Stanbic Bank, KBA boost deaf MSMEs business owners through financial training

Stanbic Bank and the Kenya Bankers Association are at the forefront to empower the deaf economically through Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Wrapping up a month-long financial literacy training for 200 deaf MSME owners enrolled in KBA’s Inuka program, the training is part of Stanbic Bank’s initiative designed to help entrepreneurs running small businesses to strengthen their financial situation and run their enterprises sustainably.

The training drew participants from Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado counties.

Through the Uwezo Fund and Youth Enterprise Development Fund, the government has been keen on supporting the abled differently entrepreneurs to access funds to facilitate the growth of their businesses.

In line with Stanbic’s initiative to partner for growth, the bank trained the participants on crucial financial management tips, including managing cash flows, keeping business records, loan management and understanding profitability.

KBA has been a driving force of inclusivity in service delivery and has championed product development targeted at the deaf communities.

For instance, they previously partnered with the Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Kenya, and Deaf eLimu Plus launched the Deaf Elimu Banking App, a self-training tool for bank-environment Kenyan Sign Language.

Globally, there is an urgent need for increased awareness of disability-inclusive development in line with the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which promotes the full integration of people living with disability in societies.

The country has also made significant progress to ensure that the deaf members of our society have access to information. It includes the 2010 constitution that recognises sign language as the language of the deaf.