Nairobi, Kenya, 26th September 2024 : Researchers in the banking sector have been encouraged to make research more accessible by using simpler language, ensuring that research outputs are more effective in solving market problems. This was one of the key messages at the 13th Annual Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) Banking Research Conference, held today at the Ole Sereni Hotel, Nairobi.
Themed “Banking Sector Resilience: Navigating Macro-Imbalances, Responsiveness to Evolving Business Landscapes, and Driving Sustainability,” the conference brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to address the critical challenges and opportunities facing the banking industry.
Betty Korir, Vice Chair of the KBA Governing Council and CEO of Credit Bank, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of the banking sector’s adaptability in navigating economic downturns, geopolitical conflicts, and technological disruptions. “The banking sector must foster an environment of proactive thinking and strategic responses to continue playing a pivotal role in the nation’s socio-economic development,” she said.
The conference also highlighted the importance of sustainability, with discussions focused on integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into banking practices. KBA’s Sustainable Finance Initiative was lauded for mobilizing industry players to prioritize sustainable banking practices that support Kenya’s broader climate and socio-economic development goals.
KBA Acting CEO Raimond Molenje reiterated KBA’s commitment to driving transformation through evidence-based advocacy. He emphasized that the conference plays a vital role in producing knowledge that informs policy and helps the banking sector remain resilient while promoting sustainable growth.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Victor Murinde, Executive Director of the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), who presented insights on the challenges and opportunities in financial intermediation within resource-based countries.
As the two-day conference continues, participants are expected to engage in robust discussions aimed at fortifying the banking sector’s resilience and its ability to respond to evolving business landscapes while driving sustainability for long-term growth.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Dr. Samuel Tiriongo
Director, Research and Policy
Kenya Bankers Association
Email: stiriong@kba.co.ke
About the Kenya Bankers Association
KBA (www.kba.co.ke) was founded on 16th July 1962. Today, KBA is the leading advocacy group in the financial sector and the umbrella body for the banking industry, representing total assets of over USD 60 billion. KBA has expanded its function to include advocating for the banking industry and promoting the development of the financial sector through strategic projects such as launching the industry’s first P2P digital payments platform, PesaLink. In line with the Government’s policy on public-private partnerships, KBA and the Central Bank of Kenya have implemented key projects such as the modernization of the National Payments System through the Automated Clearing House, the implementation of the Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS), and the Kenya Credit Information Sharing Initiative. KBA’s members consist of commercial banks and deposit-taking microfinance banks. For more information, visit (www.kba.co.ke).
