Kenya’s leading telco Safaricom, has appointed lawyer Adil Arshed Khawaja as the new board chairman.

Peter Ndegwa. PHOTO/TWITTER

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa announced Khawaja’s appointment in a press release issued on Thursday.

According to Ndegwa, Khawaja was selected on Thursday to chair Safaricom’s board of directors during a board meeting.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish to inform you that following a board meeting earlier today, Adil Arshed Khawaja (MBS) has been elected as the Chairman of the Safaricom board effective today, Thursday January 26 2023,” the statement read.

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Khawaja replaces John Ngumi, who tendered his resignation hardly 6 months after his appointment.

John Ngumi. PHOTO/SAFARICOM

While welcoming Khawaja to his new role, Ndegwa expressed his optimism in working with the new board chairman and the entire board to achieve their goals.

“I take this opportunity to welcome Adil and wish him all the best as the Chairman of Safaricom PLC. I also look forward to working with Adil and the entire Board of Directors as we continue to transform lives and delivering for our customers, colleagues, community and company,” Ndegwa said.

Khawaja is a distinguished Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over 30 years experience in the legal profession.

He currently sits on various boards including Al Futtaim Automotive - CMC Motors Group Limited, Atua Enkop Africa Limited and Rhino Ark Charitable Trust.

He is also the managing partner at Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews law firm.

Khawaja was appointed Safaricom Director in December 2022 after Ngumi’s resignation.

He also served as KCB Bank Group Director from 2012 before he was elected the first Chairman of KCB Bank Kenya Limited, a position he held from 2016 to 2020.