By Dr. James Mworia
When I first walked into Centum Investment Company Plc in 2001, I was just a young man with a law degree, an accounting diploma, and a few certificates, working as a filing clerk. I was eager, maybe even a little nervous, but mostly, I was driven. I knew I had a lot to learn, but I also had a fire inside me—a deep-seated belief that I could make a difference.
Rising through the ranks at Centum wasn’t just about hard work; it was about passion, persistence, and the relationships I built along the way. By 2005, I became the Chief Investment Officer, a role that tested my abilities and stretched my limits. However, life often has unexpected turns, and I left Centum in December 2006 to explore new challenges at Transcentury Investments as their Head of Investments.
Returning to Centum as CEO in 2008, just as I turned 30, felt like a homecoming. Back then, Centum was managing an asset base of $69 million. It was a respectable figure, but I saw so much more potential. I was fueled by the vision of what Centum could become—a powerhouse of investment in East Africa. Through determination, collaboration, and a relentless focus on our goals, my team and I expanded our asset base to $350 million in just six years. Today, that vision has grown beyond what I once imagined, and we now manage $0.5 billion in assets, with much more potential for growth.
Centum’s mission, as I see it, is deeply personal: it’s about creating real, tangible wealth—not just for our investors but for the communities we serve. When I walk through the bustling streets of Nairobi or visit the serene landscapes of Vipingo, I don’t just see investments; I see lives transformed, opportunities created, and futures secured. Our work isn’t just about numbers on a balance sheet; it’s about making a lasting impact.
Real Estate, Private Equity, and Marketable Securities are more than just investment categories to us—they’re the pillars upon which we build dreams. Through projects like the Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Center (TRIFIC), Centum RE, Nabo Capital, Longhorn Digital Learning, and the ongoing success of Vipingo Development, among many other success stories, we’re not just optimizing assets; we’re crafting spaces where people live, work, and thrive. In Private Equity, we’re not just investing in companies; we’re building businesses that fuel the economy and empower people.
Our track record, such as achieving a 21% Internal Rate of Return (IRR) on USD from our exits and accounting for 25% of all exits done by the PE industry between 2013 and 2023 in Kenya, speaks to our strategic approach. But beyond the metrics, it’s the stories of resilience and innovation that truly inspire me.
I remember a time at the airport when a young man stopped and greeted me enthusiastically. He was working at the airport, manning all the scanning machines, and as we spoke, he shared how his journey started with us at Centum through our Ajiry program. This initiative was designed to give young graduates from the National Youth Service (NYS) an opportunity to get training post-graduation so that they could be better prepared for the job market. Hearing how his experience with us led to him securing a stable job filled me with immense pride—it’s these moments that remind me of the real impact we’re making.
A smile always comes onto my face whenever I watch interviews of leading professionals in the country, and they mention how they began their careers at Centum as part of our leadership development program. I’ve always wanted to give as many young people as possible that first opportunity to learn and grow. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them now leading in various sectors, knowing that Centum was a stepping stone in their journey.
Similarly, whenever I encounter the management of companies that we helped build—companies that continue to thrive many years after we exited—I feel a deep sense of satisfaction. These companies stand on the platforms we built, and their ongoing success is a testament to the solid foundations we laid together.
Traveling across the world, pitching for businesses to set up in places like TRIFIC, often leaves me sleep-exhausted but immensely satisfied. I know that each successful pitch means more jobs created for thousands of Kenyans. The thought that these young people, gaining employment, will have an impact on many families across the country is what keeps me going, even through the most challenging days.
Being actively involved with our portfolio companies, engaging with management teams, and working through challenges together—that’s where I find the most fulfillment. Whether it was turning around Sidian Bank or helping Greenblade Growers break even, these weren’t just business victories; they were personal milestones that reflect the values I hold dear—perseverance, integrity, and collaboration.
Looking back, my journey with Centum is one of growth—not just for the company, but for me as a leader and, more importantly, as a person. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about financial returns; it’s about creating something with teams that outlasts all of us, something that future generations can look back on and say, “This made a difference.”
As I continue to lead Centum into the future, I carry with me the lessons of the past 23 years—the highs, the lows, and the invaluable relationships that have shaped me. My story is intertwined with Centum’s, and together, we’re not just investing in Africa; we’re investing in its people and its future.
Join me at the 11th Angel Fair Africa from 7th to 8th November 2024 at www.trific.co.ke in Nairobi, Kenya