In a significant move to bolster its presence in East Africa, Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has announced the appointment of John Njoroge as the new Country Manager and Senior Business Development Leader for Kenya, South Sudan, and Somalia. This strategic appointment underscores Visa’s commitment to driving innovation, expanding digital commerce, and enhancing financial inclusion across these dynamic markets.
John Njoroge brings a wealth of experience to his new role, with over two decades of expertise in the banking and financial technology (Fintech) sectors. His deep understanding of digital payments, coupled with a proven track record in fostering strategic partnerships and delivering innovative banking solutions, positions him as the ideal leader to steer Visa’s growth in the region. Most recently, John served as the Regional Managing Director for East Africa at Network International, where he honed his skills in navigating complex markets and driving business success.
In his new capacity, John will oversee Visa’s operations across Kenya, South Sudan, and Somalia, focusing on strengthening client relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and accelerating the adoption of digital payment solutions. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing Visa’s mission to empower businesses and consumers with secure, seamless, and inclusive financial tools. From spearheading the rollout of new products and services to enhancing executive-level partnerships, John’s efforts will aim to increase both client and Visa revenue while solidifying the company’s strategic value in the region.
Chad Pollock, Vice President and General Manager for East Africa at Visa, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome John to the Visa East Africa team. His deep expertise in digital payments, strong leadership skills, and strategic mindset will be invaluable in driving Visa’s mission to expand financial inclusion and digital commerce in Kenya, South Sudan, and Somalia. We look forward to seeing the impact of his leadership in strengthening our partnerships and advancing the digital payments ecosystem in the region.”
John’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as the demand for digital payment solutions continues to rise across East Africa. With his extensive background, he is well-equipped to lead critical initiatives that align with Visa’s goals. During his tenure as Chairman of the Kenya Credit & Debit Cards Association (KCDCA), under the Kenya Bankers Association, John championed transformative industry-wide changes. These included the adoption of Near Field Contactless (NFC) technology, the transition from magnetic stripe cards to Chip & PIN cards, and the implementation of best-practice card payment processes. He also collaborated with the Judiciary to streamline legal frameworks surrounding card fraud, further demonstrating his ability to drive impactful change.
Expressing his excitement about the role, John said, “I am excited to join Visa and contribute to the expansion of digital payments across Kenya, South Sudan, and Somalia. Visa has been at the forefront of driving financial innovation, and I look forward to collaborating with our clients and stakeholders to introduce secure, seamless, and inclusive payment solutions that benefit businesses and consumers alike.”
As Country Manager, John will set the strategic direction for Visa’s business objectives in these markets, ensuring that the company remains a trusted partner in the region’s evolving digital economy. His leadership will play a key role in accelerating the shift toward a cashless society, fostering financial inclusion, and unlocking new opportunities for growth.
With John Njoroge at the helm, Visa is poised to strengthen its footprint in Kenya, South Sudan, and Somalia, delivering cutting-edge payment solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and economies alike. As the digital payments landscape continues to evolve, John’s vision and expertise will undoubtedly shape the future of financial innovation in East Africa.
