Meru's County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance, Economic Planning and ICT Monica Kathono has been recognised as one of the top-performing finance executives in the Central region, earning an invitation to the Africa Champions Awards International gala in Nairobi.
Kathono was ranked second overall and first among Finance CECMs in the Central region, according to the awards organisers, who cited their research in recognising her performance.
An invitation to the awards gala says Kathono emerged the best-performing CECM for Finance in the Central region and secured position two overall, earning her an invitation to the ninth edition of the Africa Champions Awards International gala and dinner.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 17, 2026, at Argyle Grand Hotel, Airport, Nairobi, under the theme “Celebrating Visionaries, Transforming Africa.”
The organisers say the awards seek to recognise and celebrate leaders who break barriers, drive innovation and contribute to transformation across different sectors.
Kathono’s recognition comes against the backdrop of her unusual longevity in Meru County’s executive leadership, having served under both former Governor Kawira Mwangaza and her successor, Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia.
She is the only member of Mwangaza’s Cabinet retained by Mutuma when the latter formed his administration in 2025.
Mutuma appointed her to head the Finance, Economic Planning and ICT docket, after she had served as CECM for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development under Mwangaza.
The decision marked a significant departure from the previous administration, with Mutuma replacing the other members of Mwangaza’s Cabinet with a new team.
Kathono had initially served as Finance CECM during Mwangaza’s administration before moving to the Lands docket.
County records show she was among the few nominees approved by the Meru County Assembly when Mwangaza constituted her executive in 2023.
Her continued presence in the county executive has also seen her work with two administrations that have had markedly different political circumstances.
Under Mutuma, she currently oversees the county’s Finance, Economic Planning and ICT functions and has been involved in preparation of key financial and planning documents, including the 2026/27 Annual Development Plan.
The county credited her with providing strategic guidance during preparation of the plan.
Her department has also been central to the county's engagement with national oversight institutions.
Parliamentary records from February 2026 list Kathono among senior Meru officials appearing before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee during consideration of the county’s financial statements for the 2024/25 financial year.
Kathono is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Finance and a Master of Science in Commerce, Finance and Investment.
She previously worked at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation as Chief Revenue Officer before taking up county executive responsibilities.
The Africa Champions Awards invitation describes this year's ceremony as an occasion to recognise leaders whose contributions are helping to drive innovation and remove barriers in professional and community settings.
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