This archive report was first published on 1 July 2019.
Peter Macharia: CEO of Jijenge Credit Limited ¶
Published on July 1, 2019
As the CEO of Jijenge Credit Limited, Peter Macharia has spent over 30 years in the banking industry. In a recent interview with Nation.co.ke, he shared his childhood experiences, education, and career journey.
Macharia grew up in a family of six as the firstborn. He would milk his father's cows and deliver the milk to Ololaiser Farmers' Society every morning. This daily venture taught him discipline and focus, which he credits for his success.
After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the Kenya Methodist University, Macharia pursued an MBA from the same institution. He also holds professional certificates from Strathmore University.
Starting as a bank clerk at 20, Macharia climbed the corporate ladder, serving in various departments, including Sales, Marketing, Credit, Finance, and Operations. He attributes his success to honesty, discipline, integrity, trust, and staying focused.
As the CEO of Jijenge Credit, Macharia emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in the microfinance sector. He advises young people to love their job, be steadfast, and find ways to overcome challenges.
When asked about his mentor, Macharia credits Mr. Ali Noor Ishmail, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Co-operatives, for helping him achieve his goals.
Macharia believes that widening credit access to those without operational bank accounts can empower individuals and households, reduce poverty levels, and drive business growth.
He also highlights the biggest challenge in extending affordable credit facilities to business people as lack of information, which impedes business growth. Macharia encourages young people to attend business workshops and seminars to enhance their entrepreneurial skills and equip themselves with financial, business, and risk management skills.
When asked about his unique talents, Macharia reveals that he has a sixth sense, which helps him foresee certain things before they happen. This has been instrumental in his job, particularly in declining loan applications that may not be in the best interest of the client.
Finally, Macharia shares that he has no regrets about his decisions, which have brought him to where he is today. He would like to fly and study law, as most of his work revolves around that subject.
