KCB Bank has launched a higher-education business proposition whose first phase covers 29 public and private universities. The bank will provide tailored financial and non-financial support for university operations, staff, students, suppliers and surrounding communities, with the goal of strengthening sustainability, growth and socio-economic impact across the sector.
What the university proposition includes
KCB’s new proposition is designed to address operational, developmental and social needs across participating institutions. Universities will access operational financing that covers project finance, infrastructure development, working capital and digitized payment solutions. The aim is to help institutions modernize how they fund, build and run day-to-day services, while improving how money moves within campus ecosystems.
“We are reimagining support for the country’s higher education sector. This initiative seeks to unlock new opportunities for the education sector while enhancing its sustainability, growth, and socio-economic impact,” said KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director, Annastacia Kimtai. “We recognize the pivotal role universities play in knowledge generation, innovation, and economic growth. We are therefore stepping in to co-create value with these institutions to ensure their long-term sustainability.”
Financial wellness for staff
Teaching and non-teaching staff will have access to a broad suite of personal financial solutions. These include salary advances, asset finance, mortgages, insurance and retirement solutions. Staff can also obtain prepaid and multicurrency prepaid cards, plus forex and investment options. KCB will complement the products with financial literacy sessions to strengthen financial well-being and long-term financial security.
Student-focused tools and pathways
Students will get fee payment plans and money-management tools such as student accounts and prepaid cards. The bank will also provide digital banking tools to build financial literacy. A three-month internship programme is planned to equip over 10,000 students with practical skills and industry exposure, creating a clearer bridge from the classroom to the workplace.
SMEs, suppliers and campus ecosystems
SMEs and suppliers linked to participating universities will receive support through affordable credit facilities and capacity building. Training and mentorship will be delivered to foster business growth, including through initiatives such as Partner Kwa Ground and targeted MSME financing. The goal is to improve reliability in university supply chains and expand opportunity for local businesses that serve campuses.
Community impact through KCB Foundation
Surrounding communities will benefit via KCB Foundation working alongside university-led CSR projects. Opportunities include enterprise development, environmental conservation and skills development under the 2Jiajiri program, plus scholarship programs. These activities are intended to multiply the social impact of the university proposition beyond the campus gates.
Why the timing matters
The announcement comes as demand for accessible and inclusive financing models in higher education rises. According to recent government data referenced in the release, many public and chartered universities face funding shortfalls amid growing student populations and infrastructure needs.
“We are seeking to collaborate with the private sector to drive the transformation of higher education. This initiative aligns well with government efforts to make higher education more sustainable, inclusive, and digitally enabled,” said Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary, State Department of Higher Education and Research.
Implementation and wider objectives
KCB says the ecosystem proposition will be implemented in collaboration with various public and private institutions. The bank frames the effort as part of a broader push to drive financial inclusion, youth empowerment and economic transformation in Kenya’s education sector.
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