Chief Executive Officer

Kisima is a pioneering Kenyan-owned agribusiness, spanning 4,500 hectares and employing over 650 staff. With a strong foundation in arable crops, floriculture, certified seed potatoes, and forestry, Kisima has established itself as a leader in sustainable farming and community impact. In addition, Kisima owns and manages the Wilson Business Park which is managed office space at Wilson Airport.

As Kisima enters its next chapter, the Board seeks a dynamic, future-focused CEO to drive growth and increase profits within their core agricultural interests, innovate and unlock new growth opportunities, and position Kisima as a regional leader in agribusiness, sustainability, and diversified revenue streams.

About the role

The CEO will be a transformational leader, responsible for inspiring Kisima’s people, shaping its future, and championing bold new ventures. This is not a role for a caretake - it is for a visionary who thrives on growth, innovation, and impact.

The CEO’s focus will span three core areas:

• 40% strengthening the foundations of the existing business, inspiring and energising teams, and fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence.
• 40% growing the existing business by improving revenue per hectare in arable, growing floriculture total acreage and building the real estate portfolio by developing strategic partnerships and positioning Kisima as a hub for agribusiness innovation, sustainability, and community development.
• 20% diversifying the business and leading Kisima into new areas of agribusiness, technology, and sustainability.

Key dimensions of the role

Continue to strengthen the foundation of the current business by – including but not limited to:

• Assessing current agricultural assets and identifying efficiencies in order to improve yields and returns.
• Centralising of Business Units, Stores, Processes and Procedures under the “One Kisima” banner.
• Addressing weaknesses in Infrastructure - power, solar, roads, and housing.
• Continuing to strengthen back-office capability to support growth.
• Reviewing and implementing 5-year plans.

Future Growth & Diversification

• Grow the existing businesses by:

1. Delivering significant growth to the flower business.
2. Materially improving revenue per hectare in the arable business.
3. Delivering a plan for forestry revenue growth and margin improvements.

• Identify and develop new revenue streams, which may include:

1. Real Estate.
2. Renewable energy.
3. Agri-tech ventures (precision farming, data-driven crop management).
4. Value-added processing (potato products, floriculture exports, branded consumer goods).
5. Livestock management

• Expand Kisima’s role in regional food security and climate-smart agriculture.

Leadership & Culture

• Inspire a high-performance, innovative culture across the organisation.
• Mentor and empower the next generation of leaders.
• Champion Kisima’s values of sustainability, community, and excellence.

Strategic Partnerships & Capital

• Forge alliances with investors, governments, and global agribusiness leaders.
• Secure capital for growth initiatives and infrastructure development.
• Position Kisima as a thought leader in African agribusiness.

Innovation & Sustainability

• Drive adoption of cutting-edge technologies in farming and resource management by using the latest regenerative agriculture strategies and techniques.
• Lead Kisima’s sustainability agenda, including renewable energy, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
• Expand Kisima Foundation’s impact in healthcare, education, and agricultural extension.

Skills and experience

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Proven track record of transformational leadership in agribusiness.
• Minimum 10 years’ senior leadership experience, ideally with exposure to international markets.
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset with ability to identify and execute new growth opportunities.
• Excellent communicator, network builder, and influencer.
• Experience in raising capital and building strategic partnerships.

Desirable

• Ability to speak Kiswahili
• Right to work in Kenya

Personal Attributes

• Visionary, dynamic, and inspirational.
• Future-focused, energetic and adaptable with a passion for innovation and sustainability.
• Resilient and able to thrive in a fast-changing environment.
• Strong leader who empowers teams and builds trust.
• Entrepreneurial, solutions-driven, and globally minded.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that individuals from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every listed qualification. At Millar Cameron, we are committed to supporting our clients in building diverse and inclusive teams. If you’re enthusiastic about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply - you could be exactly what our client is looking for, either for this position or another.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to respond to candidates who are shortlisted for the next stage of the process. We sincerely appreciate your interest and the time taken to apply.

Since 2007 Millar Cameron has specialised in sourcing leadership and keyperson talent across a number of industries, including agribusiness, international development, industrial, consumer, financial and professional services, private equity, and technology, media and telecommunications. Our mission and purpose is to positively contribute to the development of Africa, and other emerging markets, through the provision of people.