Safaricom PLC’s Chief Information Officer, George Njuguna, has officially exited the telecommunications giant after a five-year tenure.
Having joined Safaricom in 2019, Njuguna played a pivotal role in transforming Safaricom’s technological operations.
His departure, announced in a statement by Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, marks the end of a significant chapter for the company as it continues its journey towards becoming a tech-focused enterprise.
George Njuguna’s Contributions to Safaricom
During his tenure, George Njuguna was instrumental in the digitization of Safaricom’s operations. His leadership saw the technology team grow fourfold, reaching over 800 employees, and fostered the adoption of Agile working methodologies within the organization.
Ndegwa lauded Njuguna’s contributions, stating, “George has taken the decision to pursue other interests outside Safaricom. I wish to thank him for his contribution to our transformation journey, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Apart from his role in transforming Safaricom’s internal operations, George Njuguna also led several key initiatives.
One of his significant achievements was the roll-out of Safaricom’s Telco-to-Techco strategy, which reshaped the company’s technology infrastructure and talent pool.
Under his leadership, Safaricom reinforced its position as a leader in the Kenyan tech space, cementing its role not just as a telecommunications provider but also as a technology innovator.
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In March 2024, Njuguna was appointed Acting Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO), further extending his influence over Safaricom’s IT landscape.
However, after several months in the role, he has decided to step away and pursue other professional endeavors.
James Maitai: Safaricom’s New Chief Technology and Information Officer
With George Njuguna’s departure, Safaricom has announced the appointment of James Maitai as the new Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO), effective November 1, 2024.
Maitai is no stranger to Safaricom, having spent 16 years at the company before moving to Safaricom Ethiopia in 2023 as the CTIO.
Maitai brings with him over 23 years of experience in the technology space. At Safaricom Ethiopia, he was instrumental in accelerating the deployment of the network to 3,000 sites and implementing the M-PESA ecosystem.
His efforts also contributed to a 30% reduction in technology operational expenditures, reinforcing his ability to drive strategic cost leadership.
What’s Next for Safaricom’s Technology Team?
James Maitai’s return to Safaricom PLC is expected to continue the momentum that George Njuguna built during his tenure. As the new CTIO, Maitai will be responsible for overseeing Safaricom’s network performance and IT systems.
His deep understanding of the company’s operations and technology infrastructure positions him to effectively guide Safaricom through its next phase of growth and innovation.
Maitai’s educational background includes a B.Sc. in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from the University of Nairobi and an MBA from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
His leadership style, combined with advanced management training from Strathmore Business School and international institutions like Lagos Business School and IESE in Spain, equips him to navigate the complexities of the ever-evolving tech industry.
The transition marks the end of one era and the beginning of another for Safaricom, and the company is poised to continue its drive towards becoming a leading Techco in Africa.
Both George Njuguna and James Maitai’s contributions will be key talking points in the telecommunications and technology sectors for years to come.
