In the evolving hub of Africa’s energy and logistics sectors, few names resonate with as much quiet influence and strategic depth as Mwendia Nyaga. A financial expert, entrepreneur, and advocate for local content development, Nyaga has spent more than 20 years shaping the way oil, energy, and logistics businesses operate in Eastern Africa.
As Chief Financial Officer and founding director of OML Africa Logistics, a Nairobi-based logistics firm, Mwendia has been instrumental in building the company into a trusted partner for upstream and midstream oil and gas operations.
With a sharp eye for financial planning, budgeting, and risk management, he has helped steer the company’s growth into a $5 million revenue enterprise known for its emphasis on safety, efficiency, and client-first service delivery.
But Mwendia’s influence stretches far beyond the boardroom at OML. In 2011, he founded Oil & Energy Services Limited, a consultancy designed to bridge gaps in local participation within Africa’s energy sector. Through strategic advisory services, market insights, and capacity-building programs, he has championed the development of local expertise in upstream oil and gas — a mission that remains close to his heart. He has not only organized numerous workshops and conferences to empower local businesses but also advised Kenya’s Ministry of Energy on complex issues such as production sharing contracts, fiscal policy, and regulation.
His journey began in audit, as a senior at Deloitte & Touche, where he honed his skills in financial oversight. He later joined Unga Group Ltd as Finance Manager, where he spearheaded the implementation of a company-wide ERP system — a bold move at the time that digitized operations and set new benchmarks for efficiency. At the National Oil Corporation of Kenya, Mwendia held key leadership roles — first as Chief Finance Officer and then as Managing Director. Under his stewardship, the corporation experienced rapid growth, particularly in its retail segment, while also enhancing Kenya’s visibility in global petroleum circles.
ALSO READ:THECFO MAGAZINE’S CFO OF THE WEEK: MICHAEL SEGWAYA OF ABSA UGANDA
Mwendia’s leadership is grounded in professional rigor and a firm belief in values. “Integrity, safety, and respect are non-negotiable in everything we do,” he often says — a philosophy that informs both his business conduct and his advocacy for sustainable development. A published author and respected voice on matters of energy policy and regulation, Mwendia continues to provide thought leadership through expert commentary and writings that demystify complex aspects of the petroleum industry.
TheCFO Magazine’s CFO of the Week recognizes exceptional Chief Financial Officers across the globe, celebrating their outstanding leadership, impactful achievements, innovative solutions, extensive industry expertise, and invaluable contributions to their organizations.
