Dr. David Wachira is a Kenyan-American public finance specialist, academic, and entrepreneur best known for his work at the World Bank Group and for co-founding the fintech startup Waya. His career is defined by his expertise in public financial management, his efforts to promote financial inclusion, and his commitment to youth mentorship and philanthropy.
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Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Dr. David Wachira |
| Origin | Kenya (Moved to U.S. for studies) |
| Key Occupation | Fintech Entrepreneur, Public Finance Specialist |
| World Bank Role | Public Finance Specialist; Co-Secretary for the Youth to Youth program (2013–2022) |
| Current Ventures | Co-founder and CEO/COO of Waya (digital banking for underserved communities) |
| Education | Ph.D. in Public Finance and Public Management, University of North Texas |
| Expertise | Public Financial Management, Tax Administration, Fiscal Sustainability, Financial Inclusion |
Career at the World Bank Group
Dr. Wachira had an influential tenure at the World Bank between 2013 and 2022, where he focused on improving governance and financial health in developing nations:
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Public Finance Specialist: He served as a Public Finance Specialist, working with governments to manage their financial resources more effectively. His responsibilities included supporting and managing multi-billion dollar programs across 38 countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
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Key Programs: His work focused on technical areas like tax and revenue administration, budget transparency, and public financial management (PFM) to enhance government efficiency and accountability.
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Youth to Youth Program: He also served as the co-Secretary for the World Bank Group’s Youth to Youth program, demonstrating his commitment to mentoring and connecting young professionals within the institution.
Transition to Fintech and Entrepreneurship
Driven by his personal experience as an immigrant facing barriers to financial services in the U.S., Dr. Wachira transitioned to entrepreneurship to address issues of financial inclusion.
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Waya (Fintech Startup): He is the co-founder and CEO/COO of Waya, a U.S.-based digital banking and money transfer startup. Waya’s mission is to provide accessible and convenient mobile banking products, including checking and savings accounts and cross-border remittances, for immigrant and underbanked communities who struggle with conventional banking requirements (like a Social Security Number).
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Janta Capital: He is also the co-founder of Janta Capital, an investment fund focused on providing capital to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across Africa.
Academic and Philanthropic Endeavors
Dr. Wachira maintains a strong connection to academia and public service:
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Teaching: Prior to the World Bank, he taught public policy at Southern Methodist University (SMU), and public finance and public administration at the University of North Texas (UNT) and Wiley College.
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Wachira Endowment: He established the Wachira Endowment for Public Service in 2014 to provide scholarships and grants to international graduate students.
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Youth Engagement Society (YES): He co-founded the Youth Engagement Society (YES) to empower youth through mentorship, providing resources and opportunities to connect with successful role models.