The Kenya Bankers Association through its subsidiary company, Integrated Payments Services Limited (IPSL), recently launched a Real-Time Interbank Switch that will give the Telcos a run for their money in the mobile money sector. In charge of handling this new platform that is aimed at offering users more integration by making transactions between banks easy, secure and efficient, is one Jennifer Theuri.

Just recently appointed as the chief executive officer of IPSL, Ms Theuri brings to the table over 25 years of hands-on experience in the ever-changing financial sector, being not only a technology expert but also a career banker. Her knowledge in the areas of mobile money, near field communications payments technology and the wide range of banking products as well as services with significance to the card industry will be vital in the success of the new platform.

Before taking up the more admired position at IPSL, she was the senior account director at VeriFone Mobile Money, a corporate ladder she climbed after serving as general manager at Technology Associates for four years. She also held the position of managing consultant at JT Card services. Impressive still, she has thrived on the banking sector big time, having held the role of card manager at the Commercial Bank of Africa.

With a Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Leicester, UK and a Bachelor of Education degree from the university of Nairobi, and not to forget her wide knowledge and expertise, all looks to be looking up for her to succeed in her fresh role. And whether this formal appointment will provide industry leadership as part of a strategic mission by the bankers association to advance the financial services innovation and inclusivity agenda in Kenya, is a question that only time will tell.