In 2016, KBA launched the Sustainable Finance Catalyst Awards and successfully celebrated institutions that practice catalytic finance which has a direct impact on the financial industry, the economy and the society at large. This year, we are looking to recognize exceptional institutions that have embedded Sustainable Finance Practices in their operations.
Through the award, banks and other financial institutions, will once again be accorded a unique platform to showcase their industry leadership and innovation while reinforcing the role they play towards sustainable development. In addition to being ranked as top among peers, institutions can leverage the recognition to attract clients and partners thereby contributing to further business success.
Key Dates:
- Call for Nominations: 10th June 2019
- Nominations Deadline: 10th September 2019
- Shortlisting and judging of Nominees: September to October 2019
- Awards Ceremony: November 2019
Award Categories:
Category 1
- Best Practice in Sustainable Finance
Category 2:
- Client Case Study – Financing SMEs
- Client Case Study – Commercial
- Client Case Study – Bank Operations
- Client Case Study – Promoting Gender Inclusivity
- Client Case Study – Financing the Informal Sector
Category 3:
- Most Innovative Bank
Category 4:
- Special Award – Best in Sustainable Finance in the East African Region
Category 5:
- Best in Customer Service
Category 6:
- Best Overall Award
Category 7:
- Most Improved Award
Members of the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) are eligible to submit entries for the Catalyst Award. Non-KBA banks, mobile network operators offering financial services or financial institutions, including development finance institutions, micro finance banks, pension funds, insurance companies and government agencies, may also submit an entry.
Entries will be accepted until 10th September 2019. Thereafter shortlisting of nominees and judging site visits will take place in September to October 2019. The winners will be announced and the awards presented in November.
Sustainable Finance Guiding Principles & Industry Standards
The Kenya banking industry in March 2015 adopted the Sustainable Finance Initiative (SFI) Guiding Principles that guide the banks in balancing their business goals with the economy’s development priorities and socio-environmental concerns.
The SFI Principles that were officially launched by the Central Bank of Kenya Governor Dr. Patrick Njoroge on 1st December 2015 are grounded in three main priorities, namely equipping the financial services sector to perform optimally in the area of comprehensive risk management; enhancing business practice, leadership and governance; and promoting industry growth and development by fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity enabled by new technology.
The Principles draw from and harmonize several global best practice standards, including the Equator Principles, IFC Performance Standards, Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles, African Development Bank (AfDB) Green Growth Policy, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Reporting Guidelines, UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP-FI) Guidelines, UN Global Compact Principles, ISO 26000:2010, and Kenya’s National Climate Change Policy (draft).
Download Catalyst Award Templates
Kindly download the entry template below, populate it with your firm’s submission and submit by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Category 1: Best Practice in Sustainable Finance
- Category 2A): Client Case Study Financing SMEs
- Category 2B): Client Case Study/Financing Commercial Client
- Category 2C): Case Study Bank Operations
- Category 2D): Case Study – Promoting Gender Inclusivity
- Category 2E): Financing and Supporting the Informal Sector
- Category 3: Most Innovative Bank
- Category 4: Best in Sustainable Finance in the East Africa Region
- Category 6: Best Overall Award