The 18-year financial titan, as of 2020, was reported to have a market capitalization of Ksh 100 billion (approximately $ 1 billion at the time).Ongiro, who began his career as a salesman at Octagon’s Kisumu branch, now takes the reins of a regional financial powerhouse serving Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia.His appointment reflects not just personal ambition but also Octagon’s growing commitment to innovation and financial inclusion across the continent.
His leadership, deep industry expertise, and strong track record within Octagon make him the ideal person to lead our next phase of growth,” said Fred Waswa, Group CEO of Octagon Africa.“Under his stewardship, we are confident Octagon will continue to deliver innovative and inclusive financial solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.At just 30, Ongiro’s story stands out in a sector often dominated by executives twice his age. His journey from sales to the C-suite underscores Octagon’s culture of meritocracy and its commitment to developing young African leaders.Before his appointment, Ongiro served as General Manager for Marketing, Product, and Business Development, overseeing new product innovation and expansion across East Africa.
He also previously led Octagon Insurance Brokers, one of the company’s key subsidiaries.Holding a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science, Ongiro is pursuing an MBA at the University of East London alongside a Diploma in Insurance, blending academic rigour with practical leadership.Beyond the corporate sphere, he is known for leading prayer sessions at work, an expression of faith that mirrors his personal humility and discipline.Driving financial inclusion across AfricaFrom salesman to CEO: Davis Ongiro leads Octagon Africa’s mission to expand pension access and transform financial inclusion across Africa.Ongiro’s appointment comes at a time when Kenya’s pension penetration remains below 25%, particularly among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). He aims to change that.“In the next five years, we want to transform how Kenyans prepare for retirement. Our goal is to ensure every worker, regardless of income or employer size, can retire with dignity and confidence,” Ongiro said.Octagon’s recent partnership with Alexforbes, one of South and Central Africa’s largest financial services firms, is a major step toward that vision. The collaboration gave birth to the Octagon Umbrella Retirement Benefits Scheme, which targets Kenya’s 15 million-strong MSME workforce.
The scheme enables even the smallest enterprises, those with as few as three employees, to offer pension savings, group life insurance, and medical coverage through a digital, transparent, and low-cost platform.“We are here to change the narrative around retirement savings in Kenya,” Ongiro added.
