EABL appoints Andrew Kilonzo to Lead Kenya Breweries in Top-Level Shake-Up
NAIROBI — East African Breweries Plc. (EABL) has appointed Andrew Kilonzo as the new managing director for Kenya Breweries Limited, replacing Mark Ocitti, who is set to step down at the end of September 2025. The announcement marks a key change in the company’s leadership as it prepares for its next phase of operations in Kenya.
Kilonzo currently heads Uganda Breweries Limited and will assume his new role on October 1. During his tenure in Uganda, Kilonzo helped the unit expand its product portfolio and stabilize its market presence. He first joined the EABL group over two decades ago and has served in various commercial roles across East Africa.
In the same announcement, EABL named Yvonne Mwangi as the incoming Commercial Director for Kenya, effective October 1. Mwangi has been leading operations in Seychelles and the Indian Ocean territories. She brings over 15 years of experience in sales, brand development, and strategy execution across regional markets.
Jane Karuku, Group Managing Director at EABL, confirmed both appointments in a company statement issued Friday.
“I want to thank Mark Ocitti for his invaluable contribution and welcome Andrew Kilonzo and Yvonne Mwangi into their new roles,” Karuku said. “I am confident this leadership team will continue to steer EABL’s performance and support inclusion and diversity at all levels of the business.”
Ocitti, who took the helm in 2021, led Kenya Breweries through a turbulent period marked by post-pandemic recovery, inflationary pressures, and shifting consumer behavior. Under his leadership, the company pushed forward new low-alcohol offerings and improved its distribution framework.
The transition comes at a time when EABL is facing rising costs, tax policy shifts, and increased competition in Kenya’s alcoholic beverage industry. In its latest financial disclosures, the company reported a drop in profit, citing higher input costs and currency volatility. However, it maintained steady volumes in both beer and spirits.
Karuku described the appointments as a product of EABL’s deliberate focus on internal talent development. “These appointments reflect the strength of our succession pipeline and our continued investment in leadership across the region,” she said.
Both Kilonzo and Mwangi are expected to help EABL maintain its market lead and respond to evolving consumer needs. Their mandate includes improving operational efficiency, growing brand loyalty, and strengthening local partnerships in Kenya.
