Regrettable news: Leon Kiptum, a previous executive at Flutterwave, has unfortunately passed away.
Leon Kiptum Kidombo, a renowned figure in East Africa's fintech sector, made significant strides as the Senior Vice President for East Africa at Flutterwave, one of Africa's leading payments technology companies[1][2]. His tenure at Flutterwave was marked by significant growth and expansion of digital financial services across the region, particularly through his leadership in establishing the enterprise division of the company in Kenya and beyond[2].
Prior to joining Flutterwave in mid-2023, Kiptum served as Country Director for Kenya at Chipper Cash from September 2020 to June 2023, playing a crucial role during the company's high-growth phase[1]. He also co-founded Rigour Africa and CDI Africa, where he worked as a certified coach and leadership consultant[1].
Kiptum was a prolific voice on leadership, innovation, and Africa's digital economy, advocating for stronger industry coordination, improved advocacy, and broader inclusion across the fintech sector through his role at the Association of Fintechs in Kenya (AFIK), where he chaired the Marketing, Membership & Partnerships Committee[1].
Beyond his corporate achievements, Kiptum was widely respected for his mentorship and dedication to fostering a more inclusive fintech industry, generously sharing his expertise with founders and executives to nurture the next generation of fintech innovators in East Africa[1]. His impact extended to pushing innovation and collaboration within the fintech sector, contributing to the overall digital economy growth in Kenya and its neighboring countries.
In a LinkedIn post, Kiptum explained that his decision to leave Flutterwave was due to a blend of personal and professional aspirations, including prioritizing his health journey[1]. He stepped down from his position at Flutterwave in June 2025, but his legacy continued to live on in the vibrant fintech landscape he helped shape.
Tragically, Kiptum passed away on August 3, 2025, at the age of 44[1]. His passing has left a significant void in the region's burgeoning fintech ecosystem, and his contributions to advancing financial inclusion and digital payment infrastructure are widely acknowledged across Africa’s fintech community[1][2][3].
Flutterwave wrote an official statement expressing that Kiptum was a true leader who helped shape their presence in East Africa, and that his legacy will live on[3]. In memory of Kiptum, the fintech industry continues to strive for the ideals he championed: growth, inclusivity, and innovation in East Africa's digital economy.
[1] TechCabal, (2025), "Leon Kiptum Kidombo, former Flutterwave SVP, passes away at 44", [https://www.techcabal.com/2025/08/05/leon-kiptum-kidombo-former-flutterwave-svp-passes-away-at-44/]
[2] Business Daily Africa, (2025), "Flutterwave mourns the passing of former SVP Leon Kiptum Kidombo", [https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/flutterwave-mourns-the-passing-of-former-svp-leon-kiptum-kidombo/]
[3] TechCrunch, (2025), "Remembering Leon Kiptum Kidombo, a fintech leader who championed growth and inclusivity in East Africa", [https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/06/remembering-leon-kiptum-kidombo-a-fintech-leader-who-championed-growth-and-inclusivity-in-east-africa/]
- Leon Kiptum Kidombo, a prominent figure in Africa's fintech sector, drove the expansion of digital financial services across the region while serving as Senior Vice President for East Africa at Flutterwave, a leading payments technology company.
- Kiptum was known for his dedication to fostering a more inclusive fintech industry, often mentoring founders and executives to nurture the next generation of fintech innovators in East Africa.
