At a recent customer engagement forum with Equity Bank, business leaders underlined the urgency of environmental conservation alongside the need for extended banking hours.

Eastleigh Business Community Secretary General, Omar Ibrahim Hussein, said the area’s commercial growth must go hand in hand with protecting the environment.

“We are exploring partnerships in greening the Eastleigh business hub and making the environment sustainable. This is vital for the future of our businesses and the community at large,” Hussain told participants.

Hussein also called for adjustments at Equity’s BBS Mall branch, pointing out that the current 4:30 p.m. closure fails to serve traders whose peak business often falls in the evening.

“Our partnership with Equity is long-standing. We began with just one branch but now we have two, and they continue to expand financial inclusion among our people. We are served by our very own sons and daughters who understand us and our language,” ha remarked.

Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director, Moses Nyabanda, assured traders that their proposals were being taken seriously.

“Our commitment has always been to walk alongside individuals and businesses, supporting you as you expand existing enterprises or venture into new opportunities. We are ready to stand with you not only here in Kenya but also as you extend your investments across borders,” Nyabanda state,

Nyabanda confirmed that longer opening hours were under review, adding that the bank was prepared to collaborate with the community on financial literacy, sustainability and conservation programmes.

He noted that Equity aims to streamline services, reduce transaction barriers and ensure banking solutions fit within the busy lives of Eastleigh’s entrepreneurs.

The Eastleigh session was part of Equity Group’s countrywide forums, designed to strengthen relationships with customers and reinforce its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP).

The initiative backs sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, trade and environmental sustainability.

Alongside Nyabanda were senior executives including Head of Retail and Branch Business Carol Rutto, North-Eastern Regional General Manager Hassan Maalim and Head of Business Performance and Strategy Execution Tom Osolo.

They supported his message and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to the business community.

As traders push for greener practices and more flexible financial services, Eastleigh is positioning itself not only as a hub of commerce but also as a model for sustainable urban growth.