British American Tobacco Kenya (BAT Kenya) has confirmed the departure of its Managing Director, Crispin Achola, and Finance Director, Philemon Kipkemoi, as part of a planned executive transition.

The company named Sidney Wafula as the incoming Managing Director and Catherine Chepkong’a as the new Finance Director.

Crispin Achola steps down as Managing Director on June 15, 2026. He joined BAT Kenya as Managing Director on January 1, 2021 and has led the business for over five years.

The company stated that Achola “successfully delivered on his mandate” and will hand over leadership to pursue opportunities outside the organisation. He will support the transition to keep operations running smoothly.

“Under his leadership this period has been marked by strong guidance through cross-market crisis experience and commercial acumen,he has guided the Company through complex regulatory and market transitions,bringing over 30 years of cross-market experience and commercial acumen,has strong price performance and commercial success,” the company stated.

Philemon Kipkemoi leaves his role as Finance Director on March 31, 2026. He has served the BAT Group for 19 years, including time in various finance positions across East and Southern Africa.

The board thanked both executives for their dedication.

“The Board of Directors expresses its enormous appreciation and thanks Crispin and Philemon for their momentum, leadership, professionalism, dedication and lasting contribution to the Company.We wish them every success in their future endeavours,” BAT stated.

New directors

Sidney Wafula takes over as Managing Director effective June 16, 2026. Wafula previously served as Finance Director for BAT Kenya and now holds the same position for BAT Sub-Saharan Africa.

His career spans senior roles in the group since 2006, including Head of Finance for BAT Egypt in Cairo and Finance Director for BAT Kenya. Wafula holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and belongs to the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.

Catherine Chepkong’a assumes the Finance Director position from April 1, 2026. She joined the BAT Group in 2012 and has held finance leadership posts in multiple markets.

Her roles include Head of Finance for Uganda, Finance Controller for East Africa and Southern Markets, and Head of Markets for the Horn of Africa. Most recently, she worked as Finance Controller at Strathmore University Business School in Kenya.

Chepkorir is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.