Joseph Mucheru

Joseph Mucheru is a prominent Kenyan technology executive currently serving as the President of JUMO, a London-based fintech company focused on providing financial services in emerging markets. He assumed this role in January 2023 after a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors.

Background and Education

Mucheru was born on March 30, 1971, and he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Computer Science from City University London, which he earned in 1993. He also completed the Business Executive Programme at Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2008.15

Career Highlights

Before joining JUMO, Mucheru served as the Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs in Kenya from 2015 to 2022, a position he was appointed to by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. In this role, he was instrumental in shaping Kenya's digital landscape and promoting technology innovation across the country.235

Prior to his government service, Mucheru was the Head of Sub-Saharan Africa for Google, where he played a pivotal role in establishing Google's presence on the continent starting in 2007. He was Google's first employee for Sub-Saharan Africa and significantly contributed to its strategic development in the region.123

Additionally, Mucheru co-founded Wananchi Online in 1999, where he served as CEO. This company is known for its internet service provider brand Zuku.15 His extensive experience also includes board positions with several organizations such as UNICEF Generation Unlimited and the M-Pesa Foundation Academy.26

Role at JUMO

As President of JUMO, Mucheru is tasked with driving the company's growth objectives, navigating regulatory challenges, and expanding its footprint across Africa. JUMO specializes in mobile-based financial services that connect entrepreneurs with essential credit and savings products.123 Under his leadership, JUMO aims to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance financial inclusion for underserved populations across the continent.4

Personal Life

Mucheru has been recognized for his contributions to ICT and has received several honors, including the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) in 2010. He is actively involved in various initiatives aimed at empowering youth and promoting technology-driven solutions for economic development.5

In summary, Joseph Mucheru's blend of governmental experience and corporate leadership positions him as a significant figure in advancing fintech solutions within Africa through his role at JUMO.