Catalyst Awards Overview

Why Enter the Catalyst Awards?

Since 2016, KBA has proactively recognized financial sector players for their commendable progress in creating long-term value for their clients, firm, economy and the environment under its Sustainable Finance Initiative (SFI) Catalyst Awards.
The Award accords firms with a unique opportunity to showcase their industry leadership and their role towards promoting sustainable development through embedding the KBA SFI Guiding Principles.

SFI Catalyst Awards Overview

Kenya’s financial services sector has been identified as a key engine of real economic growth. Due to the sector’s active involvement in financing various critical sectors, KBA has actively built capacity and promoted Sustainable Finance practices to enable financiers to have an appreciation of creating long-term value.

To this end, the Association is honoured to have established a unique platform where firms which exemplify their sustainability prowess can be celebrated. Institutions that are honoured through the Awards will have an opportunity to leverage on the recognition to attract clients and partners which will further contribute to their successes.
The key dates this year are as follows:-

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).