Leon Kiptum: Kenyan Fintech Leader and Former EA Vice President Dies at 44
- Leon Kiptum, a respected industry leader and advocate for Africa’s digital transformation, passed away on Sunday, August 3
- Kiptum served as the senior vice president for East Africa at Flutterwave until June 2025, when he stepped down from his role earlier this year to focus on his health
- Kiptum was a board member of the Association of Fintechs in Kenya and co-founder of Rigour Africa and CDI Africa
Elijah Ntongai, an editor at TUKO.co.ke, has over four years of financial, business, and technology research and reporting experience, providing insights into Kenyan, African, and global trends.
The fintech and business community in Kenya is mourning the death of Leon Kiptum.
Source: UGC
Kiptum was a highly respected industry leader, coach, and advocate for Africa’s digital transformation.
He passed away on the night of Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the age of 44.
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Where did Kiptum work?
Until June this year, Kiptum worked as the senior vice president for East Africa at Flutterwave, a leading fintech company driving digital payments innovation across the continent.
"We’re saddened by the passing of our former colleague, Leon Kiptum who was the SVP Business Development in East Africa during his time at Flutterwave 💔. Leon was a true leader who helped shape our presence in East Africa. He built strong partnerships, grew our enterprise business, and played a key role in connecting payment systems across the region. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and the foundation he helped build," Flutterwave said in a post on X.
During his two-year tenure, he was instrumental in scaling Flutterwave’s regional operations, strengthening partnerships with central banks, businesses, and regulators, and deepening access to digital financial services in East Africa.
In June 2025, Kiptum announced his exit from Flutterwave, citing personal aspirations and a desire to focus on his health as he battled cancer.
“After two impactful years, I’ve decided to exit Flutterwave. This decision stems from a blend of personal and professional aspirations, including prioritising my health journey, which many in my network know I’ve been actively addressing,” he said in June.
Leon Kiptum's legacy
Beyond his corporate success, Kiptum was a board member and deputy secretary general of the Association of Fintechs in Kenya (AFIK), where he chaired the Marketing, Membership, and Partnerships Committee.
His leadership in AFIK helped attract new members, strengthen industry advocacy efforts, and foster collaboration within the country’s fintech ecosystem.
He was also the managing partner at Rigour Africa and co-founder of CDI Africa, platforms through which he supported startups and executives in leadership development, strategic planning, and navigating complex business challenges.
His expertise extended beyond operations, as he was widely sought after for his thought leadership on innovation, digital transformation, and Africa’s financial future.
Did Modern Homes founder pass away?
Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that Mary Diana, an award-winning realtor and CEO of Modern Homes, tragically passed away just days after celebrating her 30th birthday during a vacation in Dubai.
The vibrant entrepreneur, described by many as hard-working, creative, and inspiring, reportedly died in her sleep shortly after returning from the trip where she had shared joyful moments and birthday celebrations on social media.
Her death was announced by Dependable Brands, which hailed her as a visionary leader whose impact in the real estate industry will be felt for generations.
Mary’s last online posts, including photos at Dubai Mall and the iconic Wings of Mexico statue, captioned with messages about soaring high and embracing new beginnings, left many heartbroken and reflective about her untimely passing.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
