Mr. Saitoti Maika, MBS
Director General of the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC)
Mr. Saitoti Maika, MBS, is a highly accomplished executive and strategic leader, distinguished by a unique combination of skills and experience in national security, implementation of the FATF Standards, diverse AML/CFT/CPF issues, and institutional development within Kenya’s Financial Intelligence Unit.
As the Director General of the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC), Mr. Maika serves as the Chief Executive of Kenya’s Financial Intelligence Unit. He is part of the foundational team responsible for establishing the FRC, where he has served for over 12 years—8 of those as Director General and CEO. Under his tenure, he has transformed the FRC from a small startup into a robust regulatory body with over 100 staff, significantly enhancing its operational capacity to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing.
He is the former Chairperson of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) for the 2023/2024 term, during which he demonstrated exceptional diplomatic, decision-making, and policy formulation skills. His leadership played a key role in advancing regional efforts to implement and enforce FATF Standards against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
Mr. Saitoti is a retired Captain of the Kenya Defence Forces, where he cultivated a strong foundation in leadership, risk management, and operational execution, including service in UN peacekeeping missions. He has also served as Senior Security Advisor to the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, providing high-level strategic counsel on national security matters.
In 2023, Mr. Maika was awarded the prestigious Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Kenya, in recognition of his exemplary service in the public sector. He is also a Commonwealth Chevening Scholarship recipient.
He holds an MSc in Fraud and Risk Management, a BA in International Relations and Diplomacy, and AML/CFT professional qualifications, complementing his extensive professional achievements.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinguished honor to welcome Mr. Saitoti Maika to address this meeting.