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KWFT is delighted to announce its recognition at the 2023 SFI Catalyst Awards organized by Kenya Bankers Association where the institution is a Member Bank.

 

This was the 7th Edition of the SFI Catalyst Awards by Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) and the event was presided over by Dr. Habil Olaka- CEO Kenya Bankers Association, Tamara Cook- CEO FSD Kenya and Geoffrey Odundo- CEO – Nairobi Securities Exchange. KWFT was represented at the event by Kibet Kipkemoi- Director ICT& Banking Operations and Juliana Wanjiru- GM Marketing, Communications & Innovation.

 

The Catalyst Awards aim at recognizing Financial Institutions that continue to drive a positive impact on the Economy, Society and the Environment through Sustainable Financing Initiatives. Members of the KBA, Non-KBA members, mobile network operators offering financial services and Financial Institutions were eligible to submit entries for the Catalyst Award.

 

The awards were as follows;

 

BEST BANK IN PROMOTING GENDER INCLUSIVITY:

 

KWFT emerged the winner

This category focused on a Firms commitment in promoting gender parity through policy formulation and implementation. Banks were encouraged to showcase their role in encouraging women to be formally included in the financial services sector that included the workplace and marketplace (by developing products geared towards empowering female entrepreneurs).

 

MOST INNOVATIVE BANK CATEGORY:

 

KWFT emerged 2nd position

This category focused on how technology can be leveraged to reach untapped and marginalized market segments. It also focuses on ways firms can innovate and enhance their service delivery as well as, expand a firm’s reach/scale.

 

In this category, KWFT showcased 2 Innovations implemented through Partnerships with Fintechs namely:

 

§ Ibuild that enables KWFT to collect data and report on social impact of KWFTs Home Improvement product offering.

§ Rapidvets as a tool used by the KWFT to connect livestock farmers with qualified veterinary officers for purposes of obtaining livestock valuation reports.

 

 

FINANCING SMALL & MICRO ENTERPRISES CATEGORY:

 

KWFT emerged 3rd position

This category focused on Firms that have contributed to Sustainable Economic Development through financing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Firms were encouraged to highlight how they have extended credit to SME’s who are in green growth activities.

 

KWFT’s steadfast commitment to gender inclusivity, coupled with innovative financial empowerment and technological integration, has reshaped the narrative as well as established a benchmark in the banking sector.

 

A heartfelt appreciation to the KWFT team as these efforts have undeniably transformed lives of Kenyan families

On November 21st, 2023, KWFT Bank had the distinct honor of being invited to the AFAWA Finance series in Kenya, where Mr Mwangi Githaiga served as a keynote speaker on the panel. The AFAWA Finance Series was organized by the African Development Bank (AFDB) in collaboration with the African Guarantee Fund (AGF). The event was held at Safari Park, Kenya.

 

AFAWA’s approach challenges the gender gap in access to finance and liberates women’s entrepreneurial capacity in Africa.The theme of the panel discussion was ‘Bridging the Gender Financial Gap’

 

The event was graced by esteemed guests.The chief guest was Hon. Ann Waiguru (Chair of council of governors). The other guests were Harriet Chiggai (Office of the president’s Advisor on Women’s rights), H.E Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay County Governor), Dr.Chris Kiptoo (Principal Secretary, National Treasury), Hon. Beatrice Elachi(Deputy Chairperson, Kenya Women Parliamentary Association),Dr. Susan Koech (Deputy Governor Central Bank of Kenya) ,Mr. Jules Ngankam (AGF CEO), Dr. Josephine Ngure (AFDB Regional Country manager) .

 

Other panelists sharing the platform were notable leaders, such as Mr. Anuj Mediratta (CEO, Gulf African Bank), Betty Korir (CEO, Credit Bank), Elizabeth Wasunna (Director, Business Banking, Absa Bank Kenya), and Lilian Mramba (Chief Investment Officer, Grassroots Business Fund)

 

Mr. Mwangi Githaiga shared expertise on empowering women economically highlighting its significance in societal development. The discussions covered various topics, including the barriers faced by women in accessing finance, the role of financial institutions in supporting women entrepreneurs, and the necessity for innovative financial products tailored to women’s specific needs.

 

KWFT’s takes pride in being part of such impactful discussions that align with our commitment to fostering inclusive financial practices. This role is a testament to KWFTs position as a key industry player that has set the pace in women’s financial inclusion.