NCBA, in partnership with Strathmore Business School, today graduated 17 entrepreneurs under the 2026 Cohort of the Enterprise Development Programme (EDP), reaffirming its commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through capacity building, strategic partnerships, and sustainable business support.
Since the programme’s inception in 2016, a total of 354 NCBA SME banking customers have successfully undergone the Enterprise Development Programme. This forms part of NCBA’s broader SME empowerment agenda, which focuses on strengthening Kenya’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through tailored financial solutions, advisory services, strategic partnerships, and enterprise development initiatives.
SMEs remain the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing approximately 40 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounting for over 80 percent of employment opportunities across the country. As one of the largest contributors to economic growth, innovation and job creation, the sector continues to play a vital role in driving inclusive economic transformation and community development.
Speaking during the graduation, NCBA Director Commercial & SME Banking, Robert Kiboti said, “At NCBA, we recognize that sustainable business growth requires more than access to capital. SMEs need the right knowledge, leadership capability, and ecosystem support to thrive in an increasingly dynamic business environment. Through the Enterprise Development Programme, we are intentionally investing in entrepreneurs by equipping them with practical skills and strategic insights that enable them to scale sustainably and create long-term impact within their communities.”
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The 16-week programme, designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical business skills, leadership capability, and strategic direction, continues to play a critical role in supporting the growth of SMEs across key sectors including agribusiness, manufacturing, retail, logistics, and professional services.
The Enterprise Development Programme combines academic learning with practical coaching, peer-to-peer learning, and real-market insights, enabling participants to strengthen operational efficiency, sharpen strategic decision-making, and unlock sustainable growth opportunities.
Kiboti added that the initiative aligns with NCBA’s Ubuntu philosophy, which is anchored on the belief that shared prosperity is achieved by uplifting businesses, communities, and individuals collectively.
“The Ubuntu philosophy reminds us that progress is strongest when it is shared. By empowering SMEs, we are not only supporting individual enterprises but also contributing to job creation, innovation, and economic transformation across the country,” said Kiboti.
Since its inception, the EDP programme has continued to demonstrate measurable impact among participating businesses, with entrepreneurs reporting improved business structures, enhanced leadership capability, stronger financial management practices, and increased confidence in scaling their enterprises.
The graduation ceremony marks another milestone in NCBA’s broader mission to support SMEs beyond financial solutions by providing entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and tools required to scale resilient and future-ready businesses.
Through initiatives such as the Enterprise Development Programme, NCBA continues to position itself as a leading partner for SMEs by supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their growth journey and reinforcing its comml
