Nairobi, Kenya | 3 September 2026 – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) today signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration on sustainable finance, green investment, and inclusive green growth in Kenya.

The partnership establishes a framework for cooperation between the two institutions to accelerate the integration of environmental, climate, and sustainability considerations within Kenya’s financial sector while supporting the mobilization of public and private capital for sustainable development.

The MoU was signed by Ms. Nagnouma Kone, Manager for Africa Strategy and Partnerships and Head of Kenya Office at GGGI, and Mr. Raimond Molenje, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Bankers Association, during the launch of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) funded SYMBIOTIC Project in Nairobi.

The agreement comes at a critical time as Kenya advances implementation of its biodiversity commitments and seeks to unlock greater private sector participation in sustainable development financing.

Ms. Nagnouma Kone, Manager for Africa Strategy and Partnerships and Head of Kenya Office at GGGI 

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms. Kone emphasized the need to bridge the disconnect that often exists between entrepreneurs seeking financing and financial institutions seeking investment ready projects.

“For too long, entrepreneurs have said banks are not lending, while banks have said there are not enough bankable green projects. This partnership is about closing that gap. We are bringing together SMEs, financial institutions, and public sector actors to move beyond discussion and create real transactions that accelerate Kenya’s green transition.”

She noted that many small and medium enterprises, particularly women led businesses, continue to face challenges accessing finance due to perceived risks, while commercial lenders frequently cite a shortage of bankable green projects. Through the partnership, GGGI and KBA will work to strengthen dialogue between financial institutions, businesses, and government actors while supporting the development of sustainable finance solutions that respond to market realities.

Ms. Kone further highlighted that the collaboration will support efforts to de-risk green lending, strengthen the understanding of nature positive investments, and assist businesses in meeting bankability requirements. The partnership will also explore opportunities to advance sustainability linked bonds, green loans, and other innovative financing instruments capable of mobilizing capital towards sustainable and biodiversity positive investments.

Mr. Raimond Molenje, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Bankers Association

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Raimond Molenje, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Bankers Association, welcomed the partnership as an important step towards strengthening Kenya’s sustainable finance ecosystem.

“Kenya’s banking sector has a critical role to play in financing the country’s sustainable development ambitions. This partnership provides an opportunity to strengthen market readiness, build institutional capacity, and support the development of practical financing solutions that can unlock investment into sustainable and green growth opportunities across the economy.”

Under the agreement, GGGI and KBA will collaborate on strengthening sustainable finance policies and market practices, promoting green investment, building the capacity of financial institutions, supporting the development of bankable investment opportunities, and facilitating dialogue among key stakeholders across the financial sector and broader economy.

The partnership will also support joint technical assistance programmes, training initiatives, research, knowledge sharing, and investment facilitation efforts aimed at accelerating Kenya’s transition towards a resilient, low carbon, and inclusive economy.

The signing marks the beginning of a five-year collaboration that will bring together financial institutions, government agencies, development partners, investors, and private sector actors to advance sustainable finance solutions and mobilize capital towards Kenya’s green growth priorities.

Nagnouma Kone, Manager for Africa Strategy and Partnerships & Head of Kenya Office, GGGI and Mr. Raimond Molenje, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Bankers Association

About GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. GGGI works with governments, development partners, and the private sector to develop and implement solutions that deliver economic growth, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and social inclusion. In Kenya, GGGI supports national and county governments through policy advisory services, investment mobilization, capacity development, and implementation of green growth initiatives across key sectors of the economy.

About the Bankers Association

The Kenya Bankers Association is the umbrella body of Kenya’s banking industry, promoting a stable, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable banking sector through policy advocacy, industry coordination, research, and stakeholder engagement.

Media Contact:

GGGI Kenya Country Office
Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)
Email: info_kenya@gggi.org