Aiden K 
Dr. Regina Kingori,CPA-, Founder RWK Africa
- Transforming Businesses Through Financial Literacy
- RWK Africa is dedicated to equipping businesses with the financial knowledge they need to overcome challenges and achieve lasting success.
As Kenya’s business landscape adapts to tough economic conditions and fluctuating market dynamics, companies are facing numerous challenges that test their resilience.
Economic experts point out that startups are especially vulnerable, grappling with funding shortages, compliance issues, and operational constraints such as tax regulations, audits, and bookkeeping.
These factors, though ordinary, contribute to the alarming trend of many startups closing their doors within a year of launching.
Data from the Communications Authority of Kenya shows nearly 80% of startups fail within their first year, with only 3% to 5% surviving beyond this point. The remaining 15% fall under unpredictable category with low chances of success.
Much like these startups, established firms are not immune to these challenges and other constraints impacting business operations.
In response to these challenges, RWK Africa has emerged as a trusted partner for businesses seeking expert tax and audit solutions. With a focus on cost-effective services tailored to diverse industries, the firm helps companies navigate complex regulatory demands and improve their financial stability.
Products and services
RWK Africa offers a comprehensive range of services, including Tax Services, Audit Services, Bookkeeping, Tax Training, Certified Public Secretariat, and Business Advisory. These services not only address the key needs of businesses but also exceed expectations in delivering value and expertise.
Since its establishment in 2017, RWK Africa has swiftly become a key player in the business advisory sector, driven by a mission to empower companies to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape with confidence.
To gain deeper insights into the firm’s operations, Business Quest sat down with its founder and CEO, Dr. Regina Kingori, CPA-K who shared the journey of building RWK Africa, the firm’s approach to addressing client challenges, and its vision for the future.
Kingori explains that RWK Africa was founded under the premise of addressing the pressing tax challenges faced by many clients, stemming from a lack of clarity and understanding within the complex tax environment.
“We offer training in bookkeeping and audit to help clients better understand their financial position and make informed decisions. We have also broadened our service offerings to include specialized departments in tax, audit, bookkeeping and advisory services to cater to a diverse range of clients including banks, insurance companies and manufacturing firms,” She notes.
So far, the firm has trained over 30,000 individuals through both online and in-person sessions, equipping them with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to navigate financial challenges effectively.
Awards & Recognition
After seven years of dedicated practice, RWK Africa has committed itself to forging strong partnerships with clients, aligning the firm’s success with their growth and achievements.
This commitment is further underscored by the firm’s recognition in 2023 as the top digitally fit medium-sized accounting firm in Kenya, a testament to its focus on leveraging technology for enhanced service delivery.
In addition to its local accolades, RWK Africa made significant strides on the continental stage in the same year by becoming the second firm in Africa to join the International Association of Accountants (INAA).
This milestone not only enhances the firm’s global reach and resources but also reinforces its commitment to providing exceptional service.
Dr. Regina explains that the association assists businesses with cross-border accounting and taxation issues. As a member firm, they share a commitment to delivering the highest level of professional service, with a focus on providing first-class accountancy, taxation, and related professional services to clients worldwide.
“Ideally, INAA encourages the development of strong working relationships between firms sharing knowledge and experience,”.
On educational initiatives, RWK Africa has initiated monthly training sessions for entrepreneurs, helping them navigate financial challenges and adopt best practices for growth.
The firm has recently opened larger office spaces to accommodate its growing team and enhance operational capacity, reflecting its upward trajectory since starting in a shared office.
“We have a client-centric philosophy that directs the firm to operate on the belief that its success is linked to that of its clients.
This philosophy drives a commitment to excellent customer service and tailored financial solutions.”
Through the firm’s free online consultations and practical training programs, RWK Africa has effectively attracted new clients while retaining existing ones.
“The firm is also strongly committed to professional development in the sense that we emphasize on continuous learning and adaptation to changing market conditions, a standard that has positioned us as a leader in the accounting sector,” she adds.
My Accurate Books
RWK Africa recently launched ‘My Accurate Books,’ a simple accounting software designed specifically for SMEs.This initiative arose from market interactions that revealed a significant need among small businesses, for software that enables them to monitor sales and organize their financial records effectively.
“Feedback from these users has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating that the software addresses their critical needs,” she says.
Looking ahead, MyAccurate Books is evolving to better serve users with upcoming features, including petty cash and payroll management, advanced tools for business operations, and API integration for seamless connections with third-party applications.
Innovation landscape
RWK Africa focus has been on transforming client engagement and service delivery through a series of initiatives designed to enhance accessibility and efficiency. Among their services, they offer free online consultations, allowing clients to easily access expert advice at a tap of a button.
“Additionally, we host monthly virtual and in-person training sessions on essential topics such as tax management and financial practices, reaching a broad audience through digital platforms,”.
To further improve their service accuracy and operational efficiency, the firm has implemented advanced financial software for tax, auditing, and bookkeeping tasks
“We manage our client interactions using sophisticated systems that streamline documentation and communication, significantly boosting customer service,”.
RWK Africa is also making significant strides in bolstering the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by offering a range of initiatives designed to empower entrepreneurs and the surrounding environs.
“The monthly training sessions equip participants with essential skills in financial management and tax compliance, fostering a robust culture of entrepreneurship within the community,”.
In addition to educational initiatives, RWK Africa provides tailored advisory services to startups, helping them navigate the complexities of financial planning and compliance. This support promotes sustainable business growth, ensuring that new ventures can thrive in a competitive landscape.
The firm’s commitment to community engagement is further exemplified by its skill-up mentorship program, which offers free training for cottage businesses, strengthening the region’s economic fabric.
On this front, RWK Africa’s CSR activities have made a notable impact, empowering approximately 5,000 startups to launch and grow their businesses through the Skill-Up Mentorship Program.
Founder at a Glance
Before establishing this burgeoning giant of a business, Dr. Regina built a strong educational foundation and extensive experience in tax administration, business and financial management.
She holds an honorary doctorate degree from Masterminds Business School in Dubai as a recognition for her community empowerment work with the Skill Up Mentorship Program.
She also holds an Executive MBA from the same institution and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration – Strategic Management at USIU Nairobi.
She completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Tax Administration at the Kenya School of Revenue Authority in 2016, focusing on tax policies and administrative practices that are vital for navigating the complexities of the financial landscape.
Prior to this, she earned her MBA in Strategic Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in 2014, where she gained invaluable insights into business strategy and management principles.
Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from KCA University between 2009 and 2010, where she specialized in financial management and investment analysis.
She is also a Certified Security and Investment Analyst (CSIA), having achieved Part II certification from KASNEB in 2008, where she was recognized as the top student in her cohort, particularly excelling in financial market regulations.
Dr. Regina also completed her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) course at the Reward Institute of Professionals from 2005 to 2007, equipping her with essential skills in accounting and financial reporting.
Dr. Regina Kingori shares valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs who may feel hesitant about taking the leap into business.
She stresses the importance of acknowledging and addressing fears, noting that anxiety is a common aspect of entrepreneurship. Identifying specific concerns, such as the fear of failure or financial insecurity, allows individuals to challenge the validity of these fears. This reflection can help diminish their impact and foster progress.
Dr. Regina advocates for taking small, incremental steps to make the entrepreneurial journey more manageable.
“Breaking down larger goals into smaller tasks enables entrepreneurs to celebrate each victory, thereby boosting their confidence and maintaining their commitment,”.
She highlights those simple actions, like drafting a business plan, can lead to significant progress over time.
Additionally, she adds, seeking support and building a network is essential.
“Surrounding oneself with mentors, peers, and supportive individuals who share similar visions can provide crucial insights and encouragement.
Engaging with experienced entrepreneurs opens doors to new opportunities, reinforcing the notion that navigating this journey does not have to be a solitary endeavour. Collaboration can serve as a powerful motivator, fostering a sense of community and shared success,” She concludes.
