Today is the deadline for filing Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) tax returns.All taxpayers are required to file their return to avoid penalties. Returns are to be submitted via the iTax portal before the deadline. 

Equity Group Holdings has appointed six new directors as part of a strategic shift towards a more global perspective. The incoming directors include Nick O’Donohoe, Lakshmi Shyam-Sunder, Obadiah Biraro, Aloysius Uche Ordu, Farida Khambata, and David Mutombo. These new members will replace current directors Dr. Edward Odundo, Vijay Gidoomal, Dr. Helen Gichohi, and Samwel Kirubi, who are retiring. The new independent non-executive directors were approved by shareholders at the 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Wednesday, June 25.

Farida holds a Master’s in Economics from Cambridge University, an MSc from London Business School, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst [CFAl. She is a global leader in emerging markets finance with over 30 years of experience in investment and risk management. As co-founder of Cartica Capital, she led innovative investment strategies. Previously, as Regional Vice President at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), she managed a $14 billion portfolio across East Asia, South Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Farida coined the term “Frontier Markets” in 1992 and has served on boards such as Tata Steel Limited (chairing the Risk Committee), Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance, Tata Investments Corporation, and Dragon Capital Group. She was named among Euromoney’s Top 50 Women in Finance and awarded Best Woman Director in 2015.

Nick holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a global authority in development finance with a 30-year career in financial services. As CEO of British International Investment (2017-2024), he grew the institution significantly, deploying $10 billion in development and climate finance. He previously served as founding CEO of Big Society Capital and as Head of Global Research at JP Morgan. He has served on the boards of the Global Impact Investing Network, the European Development Finance Institution Association, and BlueMark. Nick was awarded a CMG in 2022 for his contribution to impact investing.

Aloysius holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Sussex and is an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School. He is a seasoned international development expert with over 30 years of experience in policy and financial innovation. He currently serves on the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria. As Director of the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings Institution, he expanded think tank partnerships and policy influence. Previously, he served as Vice President at the African Development Bank and led the replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF) and the decentralization of staff across 54 countries, enhancing operational efficiency. Over two decades at the World Bank Group, he led the team that streamlined investment lending and development policy lending instruments and the quality assurance processes. He also advises the Harvard-Lancet Commission and T20/G20 forums and serves on the board of Big Win Philanthropy.

Biraro holds an MBA from Uganda Martyrs University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. He has 37 years of expertise in public financial management. As Auditor General of Rwanda (2005-2021), he professionalized public audits and led the first audit of consolidated financial statements. He has chaired the East African Community Audit Commission and served on AFROSAI-E’s Human Resources Committee. His leadership contributed to Rwanda’s adoption of IPSAS accrual accounting and oversight of public and World Bank-funded entities.

Lakshmi holds a Ph.D. in Finance from MIT Sloan School of Management, where she also received an Excellence in Teaching Award. She is a seasoned financial executive with over 30 years of experience in risk management and innovation. As Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of the World Bank Group (2014-2024), she maintained its AAA ratings while unlocking $170 billion in lending capacity. She also served as CFO of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency and chaired The Currency Exchange’s Supervisory Board. Lakshmi has held board roles across Latin America and is widely respected for her engagement with rating agencies and policymakers.

David holds an MBA from the University of the Witwatersrand and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. He is a licensed Professional Engineer with over 20 years of global experience in water, energy, and infrastructure. As CEO of REGIDESO SA in the DRC, he led a turnaround that brought profitability while serving 100 million people. Previously, he served as Global Managing Director of Hatch’s Water Business Unit. He has led multiple basement flooding projects worth over $400 million and led the diversification of power and energy. He sits on the board of Chemtrade Logistics and leads its strategy and audit committees. David is bilingual in English and French and skilled in private public partnerships and sustainable infrastructure.