Co-op Bank Kenya News Archives - Page 2 of 6

Co-op Bank’s Initiative spurs Local Potato Farmers to attain Global Quality Standards

Posted on July 5, 2023 by Kibaki Muthamia

Potato farmers hit a key milestone on 30^th June for potato farmers in Kenya as key players in the potato value chain “The Potato Consortium” concluded a major step towards realizing ‘farm-to-plate’ value chain model.

The consortium led by Co-operative Bank in collaboration with the County Government of Nyeri and other consortium partners Yara E.A, Bayer E.A and Agrico PSA witnessed the harvesting of the potatoes in the first Demonstration Farm in Kieni Sub-county in Nyeri, whereby project assumptions, projections on yield per unit area as per the prescribed nutrition, crop protection and crop husbandry were put to test.

Agro Potato Services Africa’s Conen Henreyer, the President of Simplifine Steve Carlyon, Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha and Head of Agri Co-operatives at Co-op Bank Esther Kariuki during the Potato Consortium launch in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua.

The Demo fully succeeded in achieving desired standards. The approved buyer of the produce Simplifine Limited (a food processor contracted by KFC to provide processed potatoes) also attended the demonstration and committed to buying directly from the farmers without going through any middlemen.

Co-op Bank entered into a consortium with other key players in the agricultural value chain to launch The Potato Consortium where every partner brings in board their domain expertise to support farmers venture into profitable and sustainable potato farming.

The Consortium has put together this package;

High-yielding potato varieties that are in demand by key food processors and retailers including KFC
Quality inputs availed at the right time and affordable prices
Agronomic support through extension services embedded within the County Government set-up i.e. use of Ward Agricultural Officers and Co-operative officers
Market-driven production, where farmers plant potato varieties that processors require, thereby undertaking contract farming with predictable off-take prices
Predictable yields based on prescribed package of crop nutrition and crop protection regime, supported by established demonstration farms managed by the consortium partners serving as centers of excellence.
Capacity-building for farmer’s co-operatives by Co-op Bank through Co-op Consultancy Services, to enable co-operatives become vibrant, well governed, efficient and profitable for better returns to the farmers.
Affordable financing from Co-op Bank which is aligned to the potato crop cycle and structured to fund the needs of farmers throughout the production, harvest and post-harvest management.
Digitization of the farming, production and marketing processes to offer reliable traceability to the consumer and enable all players plan ahead.

With the Nyeri demo having proven viability of concept, the consortium will now proceed to rollout by way of recruiting farmers for full scale production. Similar demo farms are underway in other counties identified for initial pilot namely Nyandarua, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nakuru.

Co-op Bank: Leads with Ksh8 Billion in Profits in 2023 First Quarter

Posted on May 19, 2023May 21, 2023 by Kibaki Muthamia

Co-op Bank Group is pleased to report a Profit Before Tax of Kshs.8.15 Billion for the 1^st quarter of 2023. That represents a 4.67% growth compared to Kshs.7.78 Billion recorded in the 1^st quarter of 2022. It means, after tax, a profit of Kshs.6.1B compared to Kshs.5.8B reported in 2022. That’s a 5.2% growth.

The strong performance by the bank is in line with the Group’s strategic focus on sustainable growth, resilience, and agility.

Key Performance highlights:

Financial Position

The Group has registered sustained growth as follows.

Total Assets grew to Kshs.631.1 Billion, a 5.7% growth from Kshs597.0 Billion in the same period last year.
Net loans and advances grew to Kshs.360.1 Billion, an 11% growth from Kshs.324.5 Billion in 2022.
Customer deposits grew to Kshs419.8 Billion, a 2.2% increase from Kshs.410.8 Billion.
External funds from development partners have increased by 12% to Kshs.48.4 Billion from Kshs.43.3 Billion in 2022.
Shareholders’ funds have grown to Kshs.112.6 Billion, a 9.7% increase from Kshs.102.7 Billion in 2022.

Comprehensive Income

Total operating income grew by 6.5% from Kshs.16.8 Billion to Kshs.17.9 Billion.
Total non-interest income grew by 10.8% from Kshs.6.4 Billion to Kshs.7.1 Billion.
Net interest income grew by 3.9% from Kshs10.4 Billion to Kshs10.8 Billion.
Total operating expenses increased by 8.8% from Kshs.9.0 Billion to Kshs.9.8 Billion

Cost Management

The Group reports considerable efficiency gains from the various initiatives to record a Cost-to-Income Ratio of 46.3% in Q12023, a remarkable improvement from 59% in FY2014 when we began our Growth & Efficiency journey.

Credit Management remains a key focus area, with the Group prudentially making provisions of Kshs. 1.5 Billion which has enhanced the Bank’s Loan Loss Reserve/Coverage levels to a high of 72% from 69% in 2021.

A Strong Digital Footprint

Through our digital channel strategy, the Bank has successfully moved 91% of all customer transactions to alternative delivery channels, a 24-hour contact centre, 543 ATMs, mobile & internet banking and over 17,000 network of Co-op kwa Jirani agents.
Key focus on digital banking, with the all-telco MCo-op Cash Mobile Wallet continuing to play a pivotal role in the growth of non-funded income with 5m customers registered and loans worth Kshs19.2 Billion disbursed in quarter one of 2023, averaging over Kshs.6.4 Billion per month.
We have successfully migrated our customers to the Omni-channel, integrating accessibility and user experience. Our omni-channel interfaces online banking through personal computers, mobile phones and USSD.
Over 174,000 customers have taken up the MSME packages that we rolled out in 2018, and 36,517 have been trained on business management skills.
Our unique model of retail banking services avails access to cash for FOSA operations, enabling 484 FOSA outlets to support over 15 Million Sacco members access banking services even in rural/remote areas.

Wide Branch Network

The Bank has strategically grown its branch network to 187 Branches (4 in South Sudan). Three new branches (Kenol-Makuyu, Hindi and Bamburi) have been opened in 2023, whereas 5 Branches (Kabarnet, Iten, Kasarani, Kamakis and Chwele) were opened last year.

Subsidiaries

Co-op Consultancy & Bancassurance Intermediary Ltd posted a Profit Before Tax of Kshs336.4 Million in Q12023, riding on strong penetration of Bancassurance business.
Co-operative Bank of South Sudan that is a unique joint venture (JV) partnership with Government of South Sudan (Co-op Bank 51% and GOSS 49%) made a Profit before tax of Kshs110 Million in Q12023. This performance however translated to a monetary loss of Kshs71.3 Million attributable to hyperinflation accounting occasioned by currency devaluation of the South Sudanese pound.
Co-op Trust Investment Services Ltd contributed Kshs.51.2 Million in Profit Before Tax in Q12023, with Funds Under Management of Kshs.194 Billion compared to Kshs.190.2 Billion in Q12022.
Kingdom Bank Limited (A Niche MSME Bank) has contributed a Profit before Tax of Kshs.256.3 Million in Q12023.

External funds from development partners

The Bank signed a KShs.12.6 Billion long-term Credit Agreement with global Institutional investors led by the German fund, Deutsche Investitions – und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG). The fund will strengthen the bank’s capital base and support lending to MSMEs. The facility was drawn in April 2023.

Robust Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) Practice

The Bank continues to implement a state-of-the-art ESG policy framework leveraging on an enhanced ESG implementation roadmap, group wide ESG champions and ESG Governance.

Co-op Bank Foundation, the Group’s social investment vehicle, continues to provide Scholarships to gifted but needy students from all regions of Kenya. The foundation is fully funded by the bank and has supported 10,264 students since inception.
Co-op Bank Capacity-building & Technical Assistance Fund for Farmers’ Co-operatives which has a dedicated Kshs.100 Million Fund is aimed at capacity-building, technical support and digitization for farmers’ co-operatives.

Also Read: https://www.ghafla.co.ke/sponsored/pate-island-in-lamu-proof-that-lobster-soup-is-a-vitality-booster/

Co-op Bank marks Easter by Slashing Interest Rates on Personal and Asset Loans

Posted on April 6, 2023April 7, 2023 by Kibaki Muthamia

Co-op Bank has made a significant move to reduce the interest rates charged on Personal Loans and Asset Finance to selected key borrowers from 14% per annum to 13% p.a. with effect from April 1 this year.

This rather ‘contrarian approach’ bucks the industry trend where majority of the lenders are revising lending rates significantly upwards, especially in light of the recent upward adjustment of CBR by a huge 75 basis points to 9.5%.

Co-op Bank’s reduction of the lending rate is the bank’s response to the good loan repayment record and reduced default risk that the target check-off scheme loans have recorded over time. It is a deserved reward for customers who have maintained a consistently good credit record.

Among the main beneficiaries of the new lower rates include key corporate and institutional employers including the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and other armed services, the Kenya Police Service, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Government Ministries, the National Assembly, key state corporations such as Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), KenGen among others.

Customers have been informed directly by way of a text message:

“Dear Customer, You can now top-up your existing personal loan at a rate of 13% per annum instead of 14%. Please apply at any Co-op Bank Branch.”

The new offer has elicited palpable excitement as it offers a huge relief especially at this season when many Kenyans are grappling with a cash crunch, when ‘every shilling counts’.

Co-op Bank retains a credit pricing model that is dynamic and attuned to respond effectively to credit performance. In this regard, the bank is working to extend this benefit beyond the current target customer segments namely Personal Loans and Asset Finance, to include all borrowers with good credit history.

Also Read: https://www.ghafla.co.ke/sponsored/co-op-bank-rolls-out-affordable-housing-loans-for-aspiring-home-owners/

What is the Love Language in your Relationship?

Posted on April 6, 2023April 7, 2023 by Kibaki Muthamia

Naturally, we are slaves of our backgrounds. Basic life tenets and principles that influence your entire life are entrenched from childhood. It seems alright, till you are exposed to life beyond that circle. For me? That exposure came when I joined a city campus for a teaching degree.

I would meet a girl whose family disposition shed lots of shadows on what I had presumed as ‘Just Fine’ with my own family.

Do not get me wrong. I grew up in a relatively happy family – just that, I’d realize later on that it was a little too basic. I grew up in the countryside, among the Meru people known for their emotional apathy. My girlfriend’s family lived in a middle-class estate in the outskirts of the city.

On my first visit to her home, I suffered a culture shock. No, not the common tribal kind. A sort of rarer and more pleasant one – the ‘love culture’ shock.

Their house had an open veranda space, with a polished wooden plaque side – with a message painstakingly etched into the wood:

“Listen with Ears of Tolerance. See through Eyes of Compassion. Speak with the Language of Love”.

I did not think much of it. Lots of African homes have wall hangings. My father’s living room had an ageless poster of Brazilian Diego Maradona, Miriam Makeba and a few cowrie shells. Her parents were out, at the time.

Her mother came in first, early evening. Mother and daughter camped in the kitchen cooking – and lady chit chat.

I’m alone in the sitting room, watching TV – when the father drives into the compound. As soon as the car’s motor dies, the old man starts shouting: “Hi! Ellen! Ellen!”

There’s a bit of shuffling in the kitchen. Then, the mum runs out of the house. My girlfriend comes and sits by me. She smiles impishly, and shrugs. She says:

“That’s how my dad calls my mum. If she doesn’t answer, he keeps at it with some variations of ‘Hi’ and ‘Ellen’ till she answers. Sometimes, mum hides to see if he’ll keep going!”

“Why?” I ask.

“It’s their love language! Quality time together”.

Growing up, I never saw my parent’s hug, kiss or even touch in the barest show of public affection. Here, now – I’m staying with a couple with grown children who cannot get enough of each other’s company. In this household, members wait up for each other at meal times. To prepare a meal – while the mum mashes potatoes, the father is dicing onions, tomatoes and garlic!

On the couple’s 50^th anniversary, they had taken a hot air balloon ride over Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The couple, though, had been too deeply engrossed in conversation about some potato project upcountry!

They so loved their quality time together.

After our joint graduation, tedious induction as trainee teachers and subsequent absorption by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) – I came to realize my girlfriend’s love language. She loved gifting to express her feelings, and it began with her first salary.

While still in our induction, she had insisted on Co-op Bank’s Salary Accounts. When I asked why, she had just said: Daddy is quite choosy, but has been with Co-op Bank all his life. I obliged.

On her first salary, she showered me with gifts. She outdid herself over and above the usual Happy-Socks-gift on Christmas and Valentine’s Days. A Monopoly game set, a fancy set of ear pods – and, of course, a pair of Happy Socks!

Years later, I would come to appreciate the benefits of a long-term financial partnership with Co-op Bank. Presently, it’s even better. All government salaried employees – teachers, policemen, et al – enjoy exclusive financial perks that comes with a Co-op Bank Salary Account.

A Co-op Bank Salary Account is a Zero-balance account, only needs an Identity Card and KRA Pin number to open. To disregard such a minimalist appearance, it’s loaded with benefits. Once you get an account, you automatically qualify for an instant mobile loan of up to Ksh500,000 for small buys – posh furniture, a Smart TV set, et al.

Further, holding a Co-op Salary Account for six months qualifies you to a personal loan of up to Eight Million for larger asset purchases like real estate, cars, government bonds and other investments.

Tell me of a better financial partner, I’ll wait. Co-op Bank nails it.

Also Read: https://www.ghafla.co.ke/sponsored/christmas-blues-father-in-laws-text-message-that-broke-my-heart/

High School Chronicles: I Was Branded an ‘Intellectual Outcast’!

Posted on April 6, 2023April 7, 2023 by Kibaki Muthamia

I always had trouble in school. Not because I was not a good student, or overly-naughty or pelted the front-row kids with chewed paper pellets. In fact, I was all the contrary: bright and talented. The trouble was that I was pretty smart. I didn’t want to show off, so I’d often sit in silence.

Then, some other day, when one of my teachers would say something inaccurate, I would correct them. This moment would be the end of my peace. Eventually, after a few episodes, I was “noticed”. Since then, I would be the official “smart ass” which also subtly means – The Outcast.

I would later join Ikuu High School for my O-levels. Here, I met three teachers who managed to teach the well-read kid that I was, and who largely became my career mentors.

A History teacher – a wonderful woman named Ms. Norah. She had extraordinary wisdom, who’d patiently listen to my half-baked theories that the Egyptian pyramids had exact replicas in Cambodia. Yes, that’s right. I had stumbled into a hard cover with a beautiful mouldy smell at the school library.

Our English and Literature teacher, called Mr. Kibonge. A pleasant, well-read and relatively elderly gentleman. He often reminded me of my father, especially when he’d get nostalgic narrating their escapades in the glorious campus riots of the 80’s as a student at Nairobi University.

He made campus seem extremely cool.

The third teacher taught us Biology. A bright, lanky gentleman who helped me believe in my talent and abilities. His classes were fun, he’d literally sing us through difficult classes. Like those unnecessarily-difficult binomial nomenclature classes we all hated.

Comedian Njugush posing in Meru County (Facebook)

These noble teachers didn’t take my questions as insults. A lot of times, I would question their actions.

“Why do you do this? Why do you do that?”

Or, more embarrassingly, their grasp of knowledge.

“I’ve read in the book it was this… or this… and you said that… and that…”

I would even correct the poor teachers in front of their students. They never took it personally, and even if I hurt their ego, they never showed it. Instead, they encouraged me to go further, try to complete my knowledge, and always seek the right answer.

As teachers, they never saw me as pestering, or felt their power would be destroyed, or imbalanced, by my questions. They literally behaved as “information vessels”.

I would later graduate with a Bachelor of Education degree. I’m presently on my fifth year under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). As fresh graduates join my school, I have a professional, social and self-empowerment pep talk laid out.

First, to remember that a good teacher values knowledge more than his ego, and is willing to expand his abilities even if it means acknowledging he is not superior to his students. Next, the importance of a good banking partner to walk them through their financial goals with family and investment after employment.

Co-op Bank is a great pick for a long-term career financial partner.

The award-winning bank has built accommodative packages based on a long-term financial relationship with a fresh customer. Once a new government employee, say a TSC teacher – opens a salary account, they immediately qualify for a mobile loan up to Ksh500,000 for simpler, small buys like furniture and electronic appliances.

In just six months, they qualify for a personal loan of up to Ksh4 Million for major purchases like land, cars or other investments like shares and government bonds. The earlier one begins to build their portfolio, the better and easier it is.

And, it’s all easy to join the Co-op Bank fraternity with just your national identity card as a requirement. The best you can pick as an employee is the Co-op Bank Salary Account, with a zero balance.

Also Read: https://www.ghafla.co.ke/sponsored/dilemma-how-do-i-apologize-to-my-parents-for-failing-my-exams/

Co-op Bank Rolls Out Affordable Housing Loans for Aspiring Home Owners

Posted on March 24, 2023March 24, 2023 by Kibaki Muthamia

Co-op Bank customers are now one step closer to their dream of owning their own homes. In a partnership with Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) signed on March 23rd, Co-op Bank has rolled out an affordable housing financing scheme.

Customers now have access to mortgage financing for either a complete, newly-built residential house or purchase and build on a plot of their choice.

How does a Customer become Eligible for the Mortgage?

It’s quite straightforward. As long as you have a Salary or Savings Account with Co-op Bank, you are good to go. The other specifics are:

Six (6) months’ banking with Co-op Bank
A maximum household gross income of Ksh150,000.

The Head of Legal Services at Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company Elisha Nyikuli, the Director, Corporate & Institutional Banking at Co-op Bank Jackie Waithaka & the CEO National Co-operative Housing Union Mary Mathenge at the stakeholder’s meeting.

What are the Eligible Products?

Purchase of a ready-to-use residential house.
Purchase a plot: Buy and build arrangement.

What are the Terms of the Loan Units to be financed?

This is what you need to know about the housing mortgage financing package:

A loan financing for one (1) unit property under purchase is offered with a considerate interest of 9.9% per annum on a reducing balance.
The loan attracts a one-off facility fee of 2% of the loan amount.
The maximum loan tenure is 15 years for employed applicants, and 10 years for self-employed applicants.
For properties around the Nairobi Metropolitan, minimum loan amount is Ksh.500,000 and maximum limit at Ksh.6 Million.
For customers looking to invest in real estate outside the Nairobi Metropolitan, they have a maximum loan limit set at Ksh.5 Million.

Besides, Co-op Bank offers flexibility in financing through loan top ups. A loan top-up under the commercial rate is allowable for a customer upon repaying the initial loan for at least 12 months.

Apply now via goodhome.co.ke or visit and speak with bank representatives at your nearest Co-op Bank branch.

Co-op Bank Announces a Ksh29.4B Profit before Taxes for Year 2022

Posted on March 16, 2023March 17, 2023 by Kibaki Muthamia

Co-op Bank Group is pleased to report a Profit before Tax of Kshs.29.4 Billion for Full Year 2022, a commendable 30% growth compared to Kshs.22.6 Billion recorded in Full Year 2021. This represents a strong Profit after Tax of Kshs.22.0 Billion compared to Kshs.16.5 Billion reported in 2021.

The strong performance by the Bank is in line with the Group’s strategic focus on sustainable growth, resilience, and agility.

Dividends

The strong performance has led to a sustained increase in shareholder value as reflected in the competitive Return on Equity of 21.2%. The Board of Directors has recommended a dividend of Kshs1.50 per share, subject to approval by the regulators and shareholders. The proposed dividend represents a 50 per cent enhancement on the Kshs1.00 per share paid out last year.

A virtual Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday, 19th May 2023.

Key Performance highlights:

Financial Position:

The Group has registered sustained growth as follows:

Total Assets grew to Kshs.607.2 Billion, a 4.7% growth from Kshs579.8 Billion in the same period last year.
Net loans and advances grew to Kshs.339.4 Billion, a 9.4% growth from Kshs.310.2 Billion in 2021. Customer deposits grew to Kshs423.8 Billion, a 3.9% increase from Kshs.407.7 Billion.
External funds from development partners stands at Kshs48.1 Billion from Kshs.42.9 Billion in 2021.Shareholders’ funds have grown to Kshs.107.7 Billion, a 7.4% increase from Kshs.100.2 Billion in 2021.

Comprehensive Income

Total operating income grew by 17.9% from Kshs60.4B to Kshs71.3B. Total non-interest income grew by 32.7% from Kshs19.4B to Kshs25.7B.

Net interest income grew by 10.9% from Kshs41.0B to Kshs45.5B. Total operating expenses increased by 10.9% from Kshs38.1B to Kshs.42.2B.

Cost Management

The Group reports excellent efficiency gains from the various initiatives to record a Cost-to-Income Ratio of 47.1% in FY2022 from 59% in FY2014 when we began our Growth & Efficiency journey.

Credit Management

This remains a key focus area, with the Group prudentially making provisions of Kshs.8.7B which has enhanced the Bank’s Loan Loss Reserve/Coverage levels to 74% from 69% in 2021.

A Strong Digital Footprint

Through our digital channel strategy, the Bank has successfully moved 92% of all customer transactions to alternative delivery channels, a 24-hour contact center, 542 ATMs, mobile & internet banking and over 17,000 network of Co-op Kwa Jirani agents.

We have successfully migrated our customers to the Omni-channel, integrating accessibility and user experience. Our Omni-channel interfaces online banking through personal computers, mobile phones and USSD availing our services to all customers through their preferred channel yet retain the same experience from wherever they are.

Key focus on digital banking, with the all-telco MCo-op Cash Mobile Wallet continuing to play a pivotal role in the growth of non-funded income with 5 Million customers registered and loans worth Kshs84.2 Billion disbursed year-to-date, averaging over Kshs.7B per month.

Over 170,000 customers have taken up the MSME packages that we rolled out in 2018, and 33,673 have been trained on business management skills.

Year to date, we have disbursed Kshs.25.4 Billion to MSMEs through our Mobile E-Credit solution. MSMEs are a critical part of economic recovery post-Covid and contribute up to 16.9% of our total Loan Book.

Our unique model of retail banking services through Sacco FOSAS enabled us provide wholesale financial services to over 484 FOSA outlets.

Subsidiaries

Co-op Consultancy & Bancassurance Intermediary Ltd posted a Profit Before Tax of Kshs1.01 Billion in FY2022, riding on strong penetration of Bancassurance business.
Co-operative Bank of South Sudan that is a unique joint venture (JV) partnership with Government of South Sudan (Co-op Bank 51% and GOSS 49%) returned a profit of Kshs132.7 Million in FY2022 compared to a loss of Kshs421.7 million in FY2021, a 131% growth.
Co-op Trust Investment Services contributed Kshs. 208.1 Million in Profit Before Tax in FY2022, with Funds Under Management of Kshs.196.6 Billion compared to Kshs.189.2 Billion in December 2021.
Kingdom Bank Limited (A Niche MSME Bank) has contributed a Profit before Tax of Kshs. 803.8 Million in FY2022.

Environmental Social and Governance (ESG)

In 2022, the Bank embarked on an enhanced ESG roadmap to integrate ESG considerations into its operations with several key milestones achieved. These include:

Enhanced ESG governance to ensure that the Bank has effective policies, procedures, and practices in place to identify, manage, monitor, and report on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters that may impact the Bank’s operations and stakeholders.
Appointment of an ESG Champions Committee and establishment of a dedicated ESG Unit.
Appointment of ESG champions across the entire Group, representing all Divisions, Subsidiaries and Control Functions.
Approved ESG policy framework.

The Co-op Bank Foundation, the Group’s social investment vehicle, continues to provide Scholarships to gifted but needy students from all regions of Kenya. The sponsorship includes fully paid secondary education, full fees for University education, Internships and career openings for beneficiaries.

The foundation is fully funded by the bank and has supported 9553 students since the inception of the program.

Accolades

The Bank was recognized as ‘Best Overall in Satisfactory Customer Experience’ following a customer survey conducted by the Kenya Bankers’ Association (KBA).

This Award was based on a survey where 33,000 customers of all 38 member banks of KBA were asked to rank overall experience with their main bank. In addition, the Bank was similarly recognized with the ‘Excellence in Customer Experience in Digital Banking’ award at the Digibanking Event held in Nairobi.

The two awards re-affirm the bank as the financial institution offering the most fulfilling customer experience in the industry.

Co-op Bank meets Key Stakeholders to Launch the Smallholder Potato Development Program

Posted on March 7, 2023March 8, 2023 by Kibaki Muthamia

It may be recalled how shocked Kenyans became when reports began filtering in the media last year January 2022 that the multinational food giant KFC has run out of ‘fries’ for customers following non-delivery of potatoes from their overseas suppliers.

That potatoes for consumption by Kenyans had to be imported was a major surprise amidst the perennial woe and cry by potato farmers especially in the potato-glut zone of Nyandarua for lack of market.

KFC was equally shocked by the sharp public rebuke, and together with other stakeholders have been working quietly behind the scenes to put in place mechanisms for a farmer-anchored sustainable supply chain for potatoes.

((From left) Esther Kariuki (Co-op Bank), Carol Mumo MUMO (Yara EA) and Dr. Kiarie Moses (Gvn. Nyandarua)

The project formed the ‘Potato Consortium’ that’s made of experts in the critical industry. This is to ensure that the value chain right from quality of seed to the farmer, financing and eventually to the food plate is consistent with the highest quality standards.

On Tuesday, March 7th, 2023, Co-op Bank met with key stakeholders to launch the Smallholder Potato Development Program.

The journey towards full local production for Kenya’s favorite meal, the potato fries, has begun!

Stakeholders present at the MOU signing

The Governor, Nyandarua County HE Kiarie Badilisha
Co-operative Bank Head of Agriculture Business Esther Kariuki
Agrico’s Corien Herweijer
Bayer East Africa’s Eunice Waithaka
Simplifine Ltd’s Steven Carlyon
Yara East Africa’s Carol Mumo

Objective: Transforming lives of potato farmers in Kenya

The consortium of likeminded companies that play within the potato value chain, is addressing current barriers that potato farmers face, by enabling access to affordable and quality inputs, credit and sustainable markets.

The partners within the consortium have developed modular solutions that will help farmers increase potato yields though the use of appropriate input packages;

Yara crop nutrition and soil testing solutions
Agrico PSA- provision seed varieties that are high yielding and appropriate for various uses
Bayer crop protection solutions.
The Co-operative Bank of Kenya will provide capacity building support to County Governments and Co-operative Societies to enable them form and run strong, efficient and well-governed potato Co-operatives. The bank will also provide affordable financing options for the farmers to ensure timely access to quality inputs, water, mechanization and post-harvest solutions.
Simplifine Ltd on the other end shall provide market access for the financed farmers by buying their produce.

The backbone of this will be capacity building on good agronomical practices, financial literacy, contractual literacy, et al, with agronomy support provided to assist farmers farm correctly.

The end of result of this is higher yields experienced by farmers, creating sustainable incomes for the farmers.

(From left) Esther Kariuki (Co-op Bank), Steve Carlyon (Simplifine) and Dr. Kiarie Moses (Gvn. Nyandarua)

Role of potato in Kenya’s Agricultural sector

Potato plays a key role and is among the top 5 important crops in Kenya, with approx. 450,000 acres of potato planted per year. The average productivity from studies conducted is 3 tons /acre, making it a loss making venture for farmers; industries within the potato value chain have growth limitations.

However, with the joint efforts of the partners in the consortium, the productivity can improve to average 14 tons per acre. With this contributing to food security and through consistent supply of potatoes, industries can grow.

Also Read: https://www.ghafla.co.ke/sponsored/my-campus-hustle-how-greed-for-smokies-made-my-business-fail/

Counties approached are:

Four (4) counties in the first half of 2023

Nyandarua
Nakuru
Elgeyo Marakwet
Nyeri

Target Estimate of Farmers:

It is our desire that by 2026, this partnership will benefit 30,000 potato farmers in Kenya, improving yields by 50% and reducing post-harvest losses by at least 50%, to spur prosperity for farming communities.

Key gaps will be addressed including agronomy, commercial and digital knowledge, access to finance and market.

Update on Co-op Bank’s strategic involvement in Agri-Business/Agri Co-operatives sector

Co-operative Bank is the leading Food & Agriculture financing bank in Kenya and working closely with like-minded partners and Agriculture value chain players is committed to significantly support the Agriculture and food systems transformation in Kenya.

Co-op Bank named ‘Most Customer Friendly Bank’ in the 2022 Customer Satisfaction Survey

Posted on March 1, 2023March 1, 2023 by Kibaki Muthamia

The Co-operative Bank of Kenya has emerged as the Overall Winner of the Customer Satisfaction Survey conducted by the Kenya Bankers’ Association (KBA).

The survey was conducted by interviewing over 33,000 customers of all member banks of KBA. The results of this survey were released this morning at a media briefing hosted by KBA at the Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi, where Co-op Bank was presented with a certificate of recognition for excelling in customer service based on the survey’s findings.

This award comes only two weeks after Co-op Bank was also recognized with the “Excellence in Customer Experience in Digital Banking” award at the Digibanking Event held recently, and re-affirms our position as the financial institution offering the most fulfilling customer experience in the industry.

The annual Customer Satisfaction Survey was initiated in 2018 as part of efforts being spearheaded by KBA towards enhancing customer experience in the banking industry.

The 2022 survey was conducted amid the clamor for enhanced support towards economic recovery. Although the impact of COVID-19 on the economy had abated significantly in the year under review, the pandemic’s adverse effects continued to linger in the economy, necessitating individual and collective strategies towards maintaining high product and service standards.

With its high response rate, the 2022 survey provides invaluable insights that will undoubtedly inform policies towards enhancing financial inclusion for the country’s highly dynamic and diverse banking public through fact-based innovation.

Dilemma: How do I apologize to my parents for missing top grades in my exams?

Posted on February 6, 2023March 2, 2023 by Kibaki Muthamia

My 14-year-old niece is the firstborn in my brother’s family. She feels immense pressure to excel in academics, due to an overly-achieving family.

Both parents are pursuing doctorates in their respective fields.

Her father is a physician, and her mother has built a solid reputation in law and governance. Both teach part-time at public universities.

She’s called Naomi, and has just received her 2022 KCPE results. She missed the elusive ‘400 mark’ by 45 points.

Man, she is devastated. I’d understand why.

My brother is stern, strict and pushes for excellence in everyone around him. Lots of times at the cost of personal freedom and friendship.

Burdened with a busy schedule, Naomi’s parents would miss most of her school’s parent-engagement events.

I’d often be the parent at Naomi’s top-rated private boarding school. It did not come cheap. Often, her father would remind her of ‘How expensive that school is’ and, ‘Set a good example to your brother’.

The younger brother is in 6th grade – and cared little if she scored A’s or E’s.

Poor Naomi performed well throughout, but this kind of pressure robbed her of her dream marks at her final exams.

At this point, she was not overly anxious of the kind of high school she’d attend, but struggling under an overwhelming feeling of failing her successful parents.

Worse, her cousin in a derelict, poorly-staffed and equipped day school had beaten her by 20 marks – at a fraction of the cost!

Naomi had a shocker question for me: How do I apologise to my parents for failing my exams?

I stuttered a little, and thought of three possible answers:

You Come First

Please congratulate yourself. You are mature enough to know that a personal failure may affect other people. Like, not attaining a grade may hurt your parents. That’s something.

Apologise to yourself, too – for messing up your peace of mind.

It’s all about you, not other people. This is a personal milestone, the first – and the success of shortcomings do not overly affect other people. Just their expectations of you.

At this point, you come first. Are you happy with the results? Sad or disappointed? The lessons lie in what you feel about the results – not the actual results. If you gave your best, walk tall and be proud.

If not, there will be new opportunities to make amends.

Failing is Part of The Journey

It’s ok to fail. We don’t always succeed. Sometime we fail also.

But we should never lose our hope. Failing a test doesn’t mean that you are an idiot and know nothing or haven’t studied anything.

You studied but you still failed in the test only means that your mind couldn’t grab the things easily like the other people. Just a little more hard work and focus than before turns it around.

Failing at something gives you some kind of boost to do much better than before. But some people don’t think like that. We should have positive thoughts regarding things. Then only, we can live this life happily.

You will be fine.

Parent’s Love Can Be Stern-Faced

Your parents are the only people in the entire world who actually want you to be better than they are. They love you unconditionally, no matter how strict they are.

They are concerned about you, and perhaps upset and could mistake a low grade with irresponsibility. Go talk to them.

Face this situation with pride, it’s your life, you are responsible for it. Even if you struggle because of the results or because of your mistakes, it’s still you who will suffer, so ultimately the words from your parents should not affect you.

Say: “I failed, not because I didn’t do enough, or because, what I did wasn’t enough. It’s my life’s failure on one front, I will come back stronger and better.”

Show them some commitment to improve, and be better.

Now, fellow parents – listen up.

These situations are not solved with one-off pep talks. Students need constant assurance by deeds and overall commitment to their wellbeing.

One sure way, is timely payment of school fees and upkeep for them besides demanding job schedules.

Co-op Bank avails a convenient way of paying school fees directly into the school’s account through MCo-op Cash, M-Pesa PayBill 400222, or a Co-op Kwa Jirani Agent near you.

Immortal Teacher: How a Simple Trick Led to Straight A’s in Math

Posted on February 6, 2023February 14, 2023 by Kibaki Muthamia

There is a ‘Word of the Day’ feature on my phone’s Dictionary App that pops up a random English word.

Today, the algorithm gods said: “Dyscalculiais“. Is that even English?

It’s a medical term for a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to do math. It affects brain areas responsible for math- and number-related skills and understanding.

I was floored by this revelation, but also a tad skeptic.

A memory from a particular math lesson in my school days came up. An episode that thawed my very complicated relationship with math from pure torture and terrible grades to a likeable disposition with good grades.

I had never before attained ‘Average’ in math.

My high school had a progress evaluation system. Basically, exams and more exams: Opener, Mid and the Final Exams. The Openers’ served the biggest challenge.

A nasty jolt to slap us out of the holiday moods. This episode happened in Form Two, after the Easter holiday.

We started with the dreaded math paper. It’s a tough fifty-question paper rounding off to a hundred marks. I breeze through it with trepidation, like a pirate condemned to walk off the plank at sea.

I knew I would flunk it, and I did. What with much of the holiday reading novels and watching TV?

The results were out by the evening preps. As was custom with our math teacher, quite empathetic and insanely patient – he’d read the top and the lowest score, but not mention the names. Morale, I think.

Someone had punched in an incredible 98%, and the lowest came in at a partly 19%.

I didn’t know who led but I knew I the 19% was mine. But, for a minute there, we giggled in the back rows speculating on which idiot had probably scored 19%.

My desk mate had managed a 76%, and said he felt dumb. Really? Dumb with a 76%? What adjective would I use to describe my 19%?

I was pretty miserable.

Did I mention that our math teacher also doubled as our class teacher? He had absolute powers, first among them – to shuffle us around the class.

Who sat where, and with whom?

He announced that the top would be paired with the lowest scorer. Before I could say Abracadabra, I had moved from the back to the front row. It was the least favorite position. If you dozed off in the back row, most teachers would chuck a piece of chalk at you.

The front row? That’s within slapping distance!

Barely do we settle in, than the teacher unleashes the next shocker.

Henceforth, each pair would tackle math problems on the board. The top grade, would lead the lowest in a step-by-step tackle. What?

In the history of my schooling, I had never volunteered to work out a math problem on the board.

I had a problem, but, hey – a pirate has to walk the plank, right?

What followed was an agonizing few weeks, each a degree worse than the other.

I realized that I was ‘dragging’ my partner. She was kind, but I was fast wearing down her patience. Eventually, we worked out a system.

Each night, we’d use half an hour of preps going over the following day’s assigned math problems.

I started getting correct answers on the board. The kids would clap, for everyone – but the claps were louder for me. I was getting better in math!

Who could have thought it’s possible? My confidence grew, I grew bolder and opened up to math.

I’m eternally grateful to my math teacher and my tag-team partner. I have no clue where they are, or doing presently but I still feel indebted to them.

Besides math grades, they helped me develop a positive mindset towards tackling obstacles in life.

As we prepare to get back to class, do your kids struggle with math? Focus less on the mountain of homework and more on attitude.

Also, a conducive study environment, and especially not having to worry about the safety of their pocket money.

Take advantage of Co-opPay, a pre-paid Visa Card from Co-op Bank tailored for use by students.

With Co-opPay, a parent loads pocket money remotely, and access instant tracking of the spending.

The student can shop with the card at their canteen, malls – or, withdraw money at ATM’s. Besides, being safe and convenient, it attracts no extra charges.

Christmas Blues: Father-in-Law’s Text Message That Broke My Heart

Posted on December 15, 2022December 15, 2022 by Kibaki Muthamia

I married the firstborn in a huge family. My wife is often the de facto parent. The uncelebrated head of a chaotic chain of command.

Always, she’s either an emissary of good tidings or a benevolent, tireless mediator when conflicts arise between her siblings and their folks.

Firstborns deserve an automatic spot in heaven.

Beginning of December, she received a text message from her father. The old man rarely texts – or calls. He’d often delegate such minor roles to my mother-in-law.

If he did, chineke – the mountain has shifted. Or, about to shift.

“Hello Mama. I hope the city is kind to you all. Kindly tell everyone not to bring us any Christmas gifts this year. Kujeni tu tupige sherehe mama.”

‘Everyone’ meant my wife’s six siblings, and their children. Tradition over the years meant a family get-together over Christmas season.

Like clockwork, we’d descend on the village laden with gifts and rental cars. A desperate attempt at redemption for missing out for most of the year.

I recalled random conversations with my father-in-law. After every trip, old man’s remarks branded it all as ‘unnecessary’.

At the time, I thought it was a modest reference to a stable retirement. I was wrong.

The text was a cryptic message. They loved gifts, sure – but, not the kind we brought!

Like, of what need are decorative things? They no longer needed, or had space to display fancy, Chinese crockery!

A dozen grandkids would bring food. Boxes of roast ham, goat ribs and even pizza! Poor parents would be tired of meat and processed foods in a few days.

Crates of fruit arrived once. Mzee held an orange with a grocer sticker on it, and said:

“If this wasn’t so perfectly colored orange, I’d swear it came from our shamba”.

We had laughed it off as a joke, and missed the message. They had an orchard, for crying out loud!

A granddaughter would bring Grandma bouquets of flowers. They made her sneeze, so she’d lock them up in a spare bedroom till they died so she could throw them out.

We need to do different gifting this year.

While elderly parents can be picky, get something they like, or actually need. A thoughtful gift need not be large, or expensive.

I have some suggestions.

Perhaps, pay off one of their bills for a few months in advance. That’s great. It spares a bit of their own money to spoil themselves.

Or, why not take them shopping? That’s a treat – have mum pick groceries and pay it off. Or, treat your father to a jersey of his favorite football team.

Do they like a drink on their patio to watch the sun set? Get a bottle of something premium.

I logged online and paid an annual subscription for my father-in-law’s favorite magazines, and daily newspapers.

The old man’s favorite hobby is filling cryptic crosswords – I bought a 365-page puzzle booklet. A crossword puzzle a day, year round. I paid it all easily, with my Co-op Bank ATM card.

I saw once saw mother-in-law knit, by the fireplace. I asked my wife if we could buy her some knitting thread.

No, she says. She lost interest in that hobby.

“All she does is nag my dad, all day on Dolby Surround……”

I burst out laughing.

As you prepare to travel upcountry and other places for the festivities, there’s no need to carry cash around. That’s risky, and you’ll be more likely to spend on unnecessary stuff.

A Co-op Bank ATM Card or payment via MCo-op Cash App gives access to fast and secure payments at no extra cost.

Anything from fuel to travel and accommodation bookings or grocery shopping treats – anything is possible.

Merry Christmas. Bring thoughtful gifts!

Adults & Food: Embarrassing Moments at an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet

Posted on December 15, 2022December 15, 2022 by Kibaki Muthamia

I got my first buffet experience when I was twelve. It was mildly embarrassing, but served serious lessons on humanity and social skills.

My father took us for a Chrismas Day treat at a fancy restaurant along Banda Street. It was a kid’s affair – my five cousins and I.

My cousins thought it would be fun. I knew my father well enough, but I kept mum.

The restaurant was decked out in colored lights, a gigantic Christmas tree with a flashing replica of the Star of David at the peak. It was not faux cedar. I still recall it’s aromatic smell to this day.

We waltz in. Father is up ahead, with us in a single file behind him. Think of mother duck and her ducklings. He raises his hand – the STOP signal.

He turns – and, beckons us closer. Like a soccer coach’s last minute prep talk to his players before a crucial match.

In a conspiratorial half-whisper, father says:

“Hey, kids – we don’t eat chicken in restaurants. Your mums are cooking at home. Ok? Pick what I pick, and nothing more.”

Turns out that the restaurant had a special All-You-Can-Eat buffet offer for Christmas Day. For a standard price, a guest could eat all they could.

Already, there was a line at the buffet table – open dishes with silver tongs. We joined the line, father up ahead.

Except, it seemed that father didn’t have his usual appetite. At the start of line, he picked a slice of watermelon, and pineapple. A single scoop of Pilau, skipped the bowl half-filled with diced Chapati – dipped for a single scoop of meat stew.

Father made sure we skipped the Chapati.

The line was not moving. Father wheeled us around the bottleneck, a couple of adults – visibly agitated to the end of the line. Some seriously spicy Kachumbari.

We found an empty table. We were disappointed. Who skips Chapati? At that moment, father scored dismally in the popularity ratings.

Father spent a few minutes watching us nibbling at fruit slices. He tapped his plate – signal for LOOK UP – and pointed with his lips at the buffet line.

“Listen up, kids. Do not be that, when you grow up.” Father says.

The buffet line’s bottleneck. A couple of guests were mobbing a few bowls like a pack of seagulls.

The bowls had the best offerings of the buffet: Chicken wings, grilled ribs and pork chops. We watched.

A lady, quite well-dressed with an handbag clutched under an armpit, shouldered away two men to emerge – with an overloaded plate.

She had a plate balanced high with chicken wings, meat stew dripping off the side – and, two grilled ribs in her spare hand.

“Kids, the buffet shall always test your self-discipline. A buffet can easily show a person’s lack of shame or compassion for one another.” Father says.

We soon lost appetite, the more we watched how people behaved on the buffet table. Every so often, we saw somebody grab something from the tray with their hands instead of the tongs.

Or, someone in the line sneezing – no handkerchief.

The Chapati bowl – a dude picked a few pieces, decided they are taking too much space on plate and chucked them back.

Suddenly, father called for the bill. He offered to pay using his Co-op Bank ATM card. He rarely carried cash.

This festive season restaurants, family and corporate events will have a buffet-style food layout. It’s a prudent learning opportunity for the young.

As you go out for meals and trips, have an eye for money-saving tips and offers to save money.

Like father, for instance.

He rarely spent money he didn’t plan for. In end-month shopping trips, he would ask mother to prepare a shopping list, and they’d discuss it against their budget.

And, always – used his Co-op Bank ATM Card to pay.

Father would always insist on eating first in the house before these shopping trips. It’s a trick to avoid spending money on snacks, if we went shopping hungry.

To make the most of this Christmas season, visit the nearest Co-op Bank branch – open an account and receive your ATM card.

It is a Visa Debit card and you can use it for cashless shopping at no extra cost.

Merry Christmas!

Co-op Bank marks 38% Profit Growth with Ksh22.7 Billion Profits Before Tax in 3rd Quarter

Posted on November 20, 2022November 20, 2022 by Kibaki Muthamia

Co-op Bank Group is pleased to report a Profit Before Tax of Kshs. 22.7 Billion for the third quarter of 2022.

That’s a commendable 38% growth compared to Kshs. 16.5 Billion recorded in the third quarter of 2021.

This means, Co-op Bank has a strong Profit after Tax of Kshs. 17.1 Billion compared to Kshs. 11.6 Billion reported in 2021. The performance delivers a competitive Return on Equity of 23% to our shareholders.

The strong performance by the Bank is in line with the Group’s strategic focus on sustainable growth, resilience, and agility.

Support to the Fundraising Appeal to Fight Hunger

Co-op Bank Group wishes to join other Kenyans and indeed the global community of goodwill in fully supporting the Fundraising Appeal initiated by His Excellency the President, with a key contribution of Kshs.150 Million.

This is in support of relief efforts aimed at assisting families affected by the severe drought ravaging various parts of the Country.

Key Performance highlights;
1. Financial Position:

The Group has registered sustained growth as follows;

Total Assets grew to Kshs. 622.1 Billion, a 5% growth from Kshs 592.9 Billion in the same period last year.
Net loans and advances grew to Kshs. 335.2 Billion, a 9.4% growth from Kshs.306.3 Billion in 2021.
Customer deposits grew to Kshs 432.0 Billion, a 3% increase from Kshs.420.4 Billion.
External funds from development partners stands at Kshs 41.9 Billion from Kshs.43.8 Billion in 2021.
Shareholders’ funds have grown to Kshs. 100.9 Billion, a 6.2% increase from Kshs. 95.0 Billion in 2021.

2. Comprehensive Income

This is a 3-pronged approach:

Total operating income grew by 17.6% from Kshs 44.4 Billion to Kshs 52.2 Billion.
Total non-interest income grew by 28.3% from Kshs 15.7 Billion to Kshs 20.2 Billion.
Net interest income grew by 11.7% from Kshs 28.7 Billion to Kshs 32.00 Billion.
Total operating expenses increased by 6% from Kshs 28.0 Billion to Kshs. 29.6 Billion.

3. Cost Management

Excellent gains from our various initiatives with a Cost to Income ratio of 45.8% in Q32022 from 59% in FY2014 when we began our Growth & Efficiency journey.

4. Credit Management

This remains a key focus area that has achieved key milestones. The Group prudentially provided Kshs. 5.7 Billion compared to Kshs 6.0 billion provided in 2021, pointing to an improvement in the quality of the asset book.

5. A Strong Digital Footprint

Through our digital channel strategy, the Bank has successfully moved 94% of all customer transactions to alternative delivery channels, a 24-hour contact centre, mobile banking, 550 ATMs, internet banking and a wide network of Co-op kwa Jirani agents.

We have successfully migrated our customers to the Omni-channel, integrating accessibility and user experience.

Our omnichannel interfaces online banking through personal computers, mobile phones and USSD availing our services to all customers through their preferred channel yet retain the same experience from wherever they are.

6. Subsidiaries

A great part of the success story arises from subsidiaries across the region:

Co-op Consultancy & Bancassurance Intermediary Ltd posted a Profit Before Tax of Kshs 772 Million in Q32022, riding on strong penetration of Bancassurance business.
Co-operative Bank of South Sudan that is a unique joint venture (JV) partnership with Government of South Sudan (Co-op Bank 51% and GOSS 49%) returned a profit of Kshs 190 Million in Q32022 compared to a loss of Kshs.104 million in Q32021.
Co-op Trust Investment Services contributed Kshs. 141 Million in Profit Before Tax in Q32022, with Funds Under Management of Kshs. 202.6 Billion compared to Kshs.187.1 Billion in September 2021.
Kingdom Bank Limited (A Niche MSME Bank) has contributed a Profit before Tax of Kshs.609.2 Million in Q32022 compared to Kshs. 413.1 Million reported last year representing a 47% Growth year-on-year.
Environmental Social and Governance (ESG).

The Group was named Overall Winner at the Kenya Bankers Association Catalyst Awards held in September 2022.

The awards recognize organizations that exemplify their sustainability prowess though promoting catalytic finance that impacts industry, economy and society.

This latest win is the third in five years, having won in 2017 and 2019, ranking Co-op Bank as Industry Leader in Sustainable Finance in Kenya.

Co-op Bank Foundation, the Group’s social investment vehicle, continues to provide Scholarships to gifted but needy students from all regions of Kenya. The sponsorship includes fully paid secondary education, full fees for University education, Internships and career openings for beneficiaries.

The foundation is fully funded by the bank and has supported 9553 students since the inception of the program.

7. Accolades

The Group Managing Director & CEO Dr. Gideon Muriuki was honoured with the award of a third Doctorate degree by the Africa International University in November 2022.

The Citation for the degree award noted his illustrious career in banking, his historic turnaround of Co-op Bank, his destiny-defining contribution to the co-operative movement and an enduring commitment to sustainable finance in Africa.

Trade Finance: The Secret to Grow, Revive a Struggling Business!

Posted on November 12, 2022 by Kibaki Muthamia

Trade Finance refers to an external source of working capital finance. It is a form of short-term credit typically used by companies that export or import goods.

It’s usually secured against goods, or backed by an insurance policy.

In Kenya, Co-operative Bank has demystified trade finance for their business customers, by availing various instruments.

These instruments are:

Bid Bonds
Letters of Credit
Performance Bonds
Custom Bonds
Advance Payment Guarantees
Credit Guarantees

What business solutions does Co-op Bank offer?

LPO Financing
Bills Discounting
Invoice Discounting
Post Import Finance/Import Duty Finance
Supply Chain Finance/Distributor Finance

What benefits does Co-op Bank clients enjoy

Quick processing time
Manage risk and negotiate credit terms
Flexible repayment period
Secure work permits for foreigners working for your business
Unsecured Trade Facilities

What Requirements are needed to secure Trade Finance with Co-op Bank?

Duly filled application form
Tender advert (where applicable)
Copies of the Company Directors’ IDs and KRA PIN Certificates
Company’s KRA PIN Certificate, Tax Compliance Certificate, Articles of Association and MOU, and Certificate by Registrar of Companies (CR12).
Latest bank statements (minimum 12 months) for other Bank Accounts held by the company and related companies.

There are alot of opportunities up for grabs. This facility is available to customers, at all Co-op Bank branches countrywide. Visit to talk to an agent, or check online to learn more.

My Hustle: To Quit High-Salary Job to Almost Starve in a New Business

Posted on November 12, 2022 by Kibaki Muthamia

What’s your opinion on the perfect job?

While people desire and actively chase different jobs it’s all grounded on the premise of stability and financial goals.

How do you explain a scenario where a well paid employee in a stable career suddenly quits to found a start up? It’s crazy.

Take the case of Nduta, now in her mid-30’s.

She’s married, with two kids in primary school. She’s spent a decade, climbing up the ladder in the human resources department of a middle-tier firm.

The job pays well – the family lives in the suburbs, good schools, drives a decent sedan and an annual vacation.

It’s an easy job. What makes it easy is that she walks out of the office exactly at 4pm. She works Monday to Friday, accumulates leave days.

She doesn’t get work emails and texts over weekends, or asked to attend any Zoom meetings. She can call in sick, if need raises – which is often for a young parent.

Nduta is content and happy at her workplace. But, suddenly, an uncontrollable itch bites.

She wants to brand herself differently. There’s more to life than just a 8 to 5, right? She starts to believe, inspired by her earlier challenges to refurbish and decorate her house. She had imported all her materials.

Could I not bridge the gap, with the importation of cutlery and interior decor fittings?
Nduta does some basic internet search on requirements, then quietly registers a firm.

Then, she quits her job.

Her husband thought she was bat crazy. How could you? It didn’t help much that she had little to support her business idea, well – other than a ‘gut feeling’.

To her, it felt much getting a new baby. In every aspect, it was exactly like having a baby. She gave alot of hours, weekends, late night calls and texting….

It took alot to get the new business going. Sometimes, she’d even forget her children’s birthdays!

There were lots of dry spells, zero business.

Nduta would use these spells to invest in herself. She started attending business forums and building networks. She learnt the skills and tricks of trade.

It’s in a trade forum, Nduta gained the solution for her major headache – CAPITAL. She learned about trade finance.

Now, she’s in a position to handle large orders, and has gainfully started seeking big tenders with county governments.

Trade Finance refers to an external source of working capital finance. It is a form of short-term credit typically used by companies that export or import goods. It’s usually secured against goods, or backed by an insurance policy.

In Kenya, Co-operative Bank has demystified trade finance for their business customers, by availing various instruments.

These instruments are:

Bid Bonds
Letters of Credit
Performance Bonds
Custom Bonds
Advance Payment Guarantees
Credit Guarantees

In this regard, Co-op Bank has made local and international business flow easier, by offering crucial business solutions.

These include:

LPO Financing
Bills Discounting
Invoice Discounting
Post Import Finance/Import Duty Finance
Supply Chain Finance/Distributor Finance

Well, trade finance business solutions is available to Co-op Bank customers at all branches countrywide.

Visit a Co-op Bank branch, or click here to learn the benefits and requirements needed to secure this funding for your business.

Co-op Bank Named Best Overall at Kenya Bankers’ Association Award Gala

Posted on October 3, 2022October 3, 2022 by Kibaki Muthamia

Co-operative Bank celebrates winning a prestigious award, recently being named Overall Winner at the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) 2022 Sustainable Finance Catalyst Awards.

The Awards were created to recognize institutions that practice sustainable finance which has a direct positive impact on the financial sector, the economy, the environment and the society at large.

Sustainable Finance Principles require financial institutions to balance their quest for financial returns with the economy’s future priorities and social-environmental concerns.

In addition to scooping the overall title, Co-op Bank also won in specific award categories that include being named as the Most Innovative Bank in Sustainable Finance and the Best Bank in Financing Commercial Clients.

Equity Bank emerged second overall and KWFT third. The selection exercise took three and half-months, with 43 entries submitted by 16 financial institutions.

This is the third time in five years that Co-op Bank has emerged victorious in the sustainable finance awards, having won the overall title again in 2017 and in 2019.

The latest award adds to other recent recognition Coop Bank has received for the strong credentials in Sustainable Finance and related sustainability practices.

The bank was named as Best Bank in Sustainable Finance in Kenya at the 2019 Energy Management Awards hosted by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers and also named Overall Winner in Environmental Sustainability Report at the 2019 East African Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards.

Businesses were appraised on whether they have covered the essential indicators which included the impact to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the growth of the business, job creation and support of minority groups including women and the youth.

In respect of the award, Co-op Bank has released a citation:

Co-op Bank emerged winner as a result of building a sustainability strategy that enables people, businesses and society to grow in a way that is sustainable in the long-term.

The awards showcase firms that demonstrate a progressive stance in integrating sustainability practices in their respective institutions.

Commenting on the recognition, the Group Managing Director & CEO Co-operative Bank, Dr. Gideon Muriuki;

“Sustainability is fully integrated in our business model that stands on the three pillars of Economic sustainability, Social sustainability and Environmental stewardship.”

“As a bank that is predominantly-owned by the 15 million-member Co-operative Movement, we are inclusive by design that has not only enabled us to deliver shared prosperity today, but also helped us build an awareness and prudence to avoid putting future generations in jeopardy.”

Co-op Bank awards in other categories include;

1. Most Innovative Bank
2. Best in Financing Commercial Clients
3. 1st Runners up – Best Sustainable Finance
4. 1st runners up – Best in Covid-19 Response
5. 2nd runners up – Best in MSME Financing.

Meanwhile, Co-op Bank has unveiled an ambitious 100% financing loan package for used cars.

Car Shopping: Do You Pick Manual or Automatic Transmission?

Posted on September 30, 2022October 3, 2022 by Kibaki Muthamia

When making the choice to purchase a particular car, the gear set up plays a huge role. The choice plays between a manual and automatic transmission.

Each choice has advantages driving it, but it largely depends on the buyer.

Automatic transmission do the engagement and dis-engagement of the clutch on its own. It selects the appropriate gear according to the driving conditions. The driver just has to select whether he has to go forward, reverse or park his car.

In a manual transmission car the driver has to engage and dis-engage the clutch on his own and has to select the gear according to the way he drives.

There are different forward gears rated for different speed. Most modern car have 5 forward gears and 1 reverse gear.

Most car brands in Kenya have either modes in each of their models. What, then, influences the choice between the manual and automatic versions for the buyers?

Presently, the automatic car has gained popularity. It presents lots of advantages – but, not necessarily better.

Automatics cars are comparably easier to drive, demands less driving experience. Moreso, in city scapes with frequent traffic jams, and in the hills – it’s not a walk in the park driving bumper to bumper on a slight incline.

Besides, automatics are extremely reliable with minimal maintenance – no clutch to fry or wear out with inconsistent shifting.

Manual cars build up a strong counter attack in analysis. Manual car driving is definitely more fun. There’s more of a “driver feel”.

You can control shifting better, presenting an ‘all-round feeling of control’ – which, incidentally – appeals to car fanatics and first time car owners.

Besides, the convenience factor comes into play. Manual cars can be started even with a dead battery, by a method referred to as jumpstarting.

Manual car drivers brag of a slightly better fuel economy, and with enthusiasts with access to engine tuning and mods – a better acceleration.

The latter argument (acceleration) depends with the model, though – and, nature of the build – a sports car presents better acceleration than a family van, for example.

Manual cars pale in popularity by the virtue of human skill and experience needed to perform well.

Like, city driving is an hassle. Unlike an automatic, the mental work that your mind does for understanding and deciding what gear to keep the car in to prevent stalling weighs on the driver.

Also, getting the best mileage on fuel economy is dependent on the driver’s experience.

Automatic cars absolves the driver of that headache, especially on long, tiring drives.

For what it’s worth, either transmission in a car doesn’t overly affects performance. This bears on the driver’s experience, and aptitude. It’s prudent to practice on both types of transmission before making a purchase.

The dream of owning a car is now so much easier, thanks to a financing deal on pre-owned cars unveiled by Co-operative Bank.

It’s quite simple – anyone with an income can walk into a second-hand car dealership and make a choice – then, source financing from Co-op Bank.

It’s a loan with a flexible repayment period between 60 and 96 months and targets pre-owned cars less than 8 years old.

It attracts only 13% interest, and the vehicle being purchased acts as the security.

Requirements include:

Applicant’s ID and KRA PIN Certificate
Letter of Introduction from the employer
Latest 3 months’ certified Pay slips
Latest 6 months’ bank statements (if you’re not banking with us)
Copies of employment contract, or letter of appointment
Motor Vehicle Sales Agreement/Proforma Invoice
Copy of Logbook/Import Documents/NTSA search records
Original valuation report from approved valuer in the Bank’s panel

Once you visit a Co-op Bank branch, you’ll get an application form – fill it and attach necessary documents.

Click here, to learn more about Co-op Bank pre-owned car financing loan. It’s time to fulfill that dream to own your car!

Buying a Secondhand Car? The 10 Key Points to Check Before Purchase

Posted on September 30, 2022October 3, 2022 by Kibaki Muthamia

Let it be that time comes – as it always will – that you get to own a car. It’s a milestone of sorts, often achieved with great sacrifice and meticulous planning.

A bit of research gets you settled on a relatively used model, instead of a brand new one. It makes better financial sense.

In a sea of used-car options, it get mind boggling picking the right one. It doesn’t help that dealers and salesmen hover around a buyer like sharks angling for a kill.

It’s easy to be led into buying a rust bucket.

Once you identify a prospect, it’s prudent to seek the expertise of a certified mechanic for the particular brand, with enough experience for the test drive.

Here’s a tentative list of 10 vital boxes to tick in your car quest:

Registration Documents

First check if all the papers are cleared, and owner have all the papers. Insist on hard copies – not just virtual copies. A lot of times, the car may have financing terms attached, be sure to verify any loans are cleared.

Engine

Every car’s heart is the engine, so first start with the engine. Try to check it early morning while the engine is cold. At this time, any problems with starting are easy to spot.

How much time or trials does it take to start the engine, Then, turn off engine and restart again. Do it at least 4–5 times. If there’s a hard start, take note of a dying starter or battery.

Engine Noise

Is there a noticeable noise in the engine? Here’s a good reason to seek opinions of a experienced mechanic.

Take the engine to the extreme – like, press acceleration to the 3000–4000 RPM mark. Listen for engine noises, rattling or shaking. An engine with worn mountings easily shows.

Smoke

Check if engine emits a black or white smoke. White smoke – possibly due to turbo failure or other reasons as well, black smoke – engine repairing need.

In some cases, fuel sensor failures manifest in irregular smoke emissions. So check with the owner if engine is tuned well and all sensors are working perfectly.

Oil Leaking

An oil leak speaks lots about an engine. Perhaps, it’s been opened up, or replaced. Also, gaskets and oil seals may need replacement if oil leaks from any part of engine or inside the hood.

Does the engine show signs of a recent scrub? That could be a sign of hiding an oil leak.

Electrical Parts

It’s prudent to check every electrical component of the vehicle. Whether they are working, or needs replacement.

This includes: Headlights and indicators, seat belt warning sensors, windshield wipers, power windows, side and rear view mirror adjusters, sunroof mechanism, and so on.

Instrument Cluster

Turn on the key, check the instrument cluster for any warning lights. Probable warnings to look out for include: Battery sign (low or defective battery), Defective alternator, Engine oil sign, ABS (Anti lock breaking system), Airbag Sign, EPS (Electronic Power Steering), and so on.

It may require a computerized diagnosis done to resolve some of these pop ups.

Interiors

How is the interior? This is the easiest sign to show an abused car. An astute owner keeps a clean, well kept interior devoid of torn seats and linings.

Is the dashboard, seat fabrics, door liners, seat covers in good condition? Stained? Torn? That gives an overall care acumen of the previous owner.

Exteriors

Does the car show dents and scratches? Are their parts of the car that need paintwork? Is there a color difference on some body parts?

If there is, take note of undeclared accidents, and abuse. If the car has been overly exposed to weather elements, be mindful of costly paintwork a few weeks down the road.

While at it, examine headlights and tail lamps. In what condition are they, do they need replacement, cleaning or complete restoration to optimum condition? That means extra costs.

Tyres

Depending on type of car, and intended usage tyre condition is a vital area. Tyres should be in relatively good condition. Do they have noticeable treads? What’s the brand? Generally, generic brands means replacement a few weeks later on.

How are the rims, and their sizes? It depends – urban usage may do fine with smaller rim sizes, while offroad requires bigger sizes. If the car has alloy rims, be keen to spot possible cracks or bends.

You don’t want a situation that gets you purchasing costly alloy rims after you take ownership.

Purchasing a car is quite financially exhausting, and has been beyond reach for many people.

Previously, bank financing has been confined to brand new cars. Co-op Bank has unveiled an incredible financing package on Pre-Owned Cars.

The bank offers to fund you up to 100% for a pre-owned motor vehicle. It’s a low-interest loan, at 13% interest with a flexible repayment period of between 60 and 96 months.

What’s more? One doesn’t need to be a Co-op Bank client to access the pre-owned car financing facility.

As soon as you make your choice of model in a second-hand car dealership, walk into a Co-op Bank branch and speak to a representative.

Follow this link to learn more about Co-op Bank Pre-owned car financing terms.

Thrown From the Nest: Moving out Ignited Business Spark for Car-wash Entrepreneur

Posted on August 30, 2022August 30, 2022 by Kibaki Muthamia

While human beings are generally wired differently, Tony believes the Creator went a yard further on him. From childhood, his mother would often remark of him ‘being too grown up’ for his age. He was different.

Tony didn’t like playing estate soccer or hang out with his peers. He couldn’t find anyone in his circle who liked crossword and jigsaw puzzles enough to make a friend.

Despite growing in a relatively comfortable middle-class household, the urge to move out hit as soon as Tony did his high school papers. His mother flat out refused. He couldn’t explain why, but – to be honest – he didn’t know why.

To her chagrin, he moved out – to a tiny bedsitter on the outskirts of town.

The house was quite bare – his old mattress, a kerosene stove, two pots and a few bowls. He’d picked a few oranges off his mother’s fruit rack. As Tony sprawled on the mattress, chewing an orange – he realized it’s the freedom! He was an adult, finally!

Well, just a week in – it dawned on what adulting is all about.

See how people learn to swim, starting slow? Some exercise on dry land – breathing exercises – starting on the shallow end to polish skills till you can strike out on your own? Moving out is nothing like that.

It’s more like jumping in a pool without being able to swim, but you don’t know you can’t swim until you hit the water. You thought you had it all figured out (I mean, how hard can it be, right?), and before you know it, you’re waving your arms around not knowing what to do.

Tony needed stuff. Food to eat. Soap for laundry. Some oranges not from his mother’s fruit rack. While he’d never liked TV in his family home, he started missing the background noise. To walk back home was not an option. No, he couldn’t face the silent I-told-you-so’s in his mother’s eyes.

Tony walked to a car wash lot in the neighborhood, asked for the manager – and asked for work.

“Ah, alright. You start tomorrow…” Says the guy, sitting on a tall wicker chair.

The car wash was ran on an interesting business structure. Tony wouldn’t earn a salary, or wages – instead, he’d solely source for his clients. He’d work on their cars – and, he’d pay a modest Ksh100 to the manager for every car.

No one cared how much he charged per car. There were a few other guys hanging around.

Tony was new. He didn’t have any ready clients. That’s where his mother came in. He called her, broke the news and asked to clean her car. Trust maternal love, she drove across town – his son’s first client.

As she paid and tipped – perhaps, too heavily – Tony coaxed her to bring him her friends.

Tony was shoddy at first, but as he gained experience so did his client base grow. He built a reputation for his consistency, and honesty. Suddenly, he had too many clients to handle.

At this point, Tony had to learn something new: Polish his people skills – as the need to outsource labor arose.

As soon as the car wash opened, he’d approach a few friends – and coax them to accept some of his clients. He’d be getting a cut, acting as the car-wash agent. It worked. The idea flourished, money started flowing in.

He’d throw in client bait like wax polish and car interior scents at no extra cost to the client, on their 3rd visits.

It certainly felt good earning money. There’s such excitement buying new stuff! A few weeks back, Tony wouldn’t think of himself running a bank account. Now, he had an active personal and business account at Co-op Bank account.

For a budding entrepreneur, a Co-op Bank account works perfectly – thanks to MCo-op Cash, their innovative banking app. It’s much easier to deposit money direct to bank account, and to track daily spending.

Oh, checking account balances via the app is free!

MCo-op Cash brings convenience to transfer money from account to account or from bank account to a mobile money accounts. Besides, one enjoys access to other global money transfer solutions like Pesalink, Remitly and others.

To register dial *667# or download MCo-op Cash app on Playstore for Android, or Applestore for IOS.

My Campus Hustle: How Greed For Smokies Made My Business Fail

Posted on August 30, 2022August 30, 2022 by Kibaki Muthamia

My first business venture came around in campus, second year. It was nothing meticulous, or well thought-out. I just chanced upon a couple of seniors disposing stuff weeks to their final exams. It’s a regular comrade thing, to pass off campus ‘survival tools’.

Assorted comrade stuff was on sale, from weathered printers, dart boards, blenders to some quite ageless Pentium 4 computers.

I’d purchase a Smokie trolley – for a side hustle. The trolley was functional, and guaranteed to make campus stay easier with good weekly returns. Plus, I’d inherit business goodwill: a coveted spot at the hostels entrance.

I’d be at my spot every evening after classes, selling Smokies and Kachumbari. The Smokie business was, and is still great. The capital was quite low; just buy a fairly used trolley – at, say Ksh4,000.00. Besides, it didn’t attract other expenses like county permits, rent or utility bills.

Easy enough, right? Wrong! I didn’t last a week – selling Smokies!

I largely blame it on my background – I didn’t grow up around Smokies! I simply found them irresistible! As an investor, I’d often blur the line to become the client.

It’d depend on the day; campus traffic was heavier on Mondays and Tuesdays. On these days, I’d handle three or four dozens of Smokies, daily. The hostels are deserted over weekends.

Once I got the first batch roasted, I’d have one Smokie, to ‘kufungua biashara…’

After a few minutes, I’d have another Smokie, to ‘kuskia kama ziko sawa…’

I’d prepare the hallowed kachumbari, the must-have accompaniment. No one, absolutely no one enjoys Smokies without kachumbari.

I’d have another Smokie, to ‘make sure kachumbari iko sawa…’.

In the first quarter of an hour of the business opening, the investor has consumed three Smokies – before the first client has made a purchase. Hey, they were irresistible. I first came face to face with a Smokie in my 20’s!

In the village, we ate leftover Ugali for breakfast – not Smokies, bacon or assorted meats!

Then, friends will either make or break your business. I learnt that business tip, the hard way.

A friend comes, he’d ask to have a Smokie to ‘kufungua biashara, nitakuwa customer wa daily’. In my naivety, I’d fall for the lie. I suddenly had lots of friends! I was popular!

In my first week, I made little from my Smokies gig. The profit was negative, at an almost 100% loss rate. I had to call long-suffering mother to boost my capital. I couldn’t admit it, but I had literally eaten my stock! I loved Smokies! Before you judge, who doesn’t?!

Luckily, the novelty with Smokies had started to wear off into my second week of campus business. It’s like working in a bakery, the smell of bread is revolting. Or, working as a butcher – meat no longer calls the shots.

I started getting weary of Smokies. The smell turned repugnant and the sight revolting.

Unbelievably, that’s when the Smokie business turned around.

As an investor, I was my own worst enemy. I started recording good daily sales and building a solid reputation with clients. Gradually, I’d start a network – adding a series of trolleys and recruiting staff.

Towards my third year in campus I had become a business don, running a miniature Smokie empire! I’d hire a fleet of trolleys to freshers, make supplies and make rounds in the evening making collections.

I opened a Co-op Bank account at a local branch. I wanted more flexibility, so I downloaded MCo-op Cash app from Playstore. I had banking services at my fingertips. Campus environment is quite volatile, I didn’t want the risks that came with handling cash.

As I made collections, I’d immediately send them to my account, via MCo-op Cash. It helps alot that checking Co-op Bank account balances is free. I learnt an easy way to transfer money between bank accounts.

As my safety net, I’d make weekly deposits to my mother’s Co-op Bank account as savings.

Besides making deposits and money transfers easier locally, MCo-op Cash offers a rich boutique of money transfer solutions offered by Co-op Bank on a global level. For Android users, click here to download MCo-op Cash app from Playstore. For IOS users, MCo-op Cash app is available here on Applestore.

Or, just dial *667# to register.

The Kenya Airlift Program: How We’ve Sent over 50 Kenyan Students Abroad on Scholarship

Posted on August 11, 2022August 11, 2022 by Kibaki Muthamia

A relatively rural ward with an easy-to-forget name is rapidly becoming an household name, thanks to the stellar exploits of her representative at the Meru County Assembly. This is Abogeta West Ward, made global by her MCA – Hon. Dmk Kiogora – one of the brains behind the highly successful Kenya Airlift Program.

The Kenya Airlift Program is an award-winning program structured to alleviate financial challenges Kenyans face when pursuing dreams of furthering their studies in the US.

Hon. Dmk Kiogora in an undated image with two of his students (file image)

Not only does the program enable access to affordable American schools to study, but also facilitates funding for Masters’ Degree programs. This includes tuition, living and relocation expenses in the US.

The other person of interest in The Kenya Airlift Program is Bob Mwiti, the mercurial Managing Director of a US-based consulting company known as Appstec America. This firm is committed to helping immigrants secure education & IT job opportunities in the USA.

Both are Meru natives, but this partnership was borne of their experiences abroad.

Bob Mwiti moved to the USA in 2009, for college – and faced lots of challenges securing employment as an immigrant. He’d later land a job as a Systems Analyst/Consultant in a Fortune 500 company in the US – and later found the organisation to help ease transition for other immigrants.

Dmk Kiogora would become an MCA in Abogeta West, and join a bench marking trip to the US – ends up meeting Bob Mwiti. They’d agree on a partnership, make an effort to Airlift brilliant Kenyans who wish to study IT-related master’s programs at select Universities in USA.

Kenya Airlift Program Co-founder Bob Mwiti (file image)

The prolific politician has since become the face of the Kenya Airlift Program.

To help finance the program, he facilitated registration of The Airlift Sacco (TAS). The program has since weathered teething problems, and as at August 2022, managed to secure sponsorship – tuition, accommodation, travel and Visa – for over 50 scholars recruited across the republic to the USA.

There’s an autonomous application process via the program’s portal, with a detailed qualification and vetting process.

Minimum academic requirement to join this program is an aggregate of a B (plain) in KCSE and a Bachelor’s degree in any field. You must be willing to study an IT-related master’s degree in USA regardless of your Bachelor’s major.

It’s never been easier to study on scholarship, secure work and live in the USA.

An upsurge of global affiliations in education and business circles has prompted local stakeholders in banking and finance industry to adjust with relevant money transfer solutions.

To plug this demand, Co-op Bank has led the pack by unveiling a rich bouquet of money transfer solutions. Co-op Bank has built a solid reputation with fast, secure, affordable money transfer solutions.

For instance, Remitly is fast and secure to send money to Kenya from US, Canada and other European countries. With a Co-op Bank account, you also have access to MoneyGram and Western Union to receive or send money from anywhere in the globe.

In-country, money transfer is easy with Pesalink that links Co-op Bank accounts, or externally transact with other banks. Business deals are easier to deal!

Click here to sample lots of other options on the Co-op Bank money transfer solutions bouquet.

KWS Surgeons Save Iconic Lion Injured in a Warthog Attack From Jaws of Death

Posted on July 11, 2022July 12, 2022 by Kibaki Muthamia

Like a fruit that doesn’t fall far from the family tree that delighted in a generational line of teachers – I studied education in college.

However, on the hustling trail that precedes formal employment, I stumbled into the tours and travel industry – purely by chance. I was hooked.

A tour guide, a profession that largely mirrors my passions: travelling, wild living and culture.

The Masai Mara Reserve would be my on-job-training hub and career launch pad.

Tour guiding came easily to me. It’s a bit of a craft, and mostly an innate personality-driven vocation. Are you a good storyteller, passionate about a place you are showing? That’s a thing.

A cropped image of the Mara lion Sikio Kali, showing his nipped left ear (file images)

For example, the Mara Reserve enjoys huge coverage online – visitors would probably have read the text. As their guide, my job is to give stories and anecdotes they won’t learn from the web.

Don’t be boring. Do not roll off facts like a robot – throw in a joke to break the ice.

As a rule, try to learn everyone’s name. Make new networks, new friendships. I have made lifelong friends from abroad, through our excursions in the Mara.

These friendship bonds have been made bolder through human-wildlife interactions.

In June 2021 as a newbie, I was assigned a group of tourists from the United States. They’d been following a pride of lions in the Mara known as The Four Musketeers, for years.

Tragically, one member of the lion pride – Scarface – had then just died, from natural causes on 11^th June, 2021.

Scarface, the lion – had earned the moniker by a slash across his right eye – from a territorial fight.

That episode cemented in me the seriousness of my job. Locally, few people knew about a lion pride that ruled Mara like a kingdom, named “The Four Musketeers”.

Fewer still, cared that a lion had died. Yet, I’d meet a bunch of Americans visiting to commemorate the passing of the “World’s Most Famous Lion”.

That pride had three other lions: Sikio Kali, Hunter and Morani.

I’d make life-long friends in that expedition. They’d keep in contact from the USA, checking up on me – and, of course, keeping tabs with the surviving members of The Four Musketeers.

Fast forward, to June 2022 – I was at the coast on my annual leave.

Sikio Kali, the surviving leader of The Four Musketeers lion pride – is in trouble. Oh, wait. Sikio Kali was born in 2005, and earned the name due to his most distinguishing feature – a severed left ear. He lost most of it in a territorial fight.

I got a call from one of the American friends, from the initial 2021 expedition. He’d learnt from a park ranger’s social media page that Sikio Kali was in trouble.

It’s a dangerous life for a predator in the Mara, even for a lion. It’s a life or death affair catching dinner.

Now, Sikio Kali had got on the wrong business end of a warthog’s tusks in a dinner operation gone awry. He’d suffered nasty gushes from the warthog’s tusks.

Warthogs, alongside buffalo and wildebeest – are very dangerous prey – tusks and horns.

Luckily, hawk-eyed Masai Mara rangers spotted the ailing lion, in the nick of time. Sikio Kali’s wounds had already gone septic, filled with maggots.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Mara Mobile Unit found the lion. The team manually cleaned, disinfected, sewn him up and administered antibiotics.

Sikio Kali is well on the way to recovery.

The lion’s friend in the US couldn’t travel to witness the operation. He’d asked me to chronicle the whole process for his collection on The Three Musketeers pride.

As I was on leave, he’d offered to facilitate my movement back to Nairobi, and purchase basic video equipment. A flight ticket, and a few day’s stay in an hotel in the city.

I felt like a global photographer!

I realized it’s as easy as ABC to send money globally, instantly and safely through a Co-op Bank account, via Wave.

Wave is a fast, safe and affordable way to send money from the United States into your Co-op Bank account. The Wave App is available for download on Google Play Store or the App Store.

Besides Wave, Co-op Bank has other equally safe and instant money transfer solutions either locally or globally, suited for different regions.

Check here for the full Co-op Bank Money Transfer solutions bouquet.