Inuka Enterprise Program

This week we participated in the fifth edition of the Kenya Public-Private Sector MSMEs Dialogue in Lodwar, Turkana County, under the MSMEs Connect series convened in partnership with the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development. The exhibition and knowledge-exchange session, presided over by Turkana County Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus, brought together national and county leaders, business representatives, and development partners to explore practical solutions for improving market access, financing, and job creation for MSMEs in Turkana County. As part of the engagement, KBA, through the Centre for Sustainable Finance and Enterprise Development, in collaboration with Equity Foundation, delivered a targeted masterclass on strategies MSMEs can use to strengthen their bankability through sound financial management practices. Discussions underscored the importance of coordinated action between government, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders to unlock enterprise growth in frontier regions. During the forum, @KenyaBankers Association Sustainability Manager Roselyne Njino moderated a panel discussion on opportunities MSMEs can tap into through private sector-led initiatives to grow their businesses. The panel featured Edward Okumu, Deputy Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Turkana County; Bernard Kiprop, Territory Business Lead for North Rift at Safaricom; Ambassador Loroo Emmanuel, National Hero on Environment and Presidential Innovation Awards Recipient as well as National TVET Champion for Climate Change Innovation for MSMEs; and Humphrey Chemiat, Branch Manager at KCB Bank.

Charles Mutua, founder of Kirima Fresh Dairies, is among the entrepreneurs graduating from the Inuka Enterprise Accelerator Program this morning. Kirima Fresh Dairies now processes over 25,000 litres of milk daily, works with 900+ farmers, and is expanding into yoghurt and cheese production. Through the 12-week Accelerator, coordinated by the Kenya Bankers Association, through the Centre for Sustainable Finance and Enterprise Development (CSFED}, Charles strengthened his business model, financial planning, and value-addition strategy, positioning the business for sustainable growth. His next step is establishing a modern dairy facility to create more jobs and expand farmer market access. Join us in celebrating Charles and all entrepreneurs graduating from the @InukaSME Accelerator programme. #InukaAccelerator #MadeInKenya #BankingOnKenya

Eunice Khamali is redefining what a beauty business can be. What began as a salon has grown into a full experience, offering premium yet affordable services, tech-enabled bookings, and loyalty programs that keep clients returning. With 200+ repeat customers and a growing beauty training program, Eunice is creating jobs and empowering women through skills development. Through the 12-week Inuka Enterprise Program Accelerator Program, coordinated by the Kenya Bankers Association through the Centre for Sustainable Finance and Enterprise Development (CSFED), Eunice strengthened her digital marketing strategy, financial planning, and investor-readiness, key ingredients for building a scalable enterprise. Weekly masterclasses and one-on-one coaching enabled her to formalize operations and prepare for expansion. Her next chapter is focused on growing her training academy and opening additional service branches, proving that creativity, structure, and strategy can turn beauty into economic empowerment. Join us in celebrating Eunice and all entrepreneurs graduating from the @InukaSME Program Accelerator Programme. #InukaAccelerator #MadeInKenya #BankingOnKenya

Lilian Maru, founder of Maxi Eagle Designs, is among the graduands of the Inuka Enterprise Program Enterprise Accelerator Program coordinated by our Centre for Sustainable Finance and Enterprise Development (CSFED). Starting with 2 employees, Lilian now runs a team of 6 permanent and 12 casual staff, producing high-quality leather and non-leather bags for corporates and individuals. The 12-week Accelerator helped her refine her business model, optimize operations, and explore market access frameworks like AfCFTA and AGOA. Her vision? To put African-made bags on the global stage while creating jobs and empowering artisans. Celebrate Lilian and other creative entrepreneurs at the Inuka Enterprise Program Accelerator programme graduation this morning. #BankingOnKenya #InukaAccelerator #SustainableFashion #WomenInBusiness #CelebrateInnovation #MadeInKenya #BankingOnKenya

Nicholas Mithika runs Nickson Investment, an ICT hub providing digital services, training, and graphic design for youth and small businesses. Through the 12-week Inuka Accelerator Program, coordinated by Kenya Bankers Association through CSFED, Nicholas strengthened his digital marketing, financial planning, and investor readiness. He plans to expand and create new jobs, promoting digital inclusion. Celebrate Nicholas at the @InukaSME Accelerator Graduation. #BankingOnKenya #InukaAccelerator #DigitalKenya #YouthEmpowerment #SMEGrowth

Raimond Molenje: As a country we rely on MSMEs. The banking industry is committed to supporting the businesses to graduate into large businesses. #BankingOnKenya #InukaMSME

Twenty-four Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) today received business grants of Sh100,000 each to support their next stage of growth after completing the @InukaSME Enterprise Program Enterprise Accelerator Program, a banking industry-led initiative implemented by the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) through the Centre for Sustainable Finance and Enterprise Development (CSFED). The 12-week accelerator equipped entrepreneurs with advanced mentorship, tailored business diagnostics, and strategic guidance to enhance competitiveness, strengthen financial readiness, and support sustainable scaling. The businesses were drawn from key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, trade, textile, and leather, selected from more than 130,000 MSMEs that have benefited from KBA’s Inuka Enterprise Program Enterprise Program since 2018, alongside partners with MSME-focused initiatives. Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. James Mureu, Chairman of the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), commended the initiative, noting that programs like Inuka are instrumental in helping businesses navigate challenges and unlock new growth opportunities. Mr. Mureu however challenged banks to work more closely with MSMEs to better understand their challenges and increase lending to the sector, which he noted employs over 90% of Kenya’s population. KBA Chief Executive Officer, Raimond Molenje, emphasized the MSME sector’s critical role in Kenya’s economic landscape. He highlighted the banking industry's commitment to support the businesses to transition into large enterprises. ''We congratulate the 24 MSMEs that have completed the Accelerator Programe. The purpose of the initiative is to validate, sharpen and help you scale your businesses and to solve community challenges,'' Mr. Molenje said. Frida Owinga, Program Director at Passion to Profit, encouraged the MSMEs to apply the knowledge and skills gained through the program to scale their businesses and pursue new growth opportunities. The graduation marks an important milestone in the sector’s efforts to foster sustainable MSME development through capacity building, innovation, and improved access to financial solutions. #BankingOnKenya

Raimond Molenje: In 2024, the banking industry committed to provide KSh15 billion in new loans annually over the next three years. For 2025, I am happy to report that we have already surpassed the target. As of the end of September 2025, banks had lent KSh201 billion to MSMEs. We will challenge ourselves with an even higher figure in 2026 as part of our commitment to supporting businesses to access bank financing. #BankingOnKenya #InukaMSME

Twenty-four Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) today received business grants of Sh100,000 each to support their next stage of growth after completing the Inuka Enterprise Program Enterprise Accelerator Program, a banking industry-led initiative implemented by the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) through the Centre for Sustainable Finance and Enterprise Development (CSFED). The 12-week accelerator equipped entrepreneurs with advanced mentorship, tailored business diagnostics, and strategic guidance to enhance competitiveness, strengthen financial readiness, and support sustainable scaling. The businesses were drawn from key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, trade, textile, and leather, selected from more than 130,000 MSMEs that have benefited from KBA’s Inuka Enterprise Program Enterprise Program since 2018, alongside partners with MSME-focused initiatives. Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. James Mureu, Chairman of the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), commended the initiative, noting that programs like Inuka are instrumental in helping businesses navigate challenges and unlock new growth opportunities. Mr. Mureu however challenged banks to work more closely with MSMEs to better understand their challenges and increase lending to the sector, which he noted employs over 90% of Kenya’s population. KBA Chief Executive Officer, Raimond Molenje, emphasized the MSME sector’s critical role in Kenya’s economic landscape. He highlighted the banking industry's commitment to support the businesses to transition into large enterprises. ''We congratulate the 24 MSMEs that have completed the Accelerator Programe. The purpose of the initiative is to validate, sharpen and help you scale your businesses and to solve community challenges,'' Mr. Molenje said. Frida Owinga, Program Director at Passion to Profit, encouraged the MSMEs to apply the knowledge and skills gained through the program to scale their businesses and pursue new growth opportunities. The graduation marks an important milestone in the sector’s efforts to foster sustainable MSME development through capacity building, innovation, and improved access to financial solutions. #BankingOnKenya

Join us this Friday for the #CEOChat with Mary Mulili, CEO of @UBA_KE Kenya Bank, as she shares practical insights on how MSMEs can trade, pay, and grow across borders. 🗓️ Friday, 17th October | 10–11 AM (EAT) 💻 Register: chat.kba.co.ke

Today marks the start of Customer Service Week 2025, a global celebration of the people and teams who make exceptional service possible. Across Kenya’s banking industry, dedicated professionals continue to turn challenges into opportunities, finding new ways to serve, connect, and empower customers. Their commitment drives trust, innovation, and inclusion across the financial sector. This week, we celebrate the teams that make Mission: Possible a reality. #CustomerServiceWeek2025 #MissionPossible #BankingOnKenya #CustomerExcellence

Between January and July 2025, banks in Kenya disbursed Ksh 201 billion in loans to MSMEs, underscoring the industry’s commitment to powering enterprise and economic growth. In 2024, the sector also pledged to provide Ksh 150 billion in new loans annually from 2025 onwards to further strengthen MSME support. #BankingOnKenya

KBA through its Centre for Sustainable Finance and Enterprise Development (CSFED) has emerged as the winner in the 2025 Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS) Sustainability Awards in the Green Finance Industry Leadership Award Category. The recognition was anchored on KBA's efforts in establishing a Centre that will rally banks to develop interventions that advance sustainable value for society and the environment, fostering growth for people, nature, climate, and the economy. Through the CSFED, KBA recently released an Assessment of Nature Related Investment and Financing Opportunity Study that sought to identify bankable projects that would ultimately contribute to the greening of the financial services sector and drive nature-positive outcomes in the country. To read more about the Centre click the link below: share.google/IJ0qDyMLdnn5uqM… #KGBSGreenExpo2025

During the 14th Annual Banking Research Conference, Reuben Wambui and Francis Nyangoma presented a paper titled Leveraging Data for Climate Risk Assessment and Green Capital: A Case Study of the Africa Climate and Nature Data Platform (ACNDP). It was discussed by Brian Ochieng, who noted the platform’s potential in de-risking green investments and unlocking capital for sustainable projects. #BankingConferenceKE

Tune into #FixingTheNationNTV tomorrow for a conversation with @KenyaBankers Association Research and Policy Director Dr. Samuel Tiriongo the new loan pricing formula. @TkSammy @CBKKenya @MSEA_Kenya @JohnMbadiN @ntvkenya

The new loan pricing formula will make it easier for individuals and businesses to get bank loans. If you borrow and repay on time, you will enjoy lower loan interest, and even get better rates on future loans. If you borrow and default, you will still be able to get loans, but at a higher interest because of the risk from your past borrowing history. This means keeping a good loan repayment record will help you get cheaper loans. More Information: shorturl.at/fz8xa #BankingOnKenya

How will the New Common Base Rate Determine Your Loan Interest Rate? KESONIA (Kenya Shilling Overnight Interbank Average) is now the common base rate for all variable-interest loans in Kenya. Loan rates will be calculated as KESONIA + risk premium( your loan repayment history). Borrowers with good credit history will pay lower rates, while higher-risk borrowers (those who have defaulted) will pay more. This creates a fairer, more transparent system that rewards financial discipline and aligns Kenya with global standards. #BankingOnKenya

The banking industry welcomes the revised loan pricing formula for variable-interest rates, announced by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) on August 26, 2025. The change will facilitate greater access to bank credit for both individuals and businesses, enhancing the banking sector's capacity to support Kenya's economic growth. The framework also promotes transparency by requiring banks to disclose all the components that make up interest rates, giving borrowers a clear and comprehensive understanding of loan interest rates. It further integrates a borrower’s credit history as a key pricing factor, making past repayment behaviour an important determinant of loan interest. The shift is expected to significantly expand access to credit for previously underserved groups, including MSMEs, youth, persons with disabilities, and women-led enterprises. It will also strengthen the transmission of monetary policy decisions, ensuring that changes in the policy rate are more directly and efficiently reflected in the cost of credit across the banking sector. A key feature of the new framework is the introduction of the Kenya Shilling Overnight Interbank Average (KESONIA) as the common base rate for all variable-interest loans. KESONIA, the market-determined rate based on the interest rate at which banks lend to each other on an overnight basis aligns Kenya with global best practice. Under the structure, the variable-interest rate offered to a customer will consist of the KESONIA base rate plus a premium that reflects their individual risk profile. Borrowers who maintain good credit scores will, therefore, secure loans at lower rates. The transition will be implemented over the next six months. From September 1 to November 30, 2025, banks will review and update their loan pricing models, and seek approvals from their respective Boards of Directors. Once approved, banks will begin issuing new variable-rate loans using KESONIA as the base rate. All existing variable-rate loans will migrate to the revised framework by February 28, 2026. The banking industry recognizes the important regulatory role CBK has played in guiding the sector to enhance transparency, strengthen customer centricity, ensure ethical banking practices, and roll out the revised risk-based pricing of credit. The banking industry commits to fully support the implementation of the new framework, not only as a compliance requirement but also as an enabler of our collective ambition to expand access to credit for both individuals and businesses, strengthening the banking sector’s role in powering Kenya’s economic progress. #BankingOnKenya