Rising energy costs have become a major obstacle to growth. From manufacturers battling high electricity bills to transport operators seeking affordable fuel alternatives, the search for sustainable and cost-effective solutions has never been more urgent.
NCBA Group is supporting businesses on this journey through its green and sustainable financing framework, helping enterprises invest in solar power, electric mobility, clean cooking technologies and energy-efficient solutions that reduce operating costs while protecting the environment.
At the heart of the bank’s sustainability agenda is its “Change the Story” initiative, which aims to integrate environmental and social impact into business growth. Through this commitment, NCBA plans to mobilise KES 30 billion in green and sustainable financing by 2030, providing businesses with the capital they need to transition towards a low-carbon future.
The initiative comes at a time when sustainability is becoming more than just an environmental concern. Customers, investors, and regulators are increasingly rewarding businesses that embrace responsible practices, making green investments both a financial and strategic decision.
Solar power is another great technology that has been adopted by the local communities and business entities as it helps to cut down the running costs, it leads to reduced pollution. By offering flexible leasing and financing options for solar photovoltaic systems, NCBA enables companies to install clean energy solutions without the burden of large upfront capital costs.
The impact goes beyond lower electricity bills. Businesses gain greater energy security, reduce their dependence on the national grid, and significantly lower their carbon emissions, creating room to reinvest savings into expansion, hiring, and innovation.
Transportation is another sector undergoing rapid transformation. Recognising the growing demand for cleaner mobility, NCBA became the first bank in the region to establish a dedicated KES 2 billion electric vehicle financing fund. The facility supports individuals, businesses, and public transport operators seeking to adopt electric vehicles while reducing fuel and maintenance costs.
The bank has strengthened this effort through strategic partnerships, including collaboration with ePure Motion, providing tailored asset financing solutions that make electric mobility more accessible. At the same time, NCBA is investing in electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, helping create an ecosystem that supports widespread adoption.
The bank also offers financing solutions to encourage the use of clean cook technologies. The NCBA H2O Loan is an example supporting biodigester systems that not only generate clean energy but also contribute to improved sanitation by using human waste.
These technologies offer households and businesses an opportunity to reduce fuel costs, minimise pollution, and embrace environmentally friendly alternatives.
NCBA’s Green and Sustainable Finance Inclusion Blueprint aligns with internationally recognised standards, ensuring financed projects deliver measurable environmental benefits while supporting Kenya’s sustainable development ambitions.
Beyond financing, the bank is investing in knowledge sharing through its “Change the Story” platform, providing businesses with practical insights and examples that encourage wider adoption of sustainable practices.
For entrepreneurs, the benefits are becoming increasingly clear. Lower energy costs improve profitability. Cleaner technologies strengthen environmental, social, and governance credentials. Businesses also become better positioned to comply with emerging climate regulations and attract investors who value sustainability.
Also read: The bank’s ambitions to mobilise KES 30 billion in sustainable financing by 2030, plant 10 million trees and reduce its own operational emissions by 50 per cent are demonstrating that environmental responsibility and commercial success can go hand in hand.
