For years, farmers, communities, and environmental groups across Kenya have warned about the growing impact of climate change, from unpredictable rainfall patterns to declining forest cover. Now, financial institutions are increasingly stepping forward to support solutions that go beyond banking. Among them is NCBA Group, which is turning its sustainability commitments into action through tree planting, green financing, and community-focused initiatives.
Through its “Change the Story” sustainability strategy, launched in 2023, NCBA is pursuing an ambitious vision built around environmental conservation, climate action, responsible banking, and community empowerment. The initiative is guided by five key pillars and 15 commitments aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
One of the most visible parts of this journey is the bank’s commitment to plant and grow 10 million trees by 2030. The initiative is aimed at restoring ecosystems, increasing Kenya’s forest cover, and helping communities build resilience against climate change.
On World Environment Day 2026, NCBA brought this commitment to life through an agroforestry drive at Kamwaki Coffee Estate, where indigenous trees were planted alongside local communities and environmental partners. The activity highlighted how conservation efforts can work together with agriculture to create long-term benefits for both people and nature.
For coffee farmers and communities involved in such projects, tree planting represents more than environmental protection. It offers an opportunity to restore degraded land, improve ecosystems, and support livelihoods that depend on healthy natural resources.
“Every tree planted contributes to a greener, more resilient Kenya,” NCBA said during the initiative, emphasising the importance of collaboration between farmers, communities, and environmental organisations such as the Boreka Initiative.
Beyond planting trees, NCBA is also using its financial strength to support Kenya’s transition toward a low-carbon economy. The bank continues to expand green financing solutions targeting areas such as renewable energy, clean transport, and climate-smart agriculture.
The institution has set a goal of mobilising KES 30 billion in green and sustainable financing by 2030, supporting businesses and individuals investing in environmentally responsible projects. These efforts are part of NCBA’s wider approach to ensuring that financial services contribute to sustainable development.
The bank has also strengthened transparency through its Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure framework, which tracks progress in areas such as financial inclusion, carbon reduction, and community empowerment.
As part of its 2026–2030 Ubuntu Strategy, NCBA is integrating sustainability into its business operations across Kenya and other regional markets, including Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
The bank has also invested in employee training and community programmes focused on youth, women’s economic empowerment, and environmental awareness.
With climate challenges becoming more urgent, NCBA’s sustainability journey demonstrates how businesses can play a role in creating lasting environmental and social change. Through every seedling planted and every green project financed, the bank is helping communities imagine and build a more sustainable future for Kenya and East Africa.
