Stanbic Bank Kenya, in collaboration with the Stanbic Kenya Foundation and the Kisii County Government have sealed a partnership aimed at empowering youth, women, and small businesses in the devolved unit, through innovative training programmes, access to finance, and market linkages.

Stanbic will deliver digital skills and entrepreneurship training, empowering participants to seize new economic opportunities.

It will also provide local enterprises with enhanced access to financial resources and broader market exposure, fostering a dynamic business environment in Kisii.

The Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Kenya & South Sudan Dr Joshua Oigara said the bank is excited to work alongside Governor Simba Arati's delivery team to nurture a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and enterprise.

"Our goal is to equip our youth and women with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed, thereby fuelling economic growth and community development across the region," Dr Oigara said on Thursday.

Governor Arati shared his perspective on the strategic benefits of the initiative, categorically stating that “this partnership with Stanbic Bank Kenya and its Foundation marks a milestone in our quest for sustainable economic growth.”

He said his administration is passionate about “investing in our people and their entrepreneurial spirit”.

"By doing this, we are not only generating employment but also cultivating a culture of innovation that will sustain our community's growth well into the future," Governor Arati said.

On her part, the Head of Stanbic Kenya Foundation, Pauline Mbayah noted that the aim of the initiative is to create a platform that not only addresses the immediate financial and educational needs of Kisii's population, but also builds long-term capacity for growth and innovation.

"By aligning our efforts with the needs of the community, we are ensuring that this partnership delivers sustainable benefits across the board," Ms Mbayah said.

The initiative seeks to leverage cutting-edge ICT solutions to enhance sectors that enable sustained growth in the county, including tourism and logistics.

Additional support will include the donation of computers, aiming to strengthen the county’s digital infrastructure and widen the accessibility of technological resources.

This milestone reflects Stanbic Bank Kenya's broader commitment to fostering economic empowerment and community development. 

The bank management maintains that it is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and prosperous society.

The partnership will also explore innovative financing models and business support services that cater specifically to the needs of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.

These efforts are designed to integrate MSMEs into larger corporate and governmental value chains, providing them with a stable foundation for growth and expansion.