The Institute of Risk Management (IRM) Africa on Thursday brought together top executives, including CEOs, Chief Risk Officers, and institutional leaders, for a high-level executive breakfast aimed at redefining how organizations in East Africa respond to risk.

Speaking during the event, Joyce Ndirangu, Director of Strategy & Partnerships at the Risk Management Hub in Africa, urged institutions to embrace a culture of proactive risk mitigation within their operations.

She emphasized that East Africa’s economic transformation hinges on leadership that sees uncertainty not as a barrier but as a springboard for innovation and resilience.

“In many organizations, risk management is still viewed as a compliance issue. This must change. Risk should evolve into a central driver of decision-making, innovation, and long-term sustainability,” she said. “IRM is determined to work with institutions across Kenya and Africa to support growth by equipping leaders and staff with the skills to identify and mitigate risks.” She said.

Ndirangu noted that the forum highlighted the importance of embedding risk-informed thinking in leadership, strategy, operations, and governance.

She reaffirmed IRM’s commitment to strengthening the risk profession and fostering decision excellence across the region.

Kiprono Kittony, EBS, Chairman of the Nairobi Securities Exchange, who was the chief guest, echoed the call for stronger risk leadership.

He urged investors to prioritize risk management in their operations, pointing out that Kenya faces emerging threats such as digital risks which require strategic partnerships.

“The Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to policies that promote institutional growth. I commend IRM for the work they are doing, and we look forward to collaborating with them and other partners to strengthen resilience in our economy,” Kittony said.

He added that Kenya remains on the right growth trajectory and encouraged continued investor confidence in the country’s markets