Panafrican News Agency

AfDB elevates Kenyan Wambui Gichuri to post of VP Agric, Human and Social Development

Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire (PANA) - The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has announced the promotion of Wambui Gichuri to the post of Acting Vice President,  Agriculture, Human and Social Development, with effect from Sunday, 5 July, 2020.

Wambui joined the AfDB Group in 2018 as Director, Water Development and Sanitation, and currently oversees the Bank’s water sector programme of over US$ 4.5 billion covering 44 countries and multinational projects.

The Bank's media channel says Wambui supervises two divisions: the Water Development, Coordination and Partnerships, and Water Security and Sanitation divisions, as well as the African Water Facility divisions, a project preparation facility.  

She also leads the development and coordination of the technical program, manages the department’s human resources and budget and the development of extensive partnership activities.

Her leadership role includes water sector policy dialogue, strategy and business development, and spearheading innovations, the AfDB said.
 
Before joining the Bank, Wambui worked for the World Bank where she served in various capacities for 20 years, including 17 years in water resources management, supply, sanitation, irrigation and drainage, with vast experience in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Wamgui holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Nairobi, Kenya (1988); a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in Economics (1986) and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Sociology from (1983) from the same university.

Commenting on this elevation, the President of the African Development Bank Group, Akinwumi Adesina, said “I am very pleased that Wambui agreed to step into this role as Acting Vice President. The Vice Presidency Complex on Agriculture, Human and Social Development has some of our largest programmes and flagship initiatives.

"With her extensive experience, leadership, people management skills, and strong execution capacity, I am confident that she will help strengthen the team and accelerate execution on critical programs and initiatives."

-0- PANA VAO 5July2020