7th November, 2025…. Nakuru, Kenya. NCBA Bank has today hosted the third edition of its regional “Future-Ready Schools: Embracing Sustainability &Innovation” forum in Nakuru. The forum brought together private school owners, administrators and education sector stakeholders to explore how schools can leverage financing, sustainability and digital transformation to strengthen operations and support long-term growth.

The Forum highlighted NCBA’s full suite of SME solutions tailored for schools including SOMA Plus, a digital platform that automates school administration and fee collection, WASH Loans for financing sanitation and clean water infrastructure and Green Financing to support solar and energy-efficient upgrades that lower operational costs.

Speaking during the forum, NCBA Director, Commercial and SME Banking, Robert Kiboti said, “Schools are not just learning institutions; they are employers, community anchors and economic drivers. Our goal is to walk with them as long-term partners, not just lenders, providing financing tools that enable them to grow, digitize and operate sustainably.”

The education sector is a key driver in Kenya’s social and economic development, receiving a significant KES 707.2 billion allocation in the 2025/2026 national budget. With more than 10 million primary learners, 4 million secondary learners and a rapidly expanding private segment, the demand for modern, tech-enabled and financially sustainable school systems continues to rise. NCBA’s engagement aims to respond to these evolving needs by positioning schools as high-potential SMES that require customized support rather than generalized financing.

The school leaders also got insights on access to Asset Finance for buses, ICT equipment and learning facilities. The Bank highlighted the new Corporate Internet Banking platform – NCBA ConnectPlus, Soma plus and NCBA Tills that enable cashless, transparent payments and collections across all school transactions. To safeguard operations, NCBA’s Bancassurance provides insurance cover for property, transport, staff, students and fee income.

According to the Devolution Ministry, Nakuru County has shown strong momentum in school infrastructure and enrolment in the recent years, recording an 11.4% growth in the Early Childhood Development Centers.  Primary schools had a slight decline of 1.1%, and secondary schools reflected a 22.3% decrease in 2025.  Recognizing both the challenge and opportunity, NCBA is coming in to support the sector through tailored financing solutions, enabling schools to invest in modern infrastructure, overcome resource constraints and build their resilience to provide sustainable quality learning for every student in the county.

“For the first time we are seeing a bank that understands schools not just as borrowers, but as businesses that need digital tools, sustainable financing and protection. The solutions NCBA has presented today are exactly what schools need to stay competitive and future-ready,” said one of the participating school heads.