Geoffrey Monari has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), with his appointment set to take effect from March 13, 2025.
In a statement on Thursday, HELB Board Chairperson Ekwee Ethuro expressed confidence in Monari’s leadership, citing his vast experience and expertise in higher education financing.
“The Board is confident that Monari’s vast experience, leadership acumen, and deep understanding of the higher education financing landscape will provide the vision and leadership necessary to propel HELB to new heights,” Ethuro stated.
Monari takes over from interim CEO Mary Wachira Muchie, who has been in office since the exit of Charles Ringera. Ringera, who had led HELB since 2013, completed his tenure in 2024.
Monari brings over fifteen years of senior management experience in higher education financing. Until his appointment, he was the founding CEO of the Universities Fund, a position he has held since 2020.
Before that, he served as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) at HELB from 2016 to 2020, where he played a key role in student lending, strengthening debt management, fostering partnerships, and spearheading resource mobilization initiatives.
He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Additionally, he has completed the Senior Management Leadership Programme and is currently enrolled in the Global CEO Africa Programme at Strathmore Business School.
Monari assumes office at a time when university and college students have raised concerns over delayed loan disbursements.
Speaking in Dagoreti South on Wednesday, President William Ruto acknowledged challenges at HELB but assured students that the issues were being addressed.
He added that he had instructed the Head of Public Service to resolve the delays promptly, even jokingly telling students to call him if they had not received their funds by Friday.
Monari’s new role will involve overseeing institutional restructuring, optimizing financial technology, improving customer service, and ensuring corporate governance at HELB.
