Halima Murunga

Panel Discussion on Unlocking Climate Finance: How to Address Risk Perceptions of Investors in Climate Projects with representation from Impact Capital Africa, Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission - CEEC, ZICB, Zambia Credit Guarantee Scheme, and Prospero. Our Investment Services Manager, Muma Ng’ambi, represented Prospero, highlighting our initiatives with SMEs in advancing climate adaptation and offering blended financing solutions. #ClimateFinance #Energy #Transport #CircularEconomy #LandUse #ClimateAdaptation #SMEs #BlendedFinance #Prospero

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AICCRA Zambia Accelerator Grant Cohort 2 For SMEs AICCRA Zambia seeks small and medium enterprise (SME) partnerships to scale bundles of climate-smart agriculture innovations (digital innovations, finance innovations, social innovations, technological innovations, services etc) in Zambia. Proposing partnerships should present activities that ensure use of such innovations while improving gender and youth inclusivity and supporting environmental sustainability. Locally registered for-profit businesses and social enterprises are invited to contribute to an application as partnerships. We encourage proposals that include multiple components and present a cohesive market systems approach. https://lnkd.in/dCaXCH6Z

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' At the Financial Inclusion Conference and Investor Exposition 2024':This will indeed be an engaging and diverse panel, bringing together regulators, researchers, fintech innovators, and advocacy leaders. Each panelist brings a unique perspective that will contribute to a holistic discussion on the challenges and opportunities for financial inclusion in Kenya. As the moderator, I'll facilitate conversations that span from policy and regulatory frameworks, which are critical to creating a secure, fair, and inclusive financial system, to the innovations in digital finance that are transforming how people engage with financial services. Moreover, we’ll explore how financial inclusion has added value for those who have been historically marginalized, particularly people with disabilities and those in rural areas. Ensuring the conversation addresses these diverse needs is crucial in understanding whether Kenya’s financial inclusion journey has been both inclusive and impactful. This powerful mix of perspectives will help us uncover the next steps in ensuring that the benefits of financial innovation are equitably shared and value-adding for all, while tackling the barriers that still hinder full inclusion for marginalized communities.

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As climate change continues to redefine our world, the necessity for inclusive solutions becomes more evident. #NedbankCIB’s Mbali Kubheka discusses the transformative power of gender-inclusive finance in the drive for a climate-resilient future. Learn more https://ow.ly/pemX50TMkhS

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Microfinance institutions (MFIs) play a crucial role in Kenya's financial landscape, offering financial services to low-income individuals and small businesses. They help promote economic growth and financial inclusion by providing loans, savings, and other financial products to those who may not have access to traditional banking services. We are conducting a brief survey to understand public perception of microfinance in Kenya. Your insights will be invaluable. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help us improve the sector. Use the link below: https://lnkd.in/euPn7pDC #microfinancekenya #financialinclusion #kenyaeconomy #mfis #economicempowerment #publicperception #brandperception #financesurvey #kichataresearch #innovation #research #economy

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Mastering SME Tax Compliance in Kenya Are you an SME owner navigating the complexities of tax regulations? Our latest guide offers crucial strategies for tax compliance, including leveraging incentives and preparing for KRA audits. Don’t miss out—equip your business with the knowledge it needs to thrive! 📈 #SMETaxCompliance #Kenya #BusinessGrowth #TaxStrategies #KRA https://t.co/VlUyIiwRDe

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Time is money - and in today's business environment, payment delays can significantly impact your bottom line. That's why thousands of growing businesses in Zambia trust Redstone with their payment processing needs. Every day, we handle millions in transactions with one simple promise: to keep your payments fast, secure, and always reliable. Join the businesses that have already discovered the power of safe and reliable transactions. Ready to eliminate payment delays and accelerate your business growth? Visit redstonepgs.com to learn how Redstone can transform your payment operations. #BusinessGrowth #FinTech #PaymentSolutions #BusinessEfficiency #DigitalTransformation

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Join us tomorrow on Kazoza FM. We will talk about how protecting forests and ecosystem can contribute to tackle climate change

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In case you are interested

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Looking for funds as an SME? I recently attended a thought-provoking webinar on funding opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya. The panel featured a diverse group of presenters who delved into a range of topics including bank loans, Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs), Capital Markets, Government Funds, and Credit Guarantee schemes. Each speaker brought valuable insights into the different avenues available for SMEs to secure funding and grow their businesses. However, the conversation took a surprising turn when a participant asked about the possibility of raising funds from donors. The response from the panel was rather disheartening: the participant was told to focus on her customers and not rely on donor funding. As someone who actively raises funds for SMEs from donors, I found this advice troubling. It’s a misconception that donor funding isn’t a viable option for SMEs, and there are indeed opportunities available, especially for organizations that are socially or environmentally inclined. For example, there are several donor-funded programs specifically targeting SMEs in Kenya: 📍The MasterCard Foundation's SME Fund: This fund provides financial support to SMEs with a focus on job creation and skills development. 📍USAID's Kenya Investment Mechanism: This initiative works to increase investment in Kenyan SMEs by connecting them with investors and providing technical assistance. 📍The Global Innovation Fund: A social impact investment fund that supports SMEs with innovative solutions to global challenges. 📍The Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC): Supported by the World Bank, KCIC offers funding and support to climate-focused SMEs., Among many others The panel’s dismissal of donor funding seemed to stem from the perceived burden of reporting and the need to demonstrate impact. But what’s wrong with that? Accountability and impact measurement are crucial elements of responsible business practices, particularly for enterprises that aim to make a difference. While I agree that it’s important for SMEs, especially those not operating as social enterprises, to have a plan to transition from donor funding, it doesn’t mean that donor support should be entirely off the table. In fact, for many SMEs, especially those starting out or working in sectors with significant social or environmental impact, donor funding can be a lifeline. It provides the necessary capital to scale operations, innovate, and reach new markets without the immediate pressure of high-interest loans or the dilution of ownership through equity investment. In conclusion, while the webinar provided excellent insights into various funding options, I believe it missed an opportunity to fully explore the potential of donor funding for SMEs. Yes, it requires diligence, transparency, and a clear demonstration of impact, but these are qualities that can set an SME apart and lay a strong foundation for sustainable growth.

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Kickstart your hustle with the YEA App by Co-op Bank! Banking designed for the go-getters, to track your money, make seamless transactions, and grow your dreams wherever you are. Download the YEA App today! #CoopBanExcellence AD

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Tonight on Kameme FM Equity Bank Kenya, Associate Director Food & Agriculture Banking, George Macharia and other panelists will discuss the use of smart technologies in scaling up agricultural value chains. Don’t miss out on this insightful discussion! Tune in and encourage your family and friends to follow the conversation. Should you have any questions, send an SMS to 24990 and Equity will call you back. #FoodAndAgriculture #SustainableAgriculture #FoodSecurity #EquityBank #KamemeFM

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Central Bank of Kenya Takes Action Against Greenwashing with Draft Kenya Green Finance Taxonomy The Central Bank of Kenya(CBK) has released draft rules to guide banks in accurately classifying economic activities as environmentally sustainable or green. This step aligns with global efforts to crack down on deceptive practices that mislead consumers about the environmental credentials of products and services. Greenwashing? This involves conveying a false impression of a company's products being more environmentally friendly than they actually are. CBK has introduced the draft Kenya Green Finance Taxonomy (KGFT) to address this issue head-on. This framework provides clear guidelines for financial institutions to ensure transparency and integrity in their sustainability claims. By establishing standards for green finance, CBK seeks to promote genuine environmental stewardship while safeguarding consumers from misleading marketing tactics. Find the draft here: https://lnkd.in/deECxCQq #GreenFinance #Sustainability #EnvironmentalStewardship #CBK #Kenya #Greenwashing #FinanceTaxonomy

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New update on green finance in Kenya FSD Kenya has today released the results of the county green finance assessment. This is a comprehensive assessment of green finance project opportunities that exist across counties in Kenya. This first of a kind assessment focused on 10 counties in Kenya. One key challenge of scaling green finance across Kenya has always been how to identify green finance project opportunities across the country, determining which ones should be funded and creating structures through which these projects can be funds. This report answers exactly this question and offers clear actionable insights on the project opportunities and challenges. The 10 counties are Embu, Kirinyaga, Kisumu, Laikipia, Nairobi City, Makueni, Nandi, Taita-Taveta, Vihiga, and Wajir. For each county, a green finance assessment report has been published as well as a green finance assessment factsheet. All these publications are available here: https://lnkd.in/dS4XjCQT In terms of way forward and implementation, the insights from the assessment will be actioned through a county green finance project preparation facility. Through this new facility, identified green projects will be prepared such that they are fundable at scale in a way aligned to each county's development priorities. PwC Kenya has been selected by FSD Kenya as the manager of the new facility. Going forward, FSD Kenya will provide further technical support to all the 10 counties to prepare their priority green projects to access funding through the green finance market. This will be done through the newly-created project preparation facility. FSD Kenya, Agusto&Co., Capital Markets Authority- Kenya, Nairobi Securities Exchange PLC, PwC Kenya, National Treasury Kenya, Anzetse Were

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Stanbic Bank Kenya has increased its Green Loan to Ksh 16.2 billion ($122 million) in 2023, up from Ksh12.5 billion in 2022. Green loans are a type of financing specifically aimed at funding projects that have a substantial positive impact on the environment. These loans are designed to support initiatives that contribute to environmental sustainability. They now account for 6% of Stanbic's Ksh 260.5 billion loan book. CEO Joshua Oigara highlighted the bank's progress in green financing, including initiatives supporting climate change adaptation and green agriculture. #Banking #Finance #Tech #Stanbic #Sustainablefinance #StanbicBank

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