Author Archives: MeAtcLOUD

KWFT, AGF AND AFTA EMPOWER OVER 1,000 W-MSEs

In May of 2024, KWFT signed a USD 5 million Risk Sharing partnership agreement with African Guarantee Fund in a move to boost financial inclusion for Women-led or owned Small and Medium Enterprises (WSMEs) in Kenya.

The partnership was also to prioritize Business Development Services (BDS) to support women entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge needed to build sustainable businesses and access market opportunities that will drive economic growth and development by empowering them to create jobs and contribute to the overall development.

To accomplish the goals above, KWFT and African Guarantee Fund partnered with the African Financial and Technical Assistance AFTA to empower over 1,000 who are customers of the bank, through transformative training sessions. 

The WSMEs were from diverse sectors of the economy, especially trade and agribusiness and selected from the following branches: Mwingi, Kitui, Matuu, Masii, Machakos, Tala, Laare, Eldama Ravine, Nyahururu, Nanyuki, Githunguri, Karatina, Nyeri, Murang’a, Embu, Chuka, Nakuru, Naivasha, Voi, Emali, Wote, Kibwezi, Ruiru and Nairobi.

The training areas were identified by conducting a Training Needs Assessment and thereafter AFTA and the Bank co-created relevant Training Curriculum for the BDS Program. The training sessions that started in Q4 of 2024 were highly interactive, practical and addressed real challenges facing the WMSMEs: Some of the identified challenges included access to finance, limited financial literacy, barriers to market low adoption of technology for efficiency, complexity in regulatory compliance, work-life balance and succession planning.

During the recently concluded financial literacy training, there were noteworthy positive impacts and success stories which revealed how the BDS Program managed to equip the participating women with essential business skills and resources, boosting their managerial skills, confidence, sales, profits, and business longevity.

The trainings were attended by the Bank Senior Management Team led by the Managing Director, Mr. Kariuki Kitabu, who re-affirmed KWFT’s commitment to building resilient, profitable and sustainable women-led businesses for economic empowerment.

By working together with like-minded partners, we can transform the entrepreneurial landscape for women and youth, drive sustainable growth and create inclusive prosperity in Kenya.

KWFT PARTNERS WITH GIZ FOR GREEN FINANCE CLINIC

On 31st July, KWFT was delighted to have been invited by GIZ Kenya to participate in the Green Financing Clinic under the Agri- Jobs 4 Youth Program held in Kisumu County. 

At this event, 20 Agri-MSME’s pitched their climate smart agribusiness innovations to potential investors and financial institutions for potential funding and partnerships opportunities. KWFT was represented by Boniface Mwangi (Regional Manager-Central Nyanza) and Roseline Indimuli (Regional Manager-Western) who engaged the Agri- MSME’s on their innovations. 

Following insightful discussions, KWFT will follow up on a number of innovations presented, leveraging on the bank’s 28 branches within Western and Central Nyanza area – the programs focus areas. KWFT is grateful to GIZ Kenya and Dr. Edward Mungai of Impact Africa Consulting Limited for the invitation and coordination of this impactful initiative. 

We remain committed to empower the youth and women led agri-enterprises through provision of tailored financial solutions and banking services to help scale sustainable agribusiness ventures in Kenya.

KWFT CUSTOMERS GRADUATE FROM STRATHMORE BUSINESS SCHOOL

On Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, a momentous milestone was marked at Strathmore Business School as KWFT customers graduated from the Family Business Executive Programme; a transformative initiative themed “Governance and Succession Planning for Family-owned SMEs in East Africa.”

The programme, financed by Oikocredit and the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) aligned with KWFT’s ongoing mission to empower clients beyond financial services by building capacity and business resilience through strategic partnerships. In collaboration with Strathmore Business School, the selected KWFT clients, many of them leading women-owned, multi-generational family enterprises were equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to professionalize and sustain their businesses.

The training also addressed the unique challenges faced by family-run enterprises, including informal decision-making, conflict management and succession planning.“We trained on governance, leadership and succession to provide the practical tools to manage their businesses more professionally, manage conflict and prepare for generational continuity,” Raymond Mutura , Course Leader ,Strathmore Business School.

The graduation event brought together participating families and special guests for a day of reflection, celebration and inspiration. The dignitaries represented various teams; Kariuki Kitabu- KWFT Ag. Managing Director; Carol Mulwa- Regional Director Africa at Oikocredit; Alvin Ochieng -AGF and Strathmore University Business School faculty; Dr Caesar Mwangi Executive Dean, Muriithi Njogu- Director of Support Services; Shadrack Mwangangi- Director of Executive Education and Raymond Mutura- Course Leader. 

In his address, KWFT MD Kariuki Kitabu said, “At KWFT, our mission has always gone beyond offering credit. We believe that true empowerment lies not just in access to finance, but in building internal capacity, in strengthening systems and in preparing for the future. It is in this spirit that KWFT has continued to champion support for family-owned enterprises, many of which form the backbone of Kenya’s SME sector.

The ceremony featured key notes regarding the success of the program’s efforts to building sustainable, structured and visionary enterprises.

Carol Mulwa, Regional Director Africa – Oikocredit expressed pride in the family businesses’ bold step toward growth and legacy. She also expressed gratitude to the program’s partners stating that the graduation was a clear testament to the power of partnerships.

“By supporting these SMEs, we help de-risk these enterprises and unlock their potential to scale and create lasting impact,” added Alvin Ochieng, Capacity Development Assistant Officer AGF.

A highlight of the event was a heartfelt message from Agnes Nzau, one of the KWFT graduands,“I am grateful to KWFT for the financial support and empowerment it has provided over the years. This program has taught us invaluable lessons about managing our family business and I truly appreciate how KWFT continues to uplift women in business.”

As the graduates were awarded certificates of completion they carried a new mindset, a strengthened foundation and a collective belief that the future of their family businesses is intentional, empowered and built to last.

For KWFT, this graduation reflects a deeper commitment to its clients both as a financial partner but as a mentor of growth. Through strategic partnerships with development organizations and higher learning institutions like Strathmore, KWFT continues to provide its clients with access to knowledge, structure and networks that shape generational impact.

KWFT JOINS INDUSTRY LEADERS AT 2025 KBA GOLF TOURNAMENT

The 2025 Interbank Games officially kicked off on 11th April with Golf Tournament held at Vetlab Sports Club in Nairobi. Organized by the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), the event brought together top golfers from across the banking sector.

Themed “Each Tee-Off for a Tree: Bound for Conservation,” the tournament blended the love of sport with a powerful call to action on sustainability. The initiative encouraged players and institutions to take active roles in environmental conservation one swing, one tree at a time.

KWFT Ag Managing Director, Mr. Kariuki Kitabu, joined fellow industry leaders on the green, representing the institution’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and collective industry efforts. The tournament was a celebration of sportsmanship, partnership and responsibility toward a greener future.

As a strong advocate for environmental sustainability, KWFT continues to embed conservation into its operations. Through green financing solutions ;clean energy, water harvesting and eco-friendly agricultural practices, KWFT remains steadfast in its mission to empower communities while championing environmental stewardship, in line with global sustainability goals.

KWFT AND NAZAVA PARTNER FOR SAFE WATER ACCESS

On March 18 2025 KWFT and Nazava Water Filters officially signed an MOU to enhance access to safe drinking water for KWFT customers across Kenya. The MOU was signed during an official side event of the State Visit of the King and Queen of the Netherlands to Kenya, marking a significant milestone in efforts to provide affordable and sustainable household water solutions.

Nazava Water Filters, a global leader in household water treatment technology, empowers families by providing innovative filtration systems that can purify their well, tap, river or rain water and make it safe to drink. These filters eliminate the need to boil water, reducing household expenses on fuel, saving time, significantly lowering carbon emissions.

Through this partnership, KWFT customers will have the opportunity to purchase Nazava Water Filters through a flexible financing plan. This will ensure that even low-income households can access clean and safe drinking water preventing the risk of water borne diseases.

KWFT, reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to improving the livelihoods of its customers. “This partnership underscores KWFT’s commitment to enhancing the dignity of our members by providing them access to financing to purchase safer and more affordable drinking water solution” Benson Kitabu, KWFT Managing Director.

Lieselotte Heederik, Co-founder and Director of Nazava Water Filters, highlighted the impact of the collaboration, stating, “We are proud to strengthen our partnership with KWFT, an institution that has consistently strived to improve the dignity of women and promote their financial inclusion. Through this partnership, we are one step closer to our goal of reaching 5 million people with safe drinking water access by 2030.”

Ahead of World Water Day marked on March 22nd, KWFT reaffirms its commitment to ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for all. Water is essential to life and global action is needed to preserve, protect and provide it sustainably. Through this collaboration, access to clean water has been made possible, advancing SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 3 (Good health and wellbeing) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).