BY:
Leadership transition at FSD Kenya
January 26th, 2026
Tamara Cook exited FSD Kenya on 22nd January 2026 to join the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health in New York.
Tamara, who joined FSD Kenya in 2014 and was appointed CEO in July 2019, led the organisation in cementing its reputation as a thought leader in financial sector development, elevating the place of inclusive and green finance, and financial health as well as steering programmes aimed at positively impacting low‑income households, women, farmers, youth, and micro and small enterprises.
During Tamara’s tenure, Kenya’s financial sector story grew more complex, with data showing that despite progress in access to financial services, FinAccess 2024 found that only 18.3% of Kenyans reported being financially healthy, a gap which informed much of the organisation’s work.
“I am sad to leave both this country, which has become home, and the FSD Kenya team, which has worked so hard to enhance financial inclusion and financial health for all Kenyans. As I said in my remarks at the joint launches of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, Medium term financial sector plan, and the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code in December, my next role is an opportunity to bring what we are learning here in Kenya about financial health to a global platform. Thank you to my colleagues and our partners who have walked this journey together and will continue to support Kenya’s leadership in Creating value through inclusive finance.”
FSD Kenya’s Programme Investment Committee (PIC) commended Tamara for her exemplary service, noting that she led the organisation in delivering impactful work, benefiting Kenya’s financial sector and ultimately Kenyans, while navigating challenging periods, including the Covid‑19 pandemic and shifting development‑funding realities.
“Tamara’s rare blend of empathy, intellect and imagination transformed complex challenges into clear, human-centric solutions. Her leadership has left an indelible mark on Kenya’s financial sector. She will be greatly missed” said Anne Wanjiku Mutahi, Chair of FSD Kenya’s PIC.
FSD Kenya announced the appointment of Tamara’s successor, Rashmi Pillai, who begins on 2nd February 2026 in Nairobi.
