Ornamental self-help group acquires minibus through Equity Bank’s investment loan

A drivers and conductors’ group in Kitengela has acquired a minibus for the commuter transport business.

It was a joyous moment for Ornamental Self-Help Group when they received their matatu purchased through chama investment loan from the Equity Kitengela branch. Speaking at the handover ceremony outside the branch, the Chairman of the 13 members group Samuel Mungai said the members were grateful to Equity for supporting their investment venture.

“Equity wametuonyesha wanajali maslahi ya customers na wanasikiza shida bila kubagua. Hii matatu tumenunua na loan yao. Hii partnership na Equity ilianza na savings za thao saba tu, around 2018.  Kuna officer wao ambaye hutufunza kuhusu pesa, mambo ya ku-deal na madeni, mikopo, bajeti na ku-invest (Equity listened to us and now we have our own matatu. This relationship with Equity began with Ksh7,000 in 2018. They trained us in financial literacy, how to save, borrow, and invest,” said Samuel, thanking his fellow chama members for their discipline and commitment to saving especially now when times are hard.

“Tutaendelea kushikana na Equity mpaka kila msee kwa hii chama akue na matatu yake. (We are determined to strengthen this relationship to ensure each one of us owns a acquires one) confirming that the member will increase their weekly savings towards the goals of each owning a vehicle.

“As we celebrate the success of this Chama, we encourage others, including women groups, youth groups, Ornamental self-help, and community groups to visit our branches for partnerships in financial literacy and entrepreneurship training. We aim to support customers, finance their initiatives with flexible security requirements, promote savings culture, and increase income levels for individuals and businesses,” said Equity Bank Kenya General Manager for Pamoja Banking, Benignas Muema, after handing in the car keys to the group.

Equity Kitengela branch BGDM Winnie Karani reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting businesses in the public transport sector.

“Today marks a significant step towards progress and growth as we flag off this minibus. Asset finance is not just about vehicles, machinery, or equipment. It’s also about creating jobs and enhancing livelihoods, as well as driving economic development,” said Winnie, highlighting a variety of other options for customers, including working capital solutions.

The matatu is an addition to over 80 other vehicles on the Nairobi-Kitengela route under the operator Rembo Shuttle Services. “Equity is a valued partner in growing our transport business through affiliate member groups like Ornamental that are expanding their fleets,” said Rembo Shuttle Services CEO Joseph Mwangi.