Why This Job is Featured on The SaaS Jobs
Regulatory and government relations work is often underrepresented in SaaS hiring, yet it becomes pivotal when a product operates in regulated financial services. This advisory role sits at that intersection, focusing on ongoing engagement with Kenya’s Central Bank and related stakeholders. The contract structure and direct reporting line to the Group CEO signal a time-bound mandate where regulatory outcomes materially shape what the business can launch, how it can operate, and which markets or customer segments it can serve.
For a SaaS career, the value is in learning how external constraints translate into internal product and operating decisions. Experience gained here tends to travel well across fintech and other regulated SaaS categories, where licensing pathways, compliance expectations, and supervisory relationships influence roadmaps and commercial strategy. The work also sharpens executive-level communication, since progress is measured through clear briefings, risk framing, and coordinated action with legal counsel.
This role suits a seasoned operator who prefers high-trust advisory engagements, is comfortable owning regulator-facing narratives, and can navigate both formal processes and informal stakeholder dynamics. It will appeal to professionals who want their SaaS impact to come through governance, approvals, and institutional relationship management rather than product delivery alone.
The section above is editorial commentary from The SaaS Jobs, provided to help SaaS professionals understand the role in a broader industry context.
Job Description
Regulatory & Government Relations Advisor
Location: Nairobi, Kenya Type: Contract / Advisory Duration: 6 months (with potential extension) Reports to: Group CEO
About Umba
Umba is a pan-African digital bank operating in Kenya and Nigeria, offering consumer and SME banking, vehicle finance, payments, and cross-border remittances. In 2023, Umba acquired a deposit-taking microfinance bank in Kenya, rebranded as Umba Microfinance Bank, which achieved 6x revenue growth in 2024. Umba is entering a high-growth phase and pursuing strategic initiatives that require deep engagement with Kenya's financial sector regulators. Role Overview
Umba is seeking a senior regulatory and government relations advisor based in Nairobi to lead engagement with the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) on strategic regulatory matters. This is a high-impact advisory engagement working directly with the Group CEO and Umba's legal counsel.
The ideal candidate has deep relationships within CBK and extensive experience navigating Kenya's banking regulatory landscape — including licensing, compliance, and approvals processes. Key Responsibilities
Lead day-to-day engagement with CBK on licensing, compliance, and strategic regulatory matters Advise on Kenya's banking regulatory framework, including license categories and upgrade pathways Attend in-person meetings at CBK and coordinate with Umba's legal advisors
Develop and execute regulatory strategy aligned with Umba's growth objectives Provide regular briefings on regulatory progress, risks, and stakeholder dynamics
Navigate informal dynamics and relationships within CBK and the broader regulatory ecosystem Prepare regulatory filings, applications, and formal correspondence as needed
Support coordination between Umba, external partners, and CBK
Requirements
10+ years in Kenyan financial services regulation, banking compliance, or government relations
Deep understanding of CBK's licensing framework and regulatory processes Based in Nairobi with availability for in-person meetings at short notice Strong written communication skills for regular remote briefings to the CEO Preferred Qualifications
Former CBK staff (examiner, supervisor, department head) or senior regulatory/compliance role at a Kenyan commercial bank![]()
Experience with banking license applications, upgrades, or regulatory approvals![]()
Familiarity with recent CBK policy direction (core capital requirements, sector consolidation) ![]()
Experience advising international investors entering Kenya's financial services sector![]()
Network across Kenya Treasury, National Assembly Finance Committee, or other relevant government bodies Umba is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.
