Dr Martin Oduor Otieno’s Sanlam Allianz appointment brings fresh experience to the insurance giant’s board this week, with the company naming the seasoned leader as an independent non-executive director.
The move came in a notice dated February 10, 2026, highlighting his long track record in business steering, governance, and public service that caught their eye.
Sanlam Allianz Holdings Kenya welcomed him warmly, pointing to achievements that span banking, coaching, and boardrooms across the region. Otieno runs The Leadership Group Limited out of Nairobi these days, a firm helping executives and companies sharpen decisions and build strong teams.
He chairs East African Breweries Limited too, one of the biggest names around, and sits on boards for BAT Kenya and the African Enda Foundation. On top of that, he’s chancellor at KCA University, guiding the next generation.
His shelf holds serious qualifications — an honorary Doctor of Business Leadership from KCA, an executive MBA from ESAMI and Maastricht, and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi.
Harvard’s Advanced Management program sharpened him further. He’s a certified professional coach and fellow in several bodies and even earned the Chief of the Burning Spear honour from the state for national contributions.
Back in the day, Otieno headed KCB Group as CEO from 2007 to 2012, pushing expansion deep into East Africa and strengthening operations. Before that top spot, he climbed senior ladders inside the bank.
Earlier stops included leadership in finance at Barclays Kenya and South Africa, plus roles at British American Tobacco Kenya. After KCB, he advised financial outfits at Deloitte East Africa before starting his own firm.
There were also public service calls. From 1999 to 2001, he was the Permanent Secretary at the National Treasury, where he worked on measures that made it harder for the government to handle money.
He finished a long term on the boards of Standard Bank Group and South Africa in 2025. He also wrote a book called Beyond the Shadows of My Dream, which is a leadership story based on his own struggles and professional successes.
This board position is a great fit for Sanlam Allianz since it brings together South African heritage and German strength in Kenya’s burgeoning insurance market.
Otieno’s knowledge in banking, governance, and the region will help them get more reach and better services. Company bosses think his independent voice will help keep things in balance, as he has been navigating enormous ships through calm and stormy weather for decades.
This kind of appointment shows that people have faith in Kenya’s economy. Otieno is a calm leader because he has worked in many different fields.
Staff and shareholders probably agree – experience is important when dealing with rules, competition, and customer needs. His training as a coach could also lead to new ideas on talent.
Otieno steps in gently but firmly, adding another chapter to a man’s story of leading quietly but well. Sanlam Allianz gains a thinker with proven results. Kenya’s business community watches interested – moves like this shape directions ahead. Welcome aboard, Dr Otieno – the boardroom just got richer.
