Local entrepreneurs in Taita-Taveta County are calling for stronger partnerships with financial institutions to turn their business potential into sustainable growth.
This emerged during the Equity Bank’s SME Engagement Forum, held in Voi Tuesday, which brought together business owners, policymakers, and the bank’s leadership to discuss strategies for supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the region.
Deputy Governor Christine Saru opened the forum, emphasizing the pivotal role of SMEs in the county’s economic development.
“The engine of Taita-Taveta’s economy is our entrepreneurs,” she said.
“We are thrilled to partner with institutions like Equity Bank who demonstrate a commitment not just to banking, but to investing in the people of our county.”
Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director Moses Nyabanda stressed that the bank measures its success not only by profits but by the impact it creates in communities.
“The true success of Equity is measured by how strongly we transform the communities we serve,” he said.
“We are here to listen and to build partnerships that create lasting value for the people of this region.”
Regional Manager Coast Joseph Ndung’u underscored the bank’s local commitment.
“We see the incredible potential and resilience of entrepreneurs in Taita-Taveta and across the Coast region,” he said.
“Our commitment is to be a partner on the ground, helping businesses navigate challenges and seize the opportunities unique to this area.”
Equity Bank’s General Manager for SME Business, Cecilia Wangui, explained how the bank tailors financial products to support growth at different stages.
“When we talk about supporting you, it means creating financial products that fit your reality,” she said.
“Many entrepreneurs in this room started with small Sh5,000 loans. Our credit models are designed to grow with you. Your success is our best-case scenario.”
The forum was preceded by a visit by Equity Bank leadership to BE Energy Kenya’s Voi hub, a key facility serving the Coast and lower eastern regions.
The visit allowed the bank to assess the company’s operations in the clean-energy sector and explore opportunities to support access to safer fuels in the region.
BE Energy has been expanding its distribution network for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in areas where households and small businesses still rely on charcoal and kerosene.
The company’s operations in Voi are part of a push to improve energy access, reduce environmental harm, and strengthen local economic activity.
During the visit, Equity Bank officials observed infrastructure developments and discussed industry trends in the clean-energy sector, including safety compliance, distribution challenges, and community outreach programs.
The discussions reflected broader national priorities on transitioning households and businesses to safer and more sustainable fuels.
The visit and forum together highlight how financial institutions and the private sector can collaborate to support SMEs and essential services, including energy provision, in emerging markets.
By linking financing with local capacity-building, institutions like Equity Bank aim to ensure small enterprises can scale and contribute to regional development.
Bishop Liverson Mng’onda, a participant at the forum, praised the initiative, saying it demonstrated a genuine willingness to listen to entrepreneurs.
“For many of us, access to capital and mentorship has been a major hurdle,” he said.
“Hearing the bank’s leadership explain how their products evolve to meet the needs of local businesses gives us hope. With the right support, enterprises in Taita-Taveta can thrive and create lasting impact within our communities.”
During the forum, Nyabanda reinforced the collaborative approach between financial institutions and entrepreneurs.
“Without the community, there is no Equity,” he said.
“Tell us what more we can do to strengthen your businesses and transform your society.”