- Sumac is one of Kenya’s home-grown microfinance banks serving entrepreneurs and small businesses
Nairobi, Kenya, September 4, 2026…Sumac Microfinance Bank has joined the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), the banking industry umbrella body, bringing the Association’s membership to 47 institutions.
Established in 1962, KBA exists to expand access to credit for households and businesses by championing policies and initiatives that support economic activity, business growth and job creation. The Association works with policymakers, regulators and other stakeholders to shape policies and initiatives that strengthen the banking sector, expand access to finance and support economic development.
KBA Chief Executive Officer Raimond Molenje welcomed Sumac Microfinance Bank into the Association, noting that its membership further strengthens the industry’s collective voice and collaboration.
“We are pleased to welcome Sumac Microfinance Bank. Its membership further strengthens our collective efforts to advance a stable, inclusive and innovative financial sector. We look forward to working with Sumac and other members in addressing issues that are critical to the growth and development of the economy,” said Mr. Molenje.
Sumac Microfinance Bank Chief Executive Officer John Njihia said the institution was pleased to join KBA and looked forward to working with other industry players to contribute to the development of Kenya’s financial sector.
“We are delighted to join and look forward to collaborating with other members of the industry. We believe that working together offers an opportunity to contribute to initiatives that promote financial inclusion, innovation and sustainable growth in the sector,” said Mr Njihia.
Sumac Microfinance Bank began as a savings and investment group formed by professionals in the early 2000s. It later evolved into Sumac Credit, which opened to the public in 2004. And subsequently obtained a nationwide deposit-taking microfinance licence from the Central Bank of Kenya in 2012.
The institution has since grown its financial services offering to serve individuals and businesses, with a focus on providing accessible financial solutions to its customers.
KBA’s membership comprises commercial banks and deposit-taking microfinance banks. The Association has progressively expanded its membership to provide a stronger platform for collaboration and collective engagement across Kenya’s banking industry.
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 and is regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Established on 16th July 1962, KBA represents 46 member institutions with combined assets exceeding KES 7.7 trillion. Its core mandate is to promote 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, including the launch of Pesalink, the industry’s first peer-to-peer digital payments platform. In partnership with the CBK and other stakeholders, KBA has spearheaded projects such as the modernization of the National Payments System, 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 strengthen the banking sector, foster innovation, drive financial inclusion, and support national economic growth. Learn more: www.kba.co.ke
