NCBA has strengthened its push to empower Kenya’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) after graduating 24 entrepreneurs from the 2025 Strathmore Business School Enterprise Development Programme.
The cohort brings together business owners from critical sectors including manufacturing, agribusiness, retail, construction, logistics and professional services. The 16-week programme equips participants with leadership skills, strategic planning, financial management, marketing, digital transformation and innovation capabilities, combining academic learning with practical coaching and peer engagement.
Speaking during the ceremony, NCBA Group Director for Retail Banking, Dennis Njau, commended the graduands, reiterating the bank’s commitment to nurturing Kenya’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“We believe that when entrepreneurs grow, the country grows. This programme gives our customers the practical knowledge, confidence and partnerships they need to take bold steps in their businesses. NCBA remains committed to walking this journey with them through capacity building and strong financial solutions,” he said.
Njau highlighted NCBA’s expanding SME support ecosystem, anchored by strategic partnerships with the Africa Guarantee Fund, AFAWA, Water.Org and Proparco. These collaborations help reduce lending risks and expand credit access, particularly for women-led enterprises, climate-resilient ventures and water and sanitation businesses.
Strathmore Business School lauded its continued partnership with NCBA, affirming that the programme delivers real-world solutions to the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. To date, the initiative has benefitted more than 300 NCBA customers, with measurable improvements reported in business growth and operational resilience.
NCBA encouraged more entrepreneurs to apply for future cohorts. Applicants must be NCBA customers with an active business account for at least six months, run a business that has operated for at least two years, employ at least three staff members and post an annual turnover of at least KSh3 million. They must also be the primary decision-makers in their businesses.
The bank and Strathmore Business School continue to collaborate through the Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Centre, jointly offering additional programmes such as the Owner Manager Programme, business boot camps, trade expos and industry forums aimed at driving sustainable SME growth.
NCBA reaffirmed that capacity building, coupled with robust financial solutions, will remain central to its mission of powering Kenya’s SME sector.