Co-operative Bank of Kenya has entered into a three-year sponsorship deal with the Naivasha Horticultural Fair, strengthening its involvement in one of Kenya's main export sectors.
Horticulture remains a central part of the Kenyan economy, generating KSh137.3 billion (about US$1.06 billion) in export earnings in 2024 and providing employment for more than 40% of the population, according to the State Department for Agriculture.
Olive Ong'ele, Head of the Agribusiness Sector at Co-operative Bank, said the sponsorship was not only about visibility but about supporting the industry. "We are directly talking to 12,000 players in the industry because horticulture success is based on financial solutions reflecting real challenges," she said.
Flowers, vegetables, and fruit continue to be export priorities for Kenya. The Kenya Flower Council projects that flower exports alone could reach KSh110 billion (about US$851 million) in 2025.
The Naivasha Horticultural Fair brings together growers, exporters, suppliers, and service providers. It has developed into a platform for networking and knowledge transfer. Agriculture contributes 21.3% of Kenya's GDP and around 65% of export revenues.
At the fair, Co-operative Bank presented agribusiness products, including export finance and supply chain finance, along with tailored loan facilities. Bank officials also engaged with exporters and farmers to understand the challenges they face.
"Our role is to provide tools that do the job, be it supporting smallholder farmers in managing seasonal cash flows or equipping exporters with credit facilities to European markets," Ong'ele said.
Through its sponsorship of the Naivasha Horticultural Fair, Co-operative Bank stated that it is reaffirming its long-term commitment to agribusiness and the country's export economy.
Source: Business Voice