CHARLES CHACHA SIBENA
Senior Security & Risk Management Executive
Nairobi
Summary
A highly accomplished Strategic Security and Risk Management Executive with over 21 years of experience in security strategy, fraud investigations, crisis mitigation, and operational leadership. Skilled in designing and implementing robust security frameworks, managing large-scale security operations with 500+ personnel, and enhancing organizational resilience. Expertise includes threat assessment, loss prevention, cybersecurity integration, and emergency response planning. A results-driven leader known for cross-functional collaboration, policy development, and cost-efficient security solutions, consistently achieving measurable outcomes such as fraud reduction, successful prosecutions, and crisis recovery.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
17
17
Certifications
Work History
Head of Security and Investigations
Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited
08.2023 - Current
- Conducting risk/threat assessments and implementing mitigation measures to safeguard company assets, personnel, and operations
- Overseeing fire prevention, preparedness, and response across all facilities
- Managing security for a 46x18 sq
- Km concession area, including plant operations, Lake Magadi, township, and a remote transshipment facility
- Leading investigations into security breaches, theft, and operational losses, followed by detailed reporting and corrective actions
- Collaborating with local authorities, law enforcement, and government agencies to enhance security and compliance
- Overseeing security service providers, ensuring performance, compliance, and cost efficiency
- Building security and fire response capabilities through structured training programs for security personnel
- Managing budgets for security, fire safety, and loss prevention while optimizing expenditures
- Spearheading emergency response planning, crisis management protocols, and business continuity strategies
- Successfully reintegrated the security department into business operations, enhancing overall safety since 2019
- Implemented advanced security systems (CCTV, surveillance tech) that eliminated copper cable vandalism, with zero incidents since October 2023
- Investigated and secured prosecutions in 15+ criminal cases within 10 months, reducing theft and vandalism
- Introduced inventory loss controllers, significantly reducing supply chain leakages and improving accountability
- Developed and enforced a Security Standard Instruction (SI), ensuring compliance across staff, contractors, and vendors
Head of Security and Investigations
Watu Credit Africa Limited
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Formulated, maintained, and updated security and investigations policies to ensure compliance with local laws and company standards
- Led both internal and external fraud investigations, handling over 600 external cases (178 at litigation) and 170+ internal fraud incidents with a 92% resolution rate
- Recruited, trained, mentored, and appraised the security team, setting KPIs and restructuring the department for improved efficiency
- Built a comprehensive security program covering physical safety and cybersecurity, conducting regular risk assessments and implementing mitigation strategies
- Reduced security guarding costs by 55% (from Ksh 11M to Ksh 5M monthly) through competitive sourcing and risk-based deployment strategies
- Monitored daily operations to identify vulnerabilities, prevent breaches, and implement corrective measures
- Evaluated and resolved security incidents, ensuring swift action and minimal business disruption
- Partnered with HR, IT, Compliance, Finance, and Analytics to align security strategies with business needs
- Strengthened relationships with law enforcement agencies to enhance investigative support and legal enforcement
- Investigated 600+ external fraud cases (178 at litigation) and 170+ internal fraud incidents with a 92% resolution rate
- Reduced security guarding costs by 55% (from Ksh 11M to Ksh 5M per month) through strategic sourcing and deployment
- Established a high-performing security function by developing policies, KPIs, and a structured recruitment process
- Improved partnerships with law enforcement agencies, leading to stronger investigative support
- Implemented a dynamic security program with regular audits, policy updates, and proactive threat mitigation
Head of Security and Safety
M-Pesa Foundation
01.2016 - 05.2023
- Formulated and maintained security strategies, policies, and procedures to safeguard the Academy's operations and ensure compliance
- Conducted regular risk assessments and provided actionable recommendations to management to mitigate security threats
- Led the selection, installation, and oversight of security systems while managing third-party security providers through SLAs and RFPs
- Directed crisis response efforts, including disasters and emergencies, ensuring the safety of staff and students
- Maintained strong relationships with law enforcement agencies and school counterparts to enhance security coordination
- Spearheaded investigations into security incidents, filed reports, and collaborated with authorities for resolution
- Ensured contracted security firms adhered to agreed terms while strengthening the reliability of security systems
- Conducted security drills (fire, lockdown, active shooter) and awareness sessions to prepare staff and students for emergencies
- Managed security protocols for student admissions across 47 counties, including refugee communities in Kakuma and Dadaab
- Ensured full security control through CCTV monitoring, vehicle inspections, and prompt incident response
- Successfully implemented emergency protocols, including fire drills, lockdowns, and active shooter drills each term
- Oversaw secure admissions processes for students across all 47 counties, including high-risk refugee regions
- Won the Great Places to School competition (Security & Safety category) in 2021 on first entry
- Maintained high compliance and performance standards with contracted security firms through strict oversight
Regional Security & General Administration Manager
Nestlé Equatorial African Region
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Acted as Risk Champion and Head of Crisis Management, ensuring compliance with Nestlé's security policies across 22 African countries
- Collaborated with Interpol, police, and anti-counterfeit agencies to combat product fraud and infiltration
- Led the evacuation of 7 Nestlé expatriates during the Westgate terror attack
- Developed and enforced security BCPs, denial-of-access plans, and threat assessments for regional operations
- Managed EAR HQ office affairs, travel logistics, immigration liaison, and staff facilities
Chief Security & Safety Officer (Contract)
Lutheran World Federation
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Spearheaded safety operations in Kakuma (Kenya) and Ali Addeh/Hol Hol (Djibouti) refugee camps
- Strengthened security collaboration with UNHCR, WFP, and government agencies, ensuring safe food distribution
- Conducted risk evaluations, documented threats, and recommended mitigation strategies
- Assisted in drafting security budgets and donor-funded project proposals
- Led inquiries into security breaches and coordinated with local authorities
Head of Security Services
Pan African Group of Companies
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Established policies, training programs, and emergency response protocols for East African operations
- Conducted undercover operations and liaised with law enforcement on corporate fraud cases
- Managed CCTV, access control, and alarm systems to safeguard assets
- Coordinated emergency responses and ensured compliance with safety regulations
- Trained elite units (Flying Squad, Diplomatic Police, Recce Company) in VIP protection and counterterrorism
Police Service
General Service Unit (GSU), Kenya
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Engaged in anti-banditry, border patrols (Kenya-Ethiopia), and post-election violence response
- Secured Turkwel Gorge power plant and Solio Ranch against threats
- Led operations in Kibish and Kapelbok areas to recover illegal arms
- Trained recruits (Somalia Police, Southern Sudan Police) in combat and VIP protection
- Conducted field intelligence and surveillance in high-risk zones
Education
Master of Arts - Advanced Disaster Management
University of Nairobi
01.2011 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology and Security Studies
Egerton University
01.2008 - 01.2010
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) - undefined
ACFE, Texas, USA
01.2019 - 06.2019
International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety - undefined
NEBOSH, UK
01.2020 - 12.2020
Skills
Strategic Security Management
Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Crisis & Disaster Management
Fraud Investigations
Physical & Cybersecurity Integration
Security Policy Development
Law Enforcement Liaison
Budget & Contract Management
Training & Capacity Building
undefinedAdditional Work Experience
- Regional Security & General Administration Manager, Nestlé Equatorial African Region, 2012-2015, Acted as Risk Champion and Head of Crisis Management, ensuring compliance with Nestlé's security policies across 22 African countries., Collaborated with Interpol, police, and anti-counterfeit agencies to combat product fraud and infiltration., Led the evacuation of 7 Nestlé expatriates during the Westgate terror attack., Developed and enforced security BCPs, denial-of-access plans, and threat assessments for regional operations., Managed EAR HQ office affairs, travel logistics, immigration liaison, and staff facilities.
- Chief Security & Safety Officer (Contract), Lutheran World Federation, 2011-2012, Spearheaded safety operations in Kakuma (Kenya) and Ali Addeh/Hol Hol (Djibouti) refugee camps., Strengthened security collaboration with UNHCR, WFP, and government agencies, ensuring safe food distribution., Conducted risk evaluations, documented threats, and recommended mitigation strategies., Assisted in drafting security budgets and donor-funded project proposals., Led inquiries into security breaches and coordinated with local authorities.
- Head of Security Services, Pan African Group of Companies, 2010-2011, Established policies, training programs, and emergency response protocols for East African operations., Conducted undercover operations and liaised with law enforcement on corporate fraud cases., Managed CCTV, access control, and alarm systems to safeguard assets., Coordinated emergency responses and ensured compliance with safety regulations., Trained elite units (Flying Squad, Diplomatic Police, Recce Company) in VIP protection and counterterrorism.
- Police Service – General Service Unit (GSU), Kenya, 2004-2009, Engaged in anti-banditry, border patrols (Kenya-Ethiopia), and post-election violence response., Secured Turkwel Gorge power plant and Solio Ranch against threats., Led operations in Kibish and Kapelbok areas to recover illegal arms., Trained recruits (Somalia Police, Southern Sudan Police) in combat and VIP protection., Conducted field intelligence and surveillance in high-risk zones.
Certification
Leadership & Organizational Excellence, TACK International, 05/01/13
Notable Accomplishments
- Cut security costs 55% (Ksh 11M→5M/month) at Watu Credit while resolving 92% of 170+ fraud cases.
- Eliminated production theft at Tata Chemicals via tech integration, prosecuting 15+ cases in 10 months.
- Led crisis evacuations (e.g., Westgate attack) and designed security BCPs for 22 African markets at Nestlé.
- Achieved 100% safety compliance at M-Pesa Foundation through emergency drills and award-winning protocols.
Referees
Available Upon Request.
Timeline
Head of Security and Investigations
Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited
08.2023 - Current
Head of Security and Investigations
Watu Credit Africa Limited
08.2022 - 08.2023
International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety - undefined
NEBOSH, UK
01.2020 - 12.2020
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) - undefined
ACFE, Texas, USA
01.2019 - 06.2019
Head of Security and Safety
M-Pesa Foundation
01.2016 - 05.2023
Regional Security & General Administration Manager
Nestlé Equatorial African Region
01.2012 - 01.2015
Chief Security & Safety Officer (Contract)
Lutheran World Federation
01.2011 - 01.2012
Master of Arts - Advanced Disaster Management
University of Nairobi
01.2011 - 01.2016
Head of Security Services
Pan African Group of Companies
01.2010 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology and Security Studies
Egerton University
01.2008 - 01.2010
Police Service
General Service Unit (GSU), Kenya
01.2004 - 01.2009
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