4th Recipient – Einstein Kihanda

Einstein is the Chief Executive Officer of ICEA LION Asset Management (ILAM) with experience spanning over 24 years in Investment Analysis/Research and Fund Management. He joined Equity Stockbrokers as a Research Analyst in February 1999 followed by a brief stint as Research Manager at Barclaytrust Investment Services shortly before its acquisition by Old Mutual.

He started his career in Fund Management in January 2002 at ICEA Investment Services as Head of Portfolio Management Services and thereafter Old Mutual Asset Managers, CFC Stanbic Financial Services, Sanlam Investment Management Kenya, and then back to ICEA LION Asset Management as Chief Investment Officer. He was later promoted to the CEO position in December 2015. He also serves as a Director of ICEA LION Asset Management (Uganda).

Einstein is a graduate of the United States International University (USIU), with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration (Accounting & Finance major) and a Master of Science Degree in Management & Organizational Development (M.O.D.). He also holds a Master of Science Degree in Finance from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, UK.

Einstein is a respected professional within the investment industry and has contributed to the growth of the industry in various capacities within various institutions, including the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI), Association of Retirement Benefits Schemes (ARBS), Alexander Forbes Financial Services and the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPSK).

He is currently the Chairman of the Institute of Certified Investment and Financial Analysts (ICIFA) and is a former Chairman of the Fund Managers’ Association (FMA) where he now serves as a member of the Stakeholders Committee.

As a result, with his rich industry experience and strong leadership capabilities, he has led his team to be awarded the Fund Manager of the Year Award for 3 years in a row, as well as have ILAM awarded 2nd Runners Up for the Finance & Investments Sector for the Champions of Governance Awards!

This is a man with a heart of gold, a man of the people as commonly referred to at work. He is not defined by his position in his interactions with colleagues and generally people from all walks of life. You would find him fully engaged in any conversation ranging from football, politics, markets, etc, with people along the corridors after work and even socially with his friends over mbuzi bitings!  Though strangely enough, he is an introvert who would comfortably not mind curling up in his corner away from the limelight and enjoy a good old action movie!

Therefore it is not surprising to find him in the list of renowned family men in the Mount Kenya Walk of Fame. Unlike most men, he would proudly mention his wife or any of his sons, or even his dad in conversations. He is married to one wife whom they met in college almost 30 years ago! He is a great father to 3 adult sons. This and the enviable attributes he possesses have endeared him to many in the community around him including the church where he serves with commitment and diligence. No wonder the church he attends has entrusted him with coveted leadership roles in BSF and Men’s fellowship.

Away from the glare of cameras and designation, his broad taste for music is astonishing, and cuts across different genres from Rhumba, reggae, ragga, rock, rnb, and hip-hop! This is quite intriguing! Even to learn that one of his favorite artists is Taylor Swift! Thus naturally swinging to the tunes became one of his hobbies in creating a harmonious existence within his system! He has always been the only CEO on the dance floor during company events. In addition, he would willingly accept invitations to participate in company trivia & games and as an ardent supporter of the Arsenal football team, engage in soccer banter with other fans in the office.  

He is truly respected for his love of reading books especially history and autobiographies and his rich knowledge of current affairs! He loves to read even what would be regarded as the most boring historical books! This has won him accolades in trivia and game nights especially where history and current affairs knowledge is required.

It would be incomplete and a fallacy not to wrap up what truly packages this virtuous man: He is a man of his word and you can always count on him, he will never shy away from accepting responsibility, his word is his bond, he is peace-loving and will always choose the peaceful route to resolve issues and above all and most importantly a Godly man!