The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) has elected NCBA Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive John Gachora as its new Chairperson.
Mr. Gachora previously served as Vice Chairperson and takes over from Mr. Joshua Oigara, KCB CEO, who chaired the KBA Governing Council for the past three years.
The association also elected Family Bank CEO Rebecca Mbithi as the Vice Chairperson and the two will both serve at the association for the period 2021 to 2022.
“I congratulate John and Rebecca on their election. I am proud of the progress we have made collectively, and you can count on my support,” said Oigara.
Oigara lauded the KBA member banks for collectively supporting the Government at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic towards anchoring the economy, including by moving swiftly to zero rate various bank fees and charges, as well as, restructuring 54 percent of the industry’s loan portfolio to cushion businesses.
Mr. Oigara further appreciated banks for contributing Ksh.1.7 billion to the National Emergency Response Fund which, he said, underlined the industry’s longstanding responsive commitment to society.
KBA CEO Dr. Habil Olaka said he did not regret the service of the association under Mr. Oigara’s leadership.
Dr. Olaka highlighted the importance of promoting industrywide sustainability efforts, citing the Persons with Disability (PWD) Digital Accessibility project that was initiated by KBA in 2020.
“A pioneering initiative in the African region, the programme saw seven banks volunteer to have their digital service channels and products assessed. I am happy that the Digital Accessibility project’s recommendations were formally adopted by the KBA General Body, with 22 plus banks having already developed roadmaps to enhance the digital banking experience for customers and employees with disabilities,” said Dr. Olaka.
Dr. Olaka also welcomed Caritas Microfinance Bank, which joined the Association in 2020.
“We are confident the bank will contribute to our long-term vision of reinforcing the industry’s role in advancing Kenya’s sustainable economic development,” he said.
