In an event to mark this year's International Women's Day, regional lender NCBA, in collaboration with Homa Bay County, hosted a dinner gala, bringing together over 100 SME customers.

The event, aimed at celebrating the achievements of women in business and promoting gender inclusivity, highlighted the importance of fostering innovation and resilience within the business community.

During the dinner, Mr. Robert Kiboti, NCBA Group Director Commercial and SME Banking, reiterated the bank's commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs.

"We are proud to celebrate and empower women making a remarkable impact in our communities," he said. "As we prepare to inaugurate our branch in Homa Bay, we are committed to supporting SMEs as they are the key drivers in the economy of Homa Bay. This exemplifies our commitment to supporting and uplifting women on their path to success."

The event, attended by a diverse array of stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, economists, academics, politicians and non-state actors, featured inspiring success stories from entrepreneurs who have overcome obstacles and achieved remarkable success in their respective fields.

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Promoting diversity

It also provided valuable networking opportunities for attendees, allowing them to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry experts.

Sarah Malit, CEC Member, Ministry of Youth, and Gender Inclusivity expressed her appreciation for the support received from partners in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

"As NCBA comes in as a new partner in Homa Bay County, we assure you that you will get a rich customer base. Homa Bay has a lot of potential for value chain financing," she said.

NCBA outlined its focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion as a critical agenda of its sustainability commitments to support women and youth through targeted mentorship and skill-building.

The bank continues to support SMEs by streamlining processes through digital banking, merchant services such as Lipa na M-PESA, and business financing solutions such as business stock loan financing.

From L: Jacquie Muhati, deputy Marketing Director of NCBA Group; Hon. Sarah Malit, CEC member of the Ministry for Youth, Sports & Gender, Homabay County; and Elizabeth Okomba, deputy director of Group Customer Experience at NCBA Bank, pose for a photo at the NCBA Women in Business Dinner, in Homabay.From L: Elizabeth Okomba, deputy director of group Customer Experience at NCBA; Robert Kiboti, director of Commercial and SME Banking at NCBA Group; Hon. Sarah Malit, CEC member of the Ministry of Sports, Youth & Gender, Homabay County; and Jacquie Muhati, Deputy Marketing Director of NCBA Group, pose for a photo marking IWD at the NCBA Women in Business dinner in Homabay.From L: Elizabeth Okomba, deputy director, Group Customer Experience at NCBA; Jacquie Muhati, deputy Marketing Director at NCBA Group; David Wasamba, general Manager of Branch Business, Western Region; and Hon. Sarah Malit, CEC member at Ministry for Youth, Sports & Gender at Homabay County engage in a conversation at the NCBA Women in Business Dinner in Homabay.From L: Judy Omulo, Christine Kolwa, and Judith Omondi enjoy a photo moment at NCBA’s Women in Business dinner in Homabay.From L: Jacquie Muhati, Deputy Director of group Customer Experience at NCBA Group, and female entrepreneurs Grace Omondi and Janet Mboya share a photo moment at the NCBA dinner in Homabay.From L: Entrepreneur Mercy, David Wasamba, General Manager of Branch Business, Western Region; and Hon. Sarah Malit, CEC member at Ministry for Youth, Sports & Gender at Homabay County, pose for a photo at the IWD Women in Business dinner in Homabay.