#4
NCBA BANK
At this point, everyone knows about NCBA Bank – Eastern Africa’s largest financial institution by assets and a leading force in the region. What sets NCBA apart is not just its dominance in the banking sector but its unwavering commitment to sustainability, both in business and beyond. NCBA is not just talking about Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance – it is living it, driving real change across regions, communities and industries. Through its transformative initiatives, NCBA is proving that business sustainability is a core value that can uplift economies, protect the planet, and improve lives.
One of NCBA’s standout achievements in 2023 was reducing plastic usage by an impressive 76.3 percent, a concrete demonstration of its dedication to environmental sustainability.
Further, the bank is committed to planting 10 million trees by 2030, having already planted 344,000 trees in 2023 alone. Through strategic partnerships with both private entities and government bodies, this ambitious goal is set to contribute significantly to reforestation and climate action.
NCBA is a trailblazer in green finance. The bank committed KES 2 billion toward financing electric vehicles (EVs) and KES 500 million for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in 2023, positioning itself as the first Kenyan bank to finance EVs.
Moreover, as part of its goal to mobilise KES 30 billion in sustainable financing, the bank partnered with Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to deploy EVs and charging stations across the region. It has also developed bespoke green energy leasing solutions in collaboration with companies like Chloride Exide and Astonfield Solar, further boosting clean energy adoption.
As NCBA Group Managing Director (MD) and CEO John Gachora noted in the bank’s 2023 Integrated Report, “As the home of Asset Finance, NCBA is responsible for financing every third vehicle you see on our roads. It is for this reason that NCBA has taken the lead and is proud to work with partners like KPLC to bring electric vehicles onto our roads.” These efforts underscore NCBA’s ambition to not only reduce its carbon footprint but also help Kenyans transition to more sustainable business practices.
On the social front, NCBA’s initiatives are reshaping lives across the region. In 2023, NCBA provided over 100 scholarships, affirming its commitment to education and youth empowerment. It has also championed inclusive communities through regional sports development, engaging over 7,000 players through its NCBA Golf Series and Golf Activation, promoting not only physical health but also social cohesion.
The bank’s commitment to financial inclusion is perhaps its most transformative social achievement. In 2023 alone, NCBA offered micro-lending and savings solutions to over 60 million customers across Africa, disbursing an incredible KES 930 billion in loans – a 28 percent increase from the previous year. This access to affordable credit is essential for small businesses and individuals alike, empowering them to thrive in challenging economic environments.
week at the International Data Privacy Day at Eldoret Sports Club on January 27th-28th, 2025.
Community engagement is a core pillar of NCBA’s social impact strategy, deploying KES 100 million annually to support communities. For instance, in 2023 the bank donated 100 food hampers to assist over 500 people affected by drought through the Kenya Red Cross Society. Beyond Kenya, NCBA is making strides regionally, such as collaborating with Mwananchi Communications and the Tanzania Golf Union to foster community development.
Gender balance and inclusivity are top priorities at NCBA. With a nearly equal male-to-female staff ratio of 49:51, the bank promotes diversity not just in numbers but through meaningful action. In 2023, NCBA partnered with esteemed organisations on International Women’s Week to profile women and champion gender equality. This, coupled with the promotion of 448 colleagues and a 110 percent increase in employee learning hours, shows that NCBA invests in its people as much as it does in its communities.
NCBA’s governance achievements are equally impressive, rooted in its belief in transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices. In 2023, NCBA launched the ‘Change the Story’ sustainability platform, built on five strategic pillars and 15 bold commitments. This initiative is designed to drive the bank’s sustainability transformation across all its operations and is a testament to its forward-thinking approach to ESG.
Gachora highlighted the importance of this transformation, saying, “In 2023 we embarked on a Group-wide, in-depth research and capacity-building exercise to situate our sustainability imperative in line with the opportunities arising from a defined strategic response on ESG factors material to our business operations. This culminated in the launch of our sustainability transformation agenda ‘Change the Story’ in August.”
NCBA joined the UN Global Compact, further reinforcing its commitment to responsible business practices. As part of its governance framework, the bank conducted a comprehensive materiality assessment across the group, identifying the most critical ESG issues that affect its operations. Additionally, it rolled out in-depth training on sustainable finance for its relationship managers, ensuring that they are equipped to support green and ethical financing practices. Through the NCBA Academy, the bank offered 10 sustainability-related courses, demonstrating its commitment to educating its workforce on the importance of ESG principles.
From reducing plastic waste and financing EVs to empowering communities and fostering gender equality, NCBA’s achievements are reshaping the business landscape in Eastern Africa. The bank’s commitment to transparency and ethical governance further solidifies its reputation as an institution that is not just compliant with ESG principles but is truly transforming them into actionable and impactful results.
AUTHOR: DR. HANNINGTONE GAYA
EDITOR: KAREN NDUKU
