Head of Artificial Intelligence

The Co-operative Bank of Kenya is a leading financial institution in Kenya, committed to leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, strengthen risk management, improve operational efficiency, and drive sustainable business growth.

The Co-operative Bank of Kenya is seeking an exceptional and visionary Head of Artificial Intelligence to lead the bank’s enterprise AI agenda and accelerate the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, and Agentic AI across the organization. This is a strategic leadership opportunity for an accomplished AI professional who will shape the bank’s AI strategy, build enterprise-wide AI capabilities, and lead the transformation of promising AI innovations into practical solutions that deliver measurable value. The successful candidate will report to the Chief Digital and AI Officer and will be instrumental in enhancing customer experience, strengthening risk management, improving operational efficiency, and driving sustainable business growth through AI.

1. Develop and implement the bank's multi-year AI strategy and roadmap, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and emerging technology opportunities.
2. Identify, prioritize, and deliver high-impact AI use cases across various business functions such as credit, fraud management, collections, customer service, and technology.
3. Lead cross-functional AI teams through the entire lifecycle, from ideation and experimentation to deployment, adoption, and benefits realization.
4. Define and establish enterprise AI architecture, engineering standards, and lifecycle practices, including MLOps, production monitoring, reusable AI services, and cost optimization.
5. Establish and maintain robust AI governance frameworks that promote security, fairness, transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance throughout the AI lifecycle.
6. Partner with business leaders to embed AI into business processes, drive adoption and change management, and track performance against agreed business outcomes.
7. Collaborate with Data & Analytics teams to ensure AI solutions are supported by trusted, governed, and reusable data foundations.
8. Lead the development of a high-performing AI team and AI Centre of Excellence, attracting and nurturing specialist talent, and championing AI literacy across the bank.

1. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, Engineering, Mathematics, Information Technology, or a related field.
2. Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, Business Administration (MBA), Analytics, or a related discipline.
3. Professional certifications in AI, Machine Learning, Cloud Platforms, Data Science, or Enterprise Architecture are an added advantage.
4. At least 10 years of experience in technology, data, analytics, digital transformation, or AI-related disciplines.
5. At least 5–7 years of experience in a senior leadership role, overseeing enterprise-scale AI, analytics, or technology functions.
6. Proven track record in delivering large-scale AI and Machine Learning programs, from strategy and design to production deployment and measurable business impact.
7. Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams comprising data scientists, engineers, architects, and business stakeholders.
8. Experience within banking, financial services, fintech, telecommunications, or other highly regulated industries.