It is banking unusual as top lender treads a rewarding path for women and youth
One of the guiding pillars of NCBA Group is women and youth empowerment. In many societies ( especially in Africa where the bank is domiciled) men dominate the wealth creation space to the disadvantage of women and youth. This is mainly because these societies are built on foundations that are patriarchal. Against this background, accessing credit in particular has traditionally been a herculean task for women since the prime family assets ( like land) are legally registered under their spouses.
NCBA has therefore been a champion in offering an array of wealth solutions that help women to break down barriers that have over the years excluded them from formal financial systems. These barriers include: lack of collaterals, discriminatory lending practices, limited financial literacy and expensive financial services.
Women empowerment
By and large, it has been observed that economically empowered women are able to uplift the living standards of their respective households by investing in education, health and businesses. Ultimately, this ripple effect contributes to sustainable development and poverty reduction.
To help unlock the untapped potential of women and youth in business, NCBA has created a number of programmes to empower them. One of them is creation of self-help groups. To this end , the bank has financed women economic empowerment with a whooping USD 50 million.
Recently, NCBA partnered with CFAO Mobility Kenya. The strategic partnership represents a significant step forward in empowering women drivers and promoting gender inclusivity in the automotive industry. The bank believes in broadening the horizons for women’s financial possibilities. Its goal is to provide the tools and resources that enable women to achieve their financial goals.
The partnership will not only enhance women’s driving experience, but also provide valuable resources and benefits to help them maintain and enjoy their vehicles to the fullest.
Support for SMEs
Given that the bulk of businesses in Kenya are small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the bank has partnered with other institutions to help owners of these businesses acquire relevant skill sets. For instance, in collaboration with Strathmore University Business School (SBS), the bank has facilitated a training programme. It is dubbed NCBA-SBS enterprise development programme. So far, two cohorts have been conducted with the third one underway. The programme which takes sixteen weeks cuts across most sectors of the economy.

It is designed to equip SMEs owner managers with the tools and skills to identify and seize business opportunities, foster innovation and unlock their business potential. Additionally, it nurtures socially responsible and viable businesses, besides fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship in the region. “We reaffirm our commitment to empowering SMEs. We believe in fostering growth and resilience within the business community by aligning with our mission as a trusted financial partner,” Tirus Mwithiga, NCBA Group Director of retail banking said during the graduation of the second cohort.
The bank is targeting at least twenty five SME businesses for the third cohort of the NCBA – SBS enterprise development programme. The enrolment opened on the 21st of May 2024.
Internships
NCBA Bank has also provided internships to fresh graduates from higher learning institutions in a bid to introduce them to the corporate world. Internships offer invaluable opportunities for young professionals to gain practical skills and insights in diverse careers.
Given that the corporate world is highly competitive and fresh graduates often struggle to get their foot in the door, NCBA Bank has developed the ‘Go-Getter Internship Programme’ which provides fresh graduates with an opportunity to take a leap forward and embark on a journey towards achieving their dreams.
The interns gain experience in various areas of the bank’s operations, including : retail banking, corporate banking, investment banking, human resources (HR), finance and regional business. The programme has been successful in launching careers of many young professionals.
In 2023, NCBA had forty five interns. Their experience at NCBA was memorable. Sarah Danga, one of the interns at the projects department, has seen a significant development in her career. She has been involved in many projects. “My greatest lesson has been believing in myself and team work,” Sarah shares adding that NCBA has acted as her springboard into the corporate world.
Welcoming a new cohort
The bank has on boarded a new group – 2024 NCBA Go – Getter interns – on an exhilarating journey of growth, learning and success in a fast-paced environment. The programme runs for eight months, during which interns are assigned to various units across the business operations.
During their internship, they will learn more about the special NCBA Go Getter culture that makes the programme to stand out. By and large, they will leverage different fields of banking and acquire experience that will come in handy in their career growth. The programme celebrates diversity. Interns come from different backgrounds and bring fresh perspectives, making the workplace lively and exciting.