Dr. Gideon Muriuki CBS, MBS embarked on his illustrious journey with the Co-operative Bank in 1996, initially assuming the position of Senior Corporate Manager. Demonstrating exceptional talent and dedication, he swiftly ascended the corporate ladder, attaining the esteemed role of Director of Corporate and Institutional Banking by 1999. His appointment as the Bank’s Managing Director came in 2001, marking the beginning of a remarkable turnaround for the institution. Since his appointment in 2001, Dr. Muriuki has been instrumental in leading the Bank’s remarkable turnaround from a massive loss position of KShs. 2.3 billion in the year 2000 to a profit before tax of KShs. 22.6 billion in 2021.
Dr. Muriuki’s achievements with the Co-operative Bank…
- Steering it out of near-collapse, moving the Bank from a huge loss of KES 2.3 billion in 2001 to a profit before tax of over KES. 16.5 billion for the first nine months of the year 2021
- Increasing total assets from KES 24 billion in 2001 to over KES 600 billion – Increasing customers from 125,000 in 2001 to over 9 million.
- Increasing Service Network from 27 branches and three ATMs in 2001 to 158 branches in Kenya, four branches in South Sudan, 589 ATMs, and over 25,000 Co-op Kwa Jirani agency banking outlets
- Increasing Loans and Advances from KES 15 billion in 2001 to over KES 300 billion in 2021
- Increasing customer deposits from KES 17 billion in 2001 to over KES 420 billion.
Dr. Gideon Muriuki’s family held a strong belief in the advantages of education. He commenced his educational journey at age six in 1970, when he enrolled in a nearby Nursery School in Kaigonde Village. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and is a Fellow of the Kenya Institute of Bankers. In recognition of his contributions to the business management field, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Management in 2011. Additionally, he has received honorary doctorates from the African International University and the Co-operative University of Kenya.
Drawing upon his extensive expertise and leadership abilities amassed over a remarkable span of 33 years in the banking and finance sector, Dr. Gideon Muriuki has garnered widespread recognition. In 2005, he received the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW), followed by the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) in 2011, and the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear first-class (CBS) in 2017. These prestigious accolades are a testament to his exceptional leadership in revitalizing the Bank and his outstanding contributions to his country. As a testament to his exceptional skills, the International Banker bestowed him with the esteemed title of CEO of the Year Africa in 2014.
Furthermore, Dr. Muriuki has made significant contributions as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Africa International University and the African Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (AFRACA). Dr. Gideon Muriuki was also honored with the prestigious title of Banking CEO of the Year at the EMEA Finance – African Banking Awards in 2021. In the same year, 2021, Dr. Muriuki was recognized for his decision to sustain dividend payments to shareholders during the pandemic, providing critical relief to the Co-operative movement’s 15 million-member. This decision was highly appreciated in the banking sector and among shareholders.
Dr. Gideon Muriuki was born in Mung’aria village, Tetu, Nyeri County, on September 1, 1964. He excelled in his education, attending Kaigonde Primary School, Kiganjo Primary School, and Kagumo High School, where he obtained his ‘O’ Level and ‘A’ Level certificates. He furthered his studies at the University of Nairobi, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1988.
Beyond his achievements in the banking sector, Dr. Muriuki has made significant contributions to the development of rural finance in Africa. He was awarded the Chevalier de L’ordre National du Burkina Faso by the President of Burkina Faso in 2016. In the same year, he received the Lion of Judah Award by the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya and the Mtumishi Bora Grand Award by the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum for his leadership as a committed Christian in the marketplace.
The Co-operative Bank of Kenya experienced a revitalization under the leadership of Dr. Gideon Muriuki, who is recognized as a visionary. His innovative strategies have greatly strengthened the co-operative sector, benefiting numerous people in Kenya and beyond and earning him a legendary reputation.
Here at FINTAK, the fuel that drives us comes from paragons making waves across the industry. We picked up a ton of inspiration while exploring this trailblazing journey. Upwards and Onwards, Mr. Gideon Muriuki!