2023 Sees Record Entries as Banks Vie for Top Spots in Environmental Impact

The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) has acknowledged 26 banks for their outstanding commitment to fostering positive environmental impact through sustainable lending practices.

In a ceremony marked as the 7th edition of the Sustainable Finance Initiative Catalyst Awards, held in collaboration with FSD-Kenya, the Cooperative Bank of Kenya claimed the title of the Overall Sustainable Finance awardee for 2023. Following closely were Equity Bank Kenya and Absa Bank Kenya, securing second and third positions, respectively.

The awards were determined following a thorough evaluation of bank submissions earlier this month by an impartial panel of judges. The assessment covered eight categories, including insightful case study submissions.

Equity Bank Kenya stood out in the Most Innovative Bank category, securing the top position. Cooperative Bank of Kenya and Kenya Women Microfinance Bank (KWFT) shared the second position, while Absa Bank Kenya clinched third place in a category that featured a total of nine entries.

In the Best Client Case Study- Promoting Persons with Disability Accessibility category, Cooperative Bank of Kenya claimed the lead, followed by Standard Chartered Bank and Equity Bank in second and third places, respectively. Cooperative Bank of Kenya and KWFT jointly secured the first position in the Best Client Case Study-Promoting Gender Inclusivity category, with Absa Bank and Standard Chartered Bank securing second and third places, respectively.

Absa Bank Kenya was honored with the top award in the Best Case Study-Operations category, closely followed by Cooperative Bank of Kenya and Equity Bank Kenya. Cooperative Bank of Kenya dominated the Best Case Study-Commercial category, with Equity Bank Kenya and African Banking Corporation (ABC Bank) securing the second and third positions, respectively.

Equity Bank Kenya took home the first-place award in the Best Case Study-Retail MSME category, with Cooperative Bank of Kenya and Kenya Women Microfinance Bank claiming the second and third positions. This year witnessed a notable increase, with a total of forty-nine entries submitted by banks, compared to forty-three in 2022, showcasing a growing commitment to sustainability within the banking industry.