBK and the broader regulatory ecosystem
• Prepare regulatory filings, applications, and formal correspondence as needed
• Support coordination between Umba, external partners, and CBK

• Deep relationships within CBK
• Extensive experience navigating Kenya’s banking regulatory landscape — including licensing, compliance, and approvals processes
• Strong written communication skills
• Familiarity with recent CBK policy direction (core capital requirements, sector consolidation)
• Network across Kenya Treasury, National Assembly Finance Committee, or other relevant government bodies

• 10+ years in Kenyan financial services regulation, banking compliance, or government relations
• Deep understanding of CBK’s licensing framework and regulatory processes
• Based in Nairobi with availability for in-person meetings at short notice
• Former CBK staff (examiner, supervisor, department head) or senior regulatory/compliance role at a Kenyan commercial bank
• Experience with banking license applications, upgrades, or regulatory approvals