Paul Arithi 
Andrew Kilonzo,newly appointed Managing Director KBL
- KBL Appoints Andrew Kilonzo as New Managing Director (M.D);
East African Breweries Limited (EABL) has announced a leadership change at Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), with Andrew Kilonzo taking over as the new Managing Director, effective October 1.
He replaces Mark Ocitti, who will step down at the end of September 2025.
Kilonzo brings over two decades of experience within the EABL group, having served in various commercial roles across East Africa.
Most recently, he successfully headed Uganda Breweries Limited(UBL), where he was instrumental in expanding the unit’s product portfolio and stabilizing its market presence.
Alongside Kilonzo’s appointment, Yvonne Mwangi will assume the role of Commercial Director for Kenya, also effective October 1, the company said.
Mwangi joins from her leadership position in Seychelles and the Indian Ocean territories, bringing over 15 years of experience in sales, brand development, and strategy execution across regional markets.
Jane Karuku, Group Managing Director at EABL, expressed strong confidence in the new leadership team.
“These appointments reflect the strength of our succession pipeline and our continued investment in leadership across the region,” she stated.
Karuku believes Kilonzo and Mwangi will effectively steer EABL’s performance and champion inclusion and diversity within the business.
She also extended gratitude to the outgoing Mark Ocitti for his significant contributions.
Ocitti, who joined KBL in 2021, navigated the company through a challenging period marked by post-pandemic recovery, inflationary pressures, and evolving consumer habits.
Under his tenure, KBL successfully advanced new low-alcohol offerings and enhanced its distribution framework.
The leadership transition comes as EABL confronts rising costs, shifts in tax policy, and intensifying competition within Kenya’s alcoholic beverage industry.
Despite reporting a drop in profit in its latest financial report due to higher input costs and currency volatility, the company has maintained steady volumes in both its beer and spirits segments.
Both Kilonzo and Mwangi are tasked with maintaining EABL’s market leadership and adapting to changing consumer needs.
Their mandate includes improving operational efficiency, fostering brand loyalty, and strengthening local partnerships in Kenya.
