Daniel Ndonye, the Independent Chairman of I&M Bank, is a trailblazer in Kenya’s corporate and accounting world. Born into humble beginnings, he spent his early years herding his elder brother’s cows and goats. This experience, while challenging, motivated him to focus on education and escape a life of farm labor.
Early Education
Ndonye’s academic journey began when he passed the Common Entrance Exam in 1960 and joined Alliance High School. Driven by a desire to change his life, he excelled consistently in school, which laid the foundation for his remarkable career.
Academic Achievements
He made history as the first person in Kenya to earn a First Class Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi. Ndonye also became the first Black Managing Senior Partner at Deloitte, the first African fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), and the first Black Chair of the ICAEW Members Advisory Board.
Career Highlights
Over a 30-year career at Deloitte & Touche, Ndonye held senior leadership positions before joining multiple boards of leading corporations, including the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). He currently chairs I&M Bank and has served on boards of several companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, shaping corporate governance and financial management in Kenya.
Daniel Ndonye’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and breaking barriers, inspiring many Kenyans to pursue excellence against all odds.