- Geoffrey Monari appointed as the new HELB CEO, effective March 13, 2025.
- Previously served as CEO of the Universities Fund (UF) and former HELB Chief Operations Officer.
- Replaces Charles Ringera, who exits after 12 years at the helm.
- His leadership comes as HELB aims to improve loan recovery and service delivery.
- Government plans to merge HELB, UF, and KUCCPS pending parliamentary approval.
Geoffrey Monari has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), with his tenure starting on March 13, 2025.
The announcement was made by HELB Board Chairman, Ekwe Ethuro, in an official statement. Monari steps into the role at a time when the country is grappling with higher education funding challenges, requiring strong leadership to navigate the institution forward.
Experienced Leader in Higher Education Financing
Monari, who currently serves as the CEO of the Universities Fund (UF), brings over 15 years of senior management experience to HELB. His return to the institution is significant, as he previously worked as its Chief Operations Officer from 2016 to 2020, before being appointed as UF’s first CEO.
“The Board is confident that Mr. Monari’s vast experience, leadership acumen, and deep understanding of higher education financing will steer HELB towards excellence,” stated Ethuro.
With a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce, Monari is also completing the Global CEO Africa Programme at Strathmore Business School, further enhancing his leadership credentials.
Transition in Leadership at HELB
Monari succeeds Charles Ringera, who exits after 12 years as CEO. During the transition period, Shem Andrew Gichimu, the Chief Operating Officer, served as Acting CEO while Ringera was on terminal leave.
In December 2024, HELB advertised the CEO position, seeking a transformational leader to enhance loan recovery, service delivery, and access to education financing across Kenya.
Planned Merger of HELB, UF, and KUCCPS
Monari’s appointment also comes at a time when the government is pushing for a merger between HELB, the Universities Fund (UF), and the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) into a single entity. The proposal has received Cabinet approval and now awaits Parliament’s endorsement before being enacted into law.
