Nairobi, September 12, 2025: The banking industry has launched the Kenya Bankers Association Centre for Sustainable Finance and Enterprise Development (CSFED), an impact-led hub created to support the sector’s transition toward lending that is responsive to people, nature, climate, and the economy.
The Centre seeks to foster the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as underserved segments across the country through capacity building, enhanced access to affordable finance, market linkages, and advocacy. It will also aim translate sustainability commitments into tangible action through collaboration with partners, innovators, and thought leaders across the financial sector.
The Centre will work towards embedding Sustainable Finance Guiding Principles, directing capital toward sustainable growth, expanding financial inclusion, strengthening risk management, and advancing transparency through comprehensive ESG reporting, supporting the financial sector to balance profitability with responsibility.
The CSFED’s focus spans financial inclusion, technical assistance, research, advisory services, thought leadership, partnerships, innovation, and advocacy. It will provide training and capacity building to financiers on sustainable finance, while also delivering tailored support to individual banks to empower them to create long-term value for the economy, environment and the society.
The Centre will further serve as a knowledge hub, generating evidence-based insights, convening high-level conversations on sustainable finance, and promoting innovative tools such as thematic bonds and loans. It will also contribute to policy dialogue to create an enabling environment for responsible banking.
Speaking at the launch yesterday, KBA CEO Raimond Monjele said the Centre will be instrumental in supporting sustainable banking practices. “As leaders in the financial industry, our mandate has always been to mobilize capital for growth. Today, however, we recognize that growth must go hand in hand with sustainability and must be people-centred,” said Mr. Monjele.
Partnerships will be central to the CSFED’s activities, working closely with banks, regulators, development partners, and the business community to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy and ensure that finance delivers measurable value for society and the environment. Its reports, research, and case studies will provide stakeholders with a clear view of progress, impact, and opportunities for further action.
For more information, please contact: sfi@kba.co.ke
Media Contacts
Christine Onyango
Director, Communication and Public Affairs
Kenya Bankers Association
Email: conyango@kba.co.ke
About Kenya Bankers Association
The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) is the umbrella body for all commercial banks in Kenya, regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Established on 16th July 1962, KBA represents 46 member institutions with assets exceeding KES 7.7 trillion. The Association’s core mandate is to champion a stable, competitive, and inclusive banking industry by influencing legislation, regulation, and policy to enhance access to affordable credit for individuals, households, and businesses. KBA also drives financial sector development through strategic initiatives such as the launch of Pesalink, the industry’s first peer-to-peer digital payments platform. In partnership with the CBK and other stakeholders, KBA has also spearheaded key projects including the modernization of the National Payments System, the implementation of the Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS), and the Kenya Credit Information Sharing Initiative. Guided by its brand statement, One Industry. Transforming Kenya, KBA continues to promote a strong and professional banking sector that advances innovation, fosters financial inclusion, and supports national economic growth. Learn More: www.kba.co.ke.
