Kenya Financial Services

In this in-depth interview, Geoffrey Gitau, the founder of Geoffrey Gitau and Co., shares the inspiring journey of building a leading auditing and accounting firm in Nairobi, Kenya. From humble beginnings as an audit assistant, Geoffrey Gitau launched his practice in 2011 with a single client, scaling it to over 200 audit clients by year eleven. His firm has become a trusted name in auditing, accounting, and tax services in Kenya, particularly for SMEs and non-resident companies establishing operations in the country.

The firm stands out for its value-added audit approach, notably through its use of the management letter, which offers critical business insights beyond standard financial reporting. Gitau emphasizes the importance of this tool in enhancing business processes and compliance. His team, composed of professionals registered with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), also conducts quarterly internal training to uphold standards of excellence.

A major focus of the firm’s growth has been outsourced accounting services, designed for foreign companies, startups, and SMEs in Kenya. These services include statutory compliance, management accounts, and tax advisory—especially valuable in Kenya’s dynamic regulatory environment. The firm’s one-stop-shop model bundles these services with business formation, immigration services, company secretarial support, and legal advisory, coordinated via trusted associates.

The firm is embracing audit automation and AI in auditing, implementing advanced tools like Caseware and Toolbar—AI-enabled software that streamlines audit processes such as fieldwork, data sampling, and financial analysis. This allows the team to shift from manual tasks to higher-value advisory services.

Geoffrey Gitau and Co. is currently transitioning into a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), a strategic move to promote internal ownership and long-term sustainability. The firm is also expanding its digital footprint through a dedicated digital marketing strategy, boosting online visibility to attract foreign direct investors, particularly those searching for auditing firms in Kenya, tax compliance support, or accounting firms in Nairobi.

Looking ahead, Gitau’s strategic priorities include sector diversification into agriculture, fintech, and microfinance, along with plans for regional expansion into Uganda, Tanzania, and Somalia. The firm also seeks to scale its business process outsourcing (BPO) arm, already servicing clients in the United States and Dubai. This segment presents strong potential given the high costs of financial services in those regions and Kenya’s growing reputation as a hub for affordable outsourced accounting solutions.

Through a focus on professional excellence, AI-enabled audit tools, client-centric service, and sustainable growth, Geoffrey Gitau and Co. is helping shape the future of financial compliance, auditing, and advisory services in Kenya and East Africa.