Inuka Enterprise Program

Twenty-four Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) today received business grants of Sh100,000 each to support their next stage of growth after completing the Inuka Enterprise Program Enterprise Accelerator Program, a banking industry-led initiative implemented by the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) through the Centre for Sustainable Finance and Enterprise Development (CSFED).
The 12-week accelerator equipped entrepreneurs with advanced mentorship, tailored business diagnostics, and strategic guidance to enhance competitiveness, str
engthen financial readiness, and support sustainable scaling.

The businesses were drawn from key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, trade, textile, and leather, selected from more than 130,000 MSMEs that have benefited from KBA’s Inuka Enterprise Program Enterprise Program since 2018, alongside partners with MSME-focused initiatives.

The Inuka Enterprise Accelerator Program is powered by Kenya Bankers Association.

"Today, we celebrate courage.” Those were the powerful opening words from Frida Owinga, Program Director at PassionProfit and lead facilitator of the 12-week Inuka Enterprise Accelerator masterclasses on behalf of Kenya Bankers Association , during the Cohort 1 Graduation.

Frida reminded graduates that “INUKA is more than a program it is a call to elevation. A call to elevate your business, your mindset, and your impact.”

She highlighted the transformation journey: gaining clarity, strengthening financial decision-making, embracing technology, and building with intention rather than impulse. Her message to graduates was clear: “Businesses don’t grow by chance they grow by clarity, consistency, and courage. This certificate is not an ending it’s your launchpad.”

Congratulations to the Inuka 2025 Cohort for rising to the challenge!

The Inuka Enterprise Accelerator Program is powered by Kenya Bankers Association

In his keynote address at the Inuka Enterprise Accelerator Cohort 1 Graduation, MSEA Chairman James Mureu emphasized the vital role of MSMEs in Kenya’s economic transformation and called for stronger collaboration across the ecosystem.

With MSMEs contributing more than one-third of Kenya’s GDP and provide livelihoods to millions. When MSMEs grow, Kenya grows. Commending KBA for its leadership, he added: “The Inuka Accelerator has equipped entrepreneurs with practical mentorship and financial insights to scale sustainably.”

Mr. Mureu has called for continued innovation in financial products for women, youth, and informal businesses, and encouraged partnerships to bridge gaps in access to markets, finance, and information.

In his opening remarks at the Inuka Enterprise Accelerator Cohort 1 Graduation,Kenya Bankers Association CEO Raimond Molenje celebrated the resilience of MSMEs and reaffirmed the banking industry’s commitment to driving enterprise growth.

He stated: “We are proud of their commitment and successful completion of our 12-week intensive masterclasses, tailored to their unique needs, designed to position them for impact.”

Highlighting progress, he added: “When we launched the Accelerator Program last year, the industry pledged to double annual MSME lending from KSh 75 billion to 150 billion. I am pleased to share that we have surpassed this target over KSh 200 billion has been extended to MSMEs in 2025.”

Mr. Molenje emphasized the importance of innovation and regulatory frameworks like KESONIA in unlocking affordable credit, noting: “Borrowers who maintain good credit scores will secure loans at lower rates, amplifying access for underserved segments.”
He concluded: “The exchange of knowledge, ideas and experiences during the 12 weeks of learning will enable you to scale your business to new frontiers. At KBA, we are committed to continue with this journey and ensuring that we support the transformation of the MSME sector.”

The Inuka Enterprise Program is powered by Kenya Bankers Association

Later Today: Panel Discussion at the Inuka Enterprise Accelerator Cohort 1 Graduation

As we celebrate the achievements of our inaugural cohort, we are excited to host an insightful panel discussion themed:

“From Survival to Scale: Building Resilient MSMEs in a Dynamic Economy.”

This conversation will bring together thought leaders and industry experts to explore strategies for MSME resilience, growth, and sustainability in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Panelists:

✅ Tom Onguru – Head of Strategy, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)

✅ Abdia Dabaso – Women Markets Program & Youth Banking Lead, SBM Bank

✅ Faith Chepng'etich Biegon – Consulting Associate, BFA Global

✅ Collins Wanyonyi i – Director of SME Banking, Equity Bank

✅ Sidney Ng'ethe – MSME Representative

✅ Dr. Samuel Tiriongo (PhD) – Director of Research and Policy, KBA

✅ Roselyne Njino – Sustainability Manager, KBA (Moderator)

Join us as we discuss how to scale MSMEs for sustainable impact and inclusive growth.

We are honoured to have our Chief Executive Officer, Raimond Molenje, as one of the key speakers at tomorrow’s Inuka Enterprise Accelerator Cohort 1 Graduation.

As a champion of financial inclusion and enterprise development within the banking industry, Mr. Molenje continues to steer KBA’s efforts in strengthening MSME resilience, expanding access to finance, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable business growth.

His address will spotlight the banking industry’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s MSMEs through capacity building, innovation, and strategic partnerships. We look forward to his valuable insights as we celebrate the achievements of our inaugural cohort.

The Inuka Enterprise Accelarator Program is powered by Kenya Bankers Association

We are honoured to announce that Mr. James Mureu, Chairman of the Micro & Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), will deliver the keynote address at tomorrow’s Inuka Enterprise Accelerator Program Cohort 1 Graduation.

With his extensive experience in MSME development, policy leadership, and enterprise support, Mr. Mureu brings a wealth of insight into the role of small businesses in driving economic transformation and job creation. His presence underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to strengthen Kenya’s MSME ecosystem and empower entrepreneurs to scale sustainably.

We look forward to an inspiring keynote as we celebrate the achievements of our first cohort.

The Inuka Enterprise Accelarator Program is powered by Kenya Bankers Association

Tomorrow, we proudly celebrate a major milestone: the graduation of our inaugural Inuka Enterprise Accelerator Program Cohort. Over the last 12 weeks, 24 remarkable entrepreneurs have immersed themselves in an intensive journey of learning, innovation, and transformation. From refining business models and strengthening financial management to embracing technology, building leadership skills, and preparing for investment each participant has demonstrated resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to growth.

The Inuka Enterprise Accelarator Program, delivered through the Kenya Bankers Association Centre for Sustainable Finance and Enterprise Development, is part of our mission to empower MSMEs with the skills, networks, and opportunities they need to scale, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s economic resilience. This first cohort has set a powerful benchmark showcasing the potential and ambition within Kenya’s enterprise ecosystem.

As we prepare to honour their achievements at tomorrow’s graduation, we celebrate not just the completion of a program, but the beginning of stronger, more sustainable, and investment-ready businesses rising into their next chapter.

The Inuka Enterprise Accelarator Program is powered by Kenya Bankers Association

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 - 𝐈𝐧𝐮𝐤𝐚 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐲

We are honored to feature Abdia Dabaso, Women Markets Program & Youth Banking Lead at SBM Bank Kenya , as one of the judges for the Inuka Accelerator Pitch Day.

With over 16 years of experience spanning the media and banking industries, Abdia has spent more than 12 years pioneering award-winning Women Markets Programs that empower women entrepreneurs and drive financial inclusion. She is a recognized Gender Mainstreaming expert, adept at integrating both Shariah-compliant and conventional banking models to create inclusive financial solutions.

Her dedication to advancing gender equity and youth empowerment in financial services resonates strongly with the Inuka Program’s mission to help MSMEs thrive and scale sustainably.

The Inuka Accelerator Program is powered by Kenya Bankers Association

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 - 𝐈𝐧𝐮𝐤𝐚 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐲

We are delighted to feature Andrew Awilly Owilla, Vice President & Senior Relationship Manager at Absa Bank Kenya, as one of the judges for the Inuka Accelerator Pitch Day. With over 15 years of leadership experience in Commercial, SME, and Institutional Banking, Andrew brings deep expertise in inclusive finance, value chain engagement, and strategic portfolio growth.

His passion for expanding financial access and supporting business transformation aligns perfectly with the Inuka Program’s mission to help MSMEs move from survival to scale.

The Inuka Accelerator Program is powered by Kenya Bankers Association

As the Inuka Accelerator Program enters its final stretch, the stage is set for Pitch Day 2025!

Through the Centre for Sustainable Finance and Enterprise Development (CSFED), the Kenya Bankers Association continues to champion enterprise growth, resilience, and financial inclusion empowering MSMEs with the knowledge and networks to scale sustainably.

We are proud to have Kennedy Mutisya, our very own Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at KBA, serving as one of the judges for the Inuka Accelerator Pitch Day. Kennedy brings a deep understanding of sustainable finance, strategic leadership, and fiscal stewardship key elements that drive MSME transformation within Kenya’s banking ecosystem.

His participation underscores the industry’s commitment to equipping entrepreneurs with not just capital, but also the financial acumen and strategic insight needed to thrive in a competitive economy.

🔗 Learn more: inuka.kba.co.ke

Inuka Accelerator Program is powered by Kenya Bankers Association

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