By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
KCB Bank Group has brought
together policymakers and financial sector leaders to discuss how sustainable
finance commitments can be translated into capital and measurable economic and
social impact in Kenya.
The discussion brought
together Kenya’s Envoy for Climate Change, Amb. Ali Mohamed; FSD Africa CEO
Mark Napier; KCB Investment Bank Managing Director Maurice Opiyo; and Nairobi
Securities Exchange CEO Frank Mwiti.
The panel examined the
mechanisms required to mobilise financing for sustainable development and
strengthen the role of capital markets and financial institutions in supporting
Kenya’s environmental and social priorities.
Speaking during the
discussion, Maurice Opiyo outlined the structure and market application of the
KCB Sustainability Bond Framework, which builds on sustainability financing
practices adopted by the bank since 2018.
According to KCB, the
framework incorporates international standards covering green and social bond
guidelines and is subject to independent external review.
Capital mobilised under the
framework is expected to be directed towards 13 economic subsectors and six
dedicated social categories, with financing targeted at local enterprises and
economic activities aligned with long-term environmental and social objectives.
KCB said the initiative
forms part of its broader efforts to use sustainable finance to support
businesses and communities while contributing to Kenya’s environmental and
social development goals.
