By Caroline Katana
Kwale County Government has entered a partnership with Equity Bank Kenya, one of the country’s largest national financial institutions, to accelerate the growth of women and youth-led enterprises, enhance technical training, and unlock new investment across the county’s priority sectors.
Governor Fatuma Achani hosted Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director Moses Nyabanda at her office, where the two leaders agreed on a comprehensive plan to scale business development in the region.
“We reviewed our long-standing relationship with Equity Bank and identified stronger avenues for collaboration to benefit Kwale residents. Equity Bank has been a major national partner, especially through scholarship support and employment opportunities,” said Governor Achani.
Governor Achani said the county has registered over 300 enterprises owned by women and youth, many of which require capacity building.
“We have agreed on how Equity Bank, with its national-level technical expertise and exposure, will help strengthen these companies,” she said.
Kwale governor, Fatuma Achani
She noted that the cooperation extends to agriculture, blue economy, mining, and other sectors where the bank and its nationwide network of investors can support Kwale’s economic agenda.
“As these companies expand, more Kwale residents will access employment. We have discussed how they will be supported on issues like KRA compliance, sustainability, and proper management,” she said.
Nyabanda said the bank is ready to use its national resources and experience to elevate Kwale’s business ecosystem.
“We want to see how Equity Bank Kenya can work more closely with Kwale County to strengthen business here We have always empowered small traders to grow from micro enterprises into large national companies,” Nyabanda said.
He praised the county’s move to form 300 women-led enterprises involving 10,000 women.
“This is exactly where a national bank like Equity thrives, supporting SMEs to scale. Many people in Kwale want to grow in business, and by working with the county government, we can help them operate at the same level as other regions across Kenya,” he said.
Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director, Moses Nyabanda
Nyabanda added that Equity Bank sees vast potential in Kwale.
“Kwale is blessed with natural resources. We want to unlock that potential and even help build future billion-shilling enterprises,” he said.
Equity Bank Kenya announced it will launch the Fanikisha Programme in Kwale this December, targeting women entrepreneurs.
“Women in Kwale are hardworking and resilient. We want to support them in business, education, and general economic upliftment,” Nyabanda said.
He also highlighted that Equity Bank Kenya has sponsored nearly 1,000 students from Kwale County through the Wings to Fly programme, and continues to support local health services through the Equity Afya Clinic.
“If business does not grow, jobs cannot be created. Kenya urgently needs employment opportunities, and Equity Bank is committed to supporting Kwale to drive that agenda,” he said.
So far, Equity Bank Kenya has empowered 51% of women entrepreneurs nationwide through financing and capacity-building programmes.
