The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) has launched the Centre for Sustainable Finance and Enterprise Development (CSFED) in partnership with WWF-Kenya, GIZ, and IUCN to encourage banks to develop solutions that support sustainable growth for society and the environment.
The centre aims to promote sustainable finance practices within the banking sector and support MSME transformation through capacity building and improved access to finance.
KBA chief executive Raimond Molenje emphasized that the centre will play a key role in greening the financial system and supporting enterprise development in Kenya.
He stated, “We are committed to supporting the industry in advancing the sustainable finance agenda in the country while also promoting financial inclusion for underserved segments, and enhancing MSMEs’ access to affordable finance.”
KBA also released the Assessment of Nature-Related Financing and Investment Opportunities Report, revealing that Kenya’s manufacturing, water resource management, environmental services, and agriculture sectors offer combined nature-related investment and financing opportunities valued at $100–150 billion over the next 5 to 10 years.
Mohamed Awer, WWF-Kenya Chief Executive Officer, highlighted that Kenya’s prosperity is deeply linked to nature, with nature-based sectors such as agriculture, tourism, forestry, and fisheries contributing about 42 percent of the country’s GDP.
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He said, “This report showcases the intersectional role the financial sector plays in driving a nature-positive economy and how we can close the biodiversity finance gap. Together, we can continue to chart a transformative pathway to economic resilience, climate stability, and inclusive growth for people and the planet.”
The report, conducted by Rebel on behalf of KBA, WWF-Kenya, and GIZ, identifies agriculture, wildlife conservation, and manufacturing as sectors with viable long-term opportunities for nature-friendly financing.
Agriculture is the most relevant sector for nature-positive outcomes, with investment and financing demand estimated at $500 million in the next six months, rising to $1.7–2 billion over the next two years.
Wildlife conservation requires $50 million in short-term financing, $200 million medium-term, and $1 billion in the long term. Manufacturing has potential for a “do no harm” approach, with demand projected at $1 billion short term, $4 billion medium term, and $20 to $30 billion long term.
The study calls for a stronger enabling policy environment, better data availability on nature-related investment opportunities, and enhanced technical expertise to scale Kenya’s nature-financing market.
Luther Anukur, Regional Director of IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa, said, “By integrating nature risks and opportunities in financial decision-making, we can unlock innovation, drive resilient growth, and protect natural capital that underpins our prosperity.”
