The Kenya Bankers Association recently hosted the 2019 edition of the Sustainable Finance Initiative award. The SFI Catalyst award celebrates players in the banking sector for their impact in finance, society, and sustainable economy as part of a banking sector posterity initiative.
Delivering the keynote speech, CBK governor Patrick Njoroge noted the importance of the banking sector in promoting sustainable livelihood for Kenyans. The governor explained the responsibility of the banking sector towards Kenyans in the statement:
“We must not fail Kenyans. It is because of them that the banking sector exists. Let us press ahead with sustainable finance that works for and with Kenyans.”
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The governor also urged banks to focus on green finance, focusing on sustainable development as they conduct their activities.
“There is a need for firms in the finance sector to balance their business goals with socio-environmental and economic concerns. Therefore, banks should mainstream their operations with the future in mind.” added the governor.
SFI Catalyst Awards
Cooperative Bank was crowned overall winner for Sustainable Finance in the 2019 SFI catalyst. Equity followed closely at second, whereas KWFT took the third position.
Equity Bank won the most innovative bank in Kenya. Following closely was Standard Charted at second and Cooperative bank at third. KWFT was the most improved bank in working towards sustainability.
