The move places the bank among leading global signatories working to align their business strategies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

The decision marks a major milestone in I&M Bank’s sustainability journey, which has been steadily evolving under the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI).

The membership strengthens the bank’s Sustainability Action Plan that seeks to positively impact 10 million lives by 2026 through three pillars, enabling last-mile financial solutions, driving business sustainability, and enhancing quality of life.

I&M Bank’s ongoing initiatives have already drawn national recognition.

In May 2025, the Kenya Bankers Association named it one of Kenya’s top banks in micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) lending, a reflection of its growing influence in promoting inclusive economic empowerment.

Explaining the significance of the development, the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer Gul Khan said the new status represents continuity and progress rather than a fresh beginning.

“We are proud to become a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Banking, which marks a significant milestone of our long-standing commitment to embedding sustainability into our core business,” Khan stated.

Khan also said that was an extension of the work the institution is already doing through its Sustainability Action Plan.

“By aligning with this global framework, we will enhance our ability to measure our impact and accelerate our efforts to create a positive future for our customers, society, and the planet,” he said.

According to Khan, inclusion remains central to I&M’s approach, ensuring that every player comes on board

The UN Principles for Responsible Banking framework offers financial institutions a roadmap for integrating sustainability into all operations.

Signatories commit to identifying and addressing their most significant environmental and social impacts, setting measurable targets, and publicly reporting progress to promote transparency and accountability.

By becoming part of this global coalition, I&M Bank joins peers who are reshaping the future of banking through collaboration, innovation, and responsible finance.

The joint initiative between the United Nations and the global banking industry aims to demonstrate how profitability and purpose can coexist, while addressing urgent challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality.

Through this step, I&M Bank strengthens its position as a key player in Kenya’s transition toward a sustainable and inclusive economy, where financial growth supports the well-being of both people and the planet.

The report underscores how sustainability remains central to Equity’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), a blueprint for empowering communities, scaling green finance, and building economic self-reliance across the continent.

Anchoring Growth

Equity Group Managing Director and CEO Dr James Mwangi described sustainability as the defining force behind the Group’s purpose and operations.

“Sustainability is not just a goal for Equity Group; it is the guiding principle that defines how we do business. By embedding sustainability into every aspect of our operations, we are not only future-proofing our business but also empowering people and protecting the planet,” said Dr Mwangi.

Through its Tri-Engine Model,combining the efforts of Equity Group Holdings, Equity Bank, and the Equity Group Foundation, the Group has turned sustainability from a philosophy into measurable action, transforming lives through access to clean energy, climate finance, inclusive health services, and education.

2024 Sustainability Report Highlights

1. Empowering Communities and Building Resilience

• Under the Social Protection pillar, the Equity Group Foundation reached over 447,000 vulnerable households, disbursing Sh25.8 billion in cash transfers through programs like Inua Jamii.

• An additional Sh4 billion in affordable credit supported low-income families, refugees, and host communities to build financial resilience and independence.

2. Advancing Climate Action and Environmental Stewardship

• Equity distributed 44,732 clean energy products, benefiting 466,975 households and reducing reliance on traditional fuels.

• The Group has so far grown 35 million trees as part of its nature restoration and climate mitigation commitment.

• Waste reduction programs led to an 18 per cent drop in waste generation, while ESG risk management systems were integrated into the entire credit process to promote green lending and climate-smart investments.

3. Transforming Agriculture and Food Security

• Over 245,000 farmers were trained in climate-smart agriculture, while 178,000 farms were geo-mapped for better planning and productivity.

• Equity invested Sh502 million in irrigation projects and linked 183,000 farmers to new markets, supporting food security and income stability across rural economies.

4. Expanding Education and Leadership Development

• The Elimu Scholarship Program has now supported 38,000 learners, while the Equity Leaders Program placed 130 scholars in global universities — 13 of them at Ivy League institutions.

• More than 2,000 teachers and 3,000 community members were trained in mentorship and leadership programs.

5. Driving Health Access

• Through Equity Afya, the Group operates 127 clinics in Kenya and 5 in DRC, having served 3.3 million patients — expanding affordable, quality healthcare across underserved regions.

6. Supporting Entrepreneurs and SMEs

• Over 116,000 MSMEs were trained and 95,700 mentored, while 26,000 individuals accessed financial services for the first time, part of Equity’s push to make inclusive finance a pillar of Africa’s transformation.

Africa’s Transformation Blueprint

Equity Group Chairman Prof Isaac Macharia emphasised that sustainability is not new to Equity, it is the institution’s foundation.

“Our tri-engine approach positions us to deliver long-term value while driving Africa’s transformation through resilience, innovation, and shared growth,” said Prof Macharia.

The Group’s sustainability strategy continues to evolve under the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, which seeks to unlock Africa’s potential through entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and green innovation, aligning the continent’s growth with global sustainability goals.

Speaking during the unveiling, French Ambassador to Kenya and Somalia Arnaud Suquet commended Equity Group’s vision for a self-reliant Africa:

“Equity Group’s leadership shows that Africa has both the vision and capacity to drive its own transformation,” said Suquet.

He added: “France is proud to partner with Equity to strengthen SMEs, promote climate-resilient agriculture, and foster inclusive growth.”

Financial Disclosure & Accountability

In a milestone for transparent reporting, Equity Bank Kenya also launched its first Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure (SDID) Report, produced in partnership with J.P. Morgan.

“Through the SDID Report, we are demonstrating how every shilling invested creates value for people, communities, and the planet,” indicated Dr Mwangi.

He added: “This is the future of finance — one that measures success not only in profit, but in progress.”

Facing the Future

By linking sustainability to its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, Equity Group continues to show that the continent’s path to prosperity lies in inclusive finance, environmental stewardship, and shared value creation.

The achievement placed the Kenyan producer in the international spotlight for both community-driven initiatives and tea excellence.

The sustainability recognition was awarded for EPK’s Special Needs Education Project (SNE), which is reshaping the learning environment for more than 700 pupils in seven schools across Nandi County.

Working hand in hand with parents, teachers, and government partners, the project has delivered tailored classroom furniture, expanded boarding facilities, specialised learning materials, and nutritional support aimed at making education more inclusive.

Company Director Leah Kibii Chirchir described the awards as a reflection of teamwork and community resilience.

“These international awards are a testament to the dedication of our teams on the ground and the resilience of the communities we serve,” Chirchir said.

“It underscores our vision of creating meaningful change that goes beyond business to touch lives and build inclusive opportunities.”

The latest honour continues a pattern of recognition for EPK. In 2024, the company was celebrated for its project What a Good Education Means.

Earlier, environmental projects earned it runner-up spots in 2019 and 2023, while in 2017, its efforts to support smallholder tea farmers brought home another award.

Alongside its community programmes, EPK was also recognised for the quality of its produce.

At the Gold Medal Tea Competition, the company’s Black CTC (BP1) from Kepchomo Factory was declared the best globally, a result that highlights the skill and consistency behind its teas.

Chirchir emphasised that the twin awards underscore EPK’s philosophy of blending quality with responsibility.

“These awards reflect both our heritage as quality tea growers and our responsibility as community partners,” she remarked.

“They affirm our belief that sustainability and quality go hand in hand, from the farm to the community, and ultimately to every cup of tea enjoyed globally.”

With both sustainability and quality awards in hand, EPK has reinforced its reputation as a leader in Kenya’s tea industry and beyond, demonstrating that excellence in farming can go hand in hand with social responsibility.

The report underscores the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitment while highlighting achievements that directly impact millions of lives.

Key Milestones in 2024

• Over 2,000 electric vehicles (EVs) financed, supported by a fast-growing battery-swapping network across major African markets.

• More than 1.4 million smartphones financed, empowering underserved communities with access to digital financial services and e-commerce.

More than 80,000 income-generating assets such as motorcycles and tuk-tuks financed, helping families and small businesses boost livelihoods.

• 8 million people impacted across Africa through Watu’s inclusive financing model.

Building on its 2023 inaugural report, Watu has doubled down on its sustainability agenda.

“Sustainability is not separate from growth but at the heart of how we deliver impact responsibly,” said Watu CEO Andris Kaneps.

Watu has also made significant strides in gender equity:

• 38 per cent of customers are women.

• 1 in 3 management positions are held by women.

• Female employment across all markets has surpassed 43 per cent, exceeding set targets.

In 2024, Watu trained more than 20,000 riders and employees in road safety across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Outreach efforts extended to schools, workplaces, and community programs, contributing to measurable declines in accidents among Watu clients.

According to Watu’s 2024 Sustainability Report, the average employee training hours have tripled since 2023, which has resulted in enhanced talent development.

Similarly, Watu secured Bronze-level Client Protection Certification from MicroFinanza Rating (MFR) in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, one of the first institutions in the region to adopt global standards in responsible financing.

The report is anchored around five strategic pillars: ESG integration, environmental impact, social inclusion, operational excellence, and economic contribution.

“With this second sustainability report, we are reaffirming our long-term commitment to creating lasting impact while ensuring transparency, accountability, and growth across all our markets,” added Kaneps.

The full 2024 Sustainability Report can be accessed here https://watuafrica.com/sustaianability-report-2024/

The project, set at KVM’s Thika facility, is designed to boost homegrown manufacturing while accelerating the country’s transition to sustainable public transport.

The buses, which will carry the BasiGo brand, are expected to serve Kenya’s busy commuter routes.

KVM brings decades of experience in assembly, while BasiGo contributes its specialisation in electric vehicles.

Together, the two firms say the venture will create jobs, sharpen technical know-how, and ensure that more value is retained within the country.

CFAO Mobility Kenya, the parent company that last year secured a 99 per cent stake in KVM for Sh2.3 billion, has already been reshaping the Thika factory.

Deputy Managing Director Joshua Anya said the focus of their investment has gone far beyond producing vehicles.

“Our investment at KVM is not just about vehicles, it is about investing in our people, providing global technology and driving economic development which delivers positive impact in the automotive sector,” Anya said.

He went on to highlight the work already completed at the site.

Hazardous asbestos roofing, he explained, has been removed, safety upgrades rolled out, and a new Environment, Health & Safety framework put in place to protect workers and surrounding communities.

“As part of our phased refurbishment of the facility, to upgrade it to global standards, we removed over 35,000 square meters of asbestos roofing, upgraded the assembly plant’s safety infrastructure, and put in place a comprehensive Environment, Health & Safety framework to safeguard our workforce and surrounding communities,” he said.

“These changes reflect our commitment to creating a safe and sustainable workplace.”

CFAO Mobility also plans to widen KVM’s capabilities by introducing separate lines for commercial and passenger vehicles, establishing a 15,000-square-metre logistics warehouse, and setting up a training centre to nurture a pipeline of skilled Kenyan technicians.

For Anya, the tie-up with BasiGo represents more than just another assembly deal.

“This partnership with KVM marks a new chapter for public transport in Kenya as it aligns with Kenya’s industrialisation agenda that focuses on supporting local manufacturing, and the need for sustainable mobility solutions,” he said.

“By assembling King Long buses locally, we are not only boosting the capacity of our plant but also enhancing Kenya’s position as a regional hub for automotive production.”

BasiGo’s Managing Director, Moses Nderitu, echoed that sentiment, pointing to both the affordability of the buses and their long-term economic impact.

“This partnership with KVM marks a new chapter in our continued collaboration with KVM,” Nderitu stated.

“By assembling King Long buses locally, we will deliver world-class electric buses at an affordable cost to Kenyan operators while creating lasting impact for the local economy. It demonstrates the power of partnership in driving innovation and sustainability.”

Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui welcomed the partnership, emphasising that the leasing structure pioneered by BasiGo will make it easier for transporters to adopt cleaner vehicles.

“BasiGo’s innovative leasing model is a game-changer for transporters, making the shift to electric buses more accessible and affordable,” he said.

He added that the government views the shift to electric mobility as critical to cutting reliance on imported fuels.

“The transition to electric public transport will also cut down on the high fuel consumption that accounts for the largest share of our imports, strengthening both our economy and our energy security,” Kinyanjui said.

KVM today employs more than 200 staff and works with over 13 international vehicle brands.

With the addition of electric King Long buses, the company is positioning itself not only as a key player in Kenya’s industrialisation but also as a contributor to cleaner, safer and more efficient transport across the region.