People

Getrude Bandari is the Business Planning Lead, Financial Services at Safaricom PLC, a purpose-led technology company providing a wide range of services and solutions, including mobile voice, messaging, data, financial and converged services, and digital services that enable commercial and personal platforms as well as ecosystem partnerships. It is also the pioneer of M-PESA, the world’s most developed mobile money payment system. 

As a seasoned professional with experience in Strategy and Business Operations, Getrude has a keen interest in advancing the use of technology to drive business outcomes and seeking opportunities to improve and stay ahead of the curve.

She joined Safaricom PLC in December 2023, previously serving as the Group Head of IT Business Planning at Equity Group Holdings. In this capacity, she was instrumental in driving strategic initiatives and ensuring the alignment of technology plans with overarching business objectives.

With a career spanning over 10 years, Gertrude has consistently demonstrated expertise in various aspects of Information Technology, Leadership & Strategy Management in NCBA.

Gertrude continues to enhance her proficiency in business planning, corporate strategy and leadership acumen and in her role as Business Planning Lead at Financial Services focusing on driving operational excellence, shaping, and implementing strategic plans and strategic initiatives and ultimately facilitating the achievement of optimal business results in the Fintech Cluster- M-PESA.

Gertrude Holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Kenyatta University and holds various certifications in IT Information Library Foundations (ITIL), Women in Leadership: Inspiring Positive Change program at Case Western Reserve University & Business Analysis through the CBAP certification.