James boasts over two decades of experience in the global financial sector, with a strong emphasis on enhancing financial access and inclusion in Africa, with a particular focus on East and Southern Africa. He joined the Financial Sector Deepening Trust of Kenya (FSD Kenya) in 2006 as Head of SME finance, he steadily advanced to the role of Head of Inclusive Growth, and later to the role of Chief Programme Officer in 2019.
James has significantly contributed to enhancing credit market infrastructure, leading projects on credit information sharing and secured transaction regimes. James currently oversees FSD Kenya’s projects covering financial sector policy, agriculture finance, climate-smart solutions, healthcare, affordable housing, and trade. His counsel was sought by Governments sought his expertise during COVID-19 pandemic for crafting MSMEs mitigation policies. He holds an MBA from the University of Rochester and an MPA from Columbia University, and he is certified as an executive coach.