Phatisa, a private equity group, has appointed Yida Kemoli as Senior Partner for East Africa.

Kemoli has served the last six years as Head of Corporate Finance and Strategy at Trans-Century, where he was responsible for fundraising, acquisitions and divestments, including the company’s landmark $75m convertible Eurobond programme.

Prior to that Kemoli was at J.P. Morgan’s European Debt Capital Markets business, where he was involved in more than 20 transactions across the leveraged buyout and structured products spaces - and then moved to Actis where he was part of the Africa team.

In addition, he advised Aureos (now part of Abraaj) on the structuring and establishment of their Aureos Africa Healthcare Fund.

Kemoli is well experienced in all facets of investment banking, corporate finance and private equity.

In private equity in Africa he has closed more than 10 transactions - both acquisitions and disposals - and has been active in portfolio management, including support on strategy and fundraising.

Additionally, between 2010 and 2013 he was appointed by the Kenya National Treasury as a non-executive director of the Kenya Investment Authority.

Duncan Owen, Senior Managing Partner at Phatisa, said: “Although Yida has been part of the Phatisa family for a number of years, as a member of the AAF Investment Committee, we are delighted that he is joining us on a permanent basis.”

“His reputation and deal doing track record in East Africa precedes him. This appointment again highlights Phatisa’s commitment to grow long term equity value for all funds under management across Africa. Yida will be a great addition to our East Africa team and Phatisa Group,” he said.