NCBA Bank has announced a strategic partnership with Kabarak University to launch a comprehensive Business Development Programme (BDP) aimed at equipping Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with essential business management and growth skills.
The four-month training initiative seeks to empower entrepreneurs with practical knowledge in finance, strategy, innovation, risk management, and sustainability, positioning them to scale and compete effectively in today’s dynamic marketplace.
Speaking during the launch in Nakuru, NCBA Group Director of Retail Banking, Mr. Dennis Njau, emphasized that SMEs remain the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing significantly to job creation and GDP growth.
“We believe that SMEs are the engine of economic growth in Kenya. This partnership with Kabarak University allows us to offer our customers strategic business skills and expert guidance to succeed in today’s complex and fast-evolving marketplace,” said Njau.
He noted that the collaboration mirrors NCBA’s earlier success with similar industry-academic initiatives such as its partnership with Strathmore Business School, reinforcing the bank’s ongoing commitment to financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic development.
The Business Development Programme will feature 96 contact hours of intensive, interactive learning, covering areas such as strategic planning, compliance, product development, finance, and technology integration. The sessions will include case studies, peer-to-peer roundtables, and field visits to expose entrepreneurs to real-world business scenarios.
The programme will be conducted by Kabarak University’s School of Business and Economics, in collaboration with industry experts and seasoned professionals.
Classes will be held once a week, primarily at Kabarak University and select locations in the Central and Northern Rift regions to accommodate working entrepreneurs.
Kabarak University Vice Chancellor Professor Henry Kiptiony Kiplangat hailed the partnership as a milestone in strengthening Kenya’s SME sector.
“Our joint programme will unlock capacity within Kenya’s entrepreneurial sector by bridging the knowledge gap that limits scalability and sustainability. Through this initiative, we are investing in resilient, future-ready enterprises,” he said.
Prof. Kiplangat added that the initiative aligns with Kabarak University’s mission to support Kenya’s development agenda by nurturing managerial and strategic talent within the SME ecosystem.
“Entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of our economy. Through this programme, we are equipping them not only with business knowledge but also with the adaptability required to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic environment,” he added
The programme is open to NCBA’s SME clients, with each group accommodating at least 20 participants. The participation fee is KES 80,000, payable in two instalments.
NCBA will also sponsor select SME engagement forums and gain complimentary access to some workshops and events under the partnership.
Interested entrepreneurs can register through NCBA Bank or Kabarak University.