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Co-operative Bank through its MSME offering has taken customers to Shanghai and Yiwu in China for a business networking trip.

The trip will enable customers to create linkages for overseas business and build partnership opportunities as well as purchase various items at a highly discounted costs which will enable them to pass the discounts to their customers making their products competitive. 

 

The customers, drawn from across the country, will tour China, specifically Shanghai and Yiwu. In Shanghai they will visit one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, Nanjing and in Yiwu, they will visit Futian Market which is the biggest hub in China for all kinds of products. It is divided into 5 districts, each with various sections selling specific products.

In this trip, the customers will get to meet suppliers of electric appliances, electronics, hardware tools & fittings, telecom equipment, vehicles and many others. 

 

They will further visit markets for office supplies, sports equipment, stationery, cosmetics, beauty salon equipment, fashion accessories, beddings, curtains, fabrics, auto and motorcycle accessories, hair ornament and jewelry, festival arts and decorative arts. 

Speaking about the business trip, Co-op Bank Head of Business Banking, Moses Gitau stated, “From our engagement with various business customers, we know that their business needs go beyond finance; they also need exposure and networking opportunities with business practitioners, in Kenya and beyond the border especially in successful countries like China.

This trip will be instrumental to all the business customers who will travel as they will create linkages for overseas business and partnership opportunities” 

 

Later this year, in October, the Bank will organize another business networking trip to Guangzhou for the 126th Canton Fair. This is the largest trade fair in China with the largest assortment of products, largest attendance and with the largest number of deals made at a fair.

It is a unique experience where participants get to mix business with leisure. This trip is open for all business customers looking to travel to China for business. 

 

Co-operative Bank recently revamped its MSME offering and now has an arm in the bank which deals specifically with non-financial services for its MSME business banking customers. The bank retooled and refreshed the product offering to make it more responsive to the needs of MSMEs.

They have made available a substantial kitty of Ksh15.2 Billion for a package of loans that include an unsecured business loan, a first of its kind in Kenya, E-Credit through our MCo-op Cash App where businesses are able to borrow up to Ksh2 Million via their mobile phone, packaged insurance cover which are handpicked and specifically negotiated to suit various segments under MSME, revised and pre-approved limits on overdrafts and loans.

The loans will be supported by trade services that include Letters of Credit, guarantees, supply chain financing, among others. These services are available at all Co-operative Bank branches across the country.  

 

The vision for this revamped MSME offering from Coop Bank is to grow world-class entrepreneurs beyond the Kenyan borders. 

 

Sports CS Amina Mohamed, on Wednesday, made an appearance at the Safaricom Jazz Festival that was held at Carnivore Grounds.

The event meant to commemorate the International Jazz Day saw incredible performances from various African artists and culminated with the CS getting on stage to announce the amount raised from ticket sales.

"Celebrating African Jazz at the Carnivore grounds. Humbled by your support. Ticket sales proceeds were donated to the Ghetto Classic Music Program. Asanteni," she stated.

She presented the dummy cheque together with Safaricom Chief Customer Officer Sylvia Mulinge.

"Six years ago we began this amazing journey that has been Safaricom Jazz, by partnering with Elizabeth Njoroge to make her dream of using music to help underprivileged children come true.

"Through the support of everybody who bought a ticket, and through the support of all our corporate partners we can continue to make life-altering changes to the lives of the children in Ghetto Classics," Mulinge noted.

Jazz enthusiasts were assured of an unforgettable live music experience with world music and jazz fusion drummer, Paco Sery from Cote d’Ivoire and Malian musician, arranger and composer, Cheick Tidiane Seck headlining the edition.

There were supporting performances from Mandla Mlangeni and the Tune Creation Committee (South Africa), Sylwester Ostrowski and The Jazz Brigade ft. Freddie Hendrix (Poland and USA) and celebrated Kenyan jazz acts Nairobi Horns Project, Shamsi Music, Jacob and Kavutha Asiyo, Kato and The Change Band.

“Everything will be ok in the end - and if it’s not ok, it’s not the end!” That was a rather unconventional review from one of the lucky viewers, Kelvin, who got the first glimpse into the Avengers Endgame movie.

He was keen not to give away any spoilers.

To another fan, Cindy, “The wait was worth it, I laughed, I cried and was taken on an emotional roller coaster that only time can heal.”

The two were part of an exclusive screening at Century iMax Garden City mall on Wednesday, making them first in East Africa to marvel at the long-awaited movie.

What made them stand out to get invited for the premiere of Avengers Endgame? Being Blaze Ballerz!

Balling is a lifestyle maintained by a network of young people who espouse to the Greatness Requires Internal Toughness G.R.I.T. mantra. The go-getters who are about the disruption the status quo in the pursuit of their dreams.

On Wednesday, the Ballerz were treated to a red carpet event hosted by Entertainer Ronoh Chebet and Kenyan Actor Yafesi Musoke where they indulged, mingled and made merry. They also got the opportunity to make cinematic poses with Thor’s Stormbreaker.

The mood was electric as ballerz streamed into the venue in anticipation of the film.

30 minutes into the film and fans were on the edge of their seats when Iron Man did the unthinkable and killed… Oops, No spoilers!!

Exclusive to subscribers aged 26 years and below, signing up for Blaze Ballerz is as easy as dialling *555# where you can select the Ballerz deal.

Upon purchasing your preferred bundle, you will get an option to choose between 1 and 5 where you will unlock your free Ballerz bundles.

Depending on the number you chose, you can win either 50Mbs, 1GB of YouTube, Double Data, 10 mins, 1GB, 10Mbs or 100 Bob airtime.

And there’s more, there are 30 Playstation 4s to be won and all you have to do is take a screenshot of your deal and share it on Facebook or Twitter to win one.

Do more, Be unstoppable with #BlazeBallerz.

What’s in a celebration?

I will tell you.

It’s the good vibes, the amazing music, hearty food and the general feeling of euphoria that radiates with every hug, smile or clap by those in attendance.

You see, music transcends all boundaries, it connects us to one another, reminds us of who we are, speaks for us when mere words are not enough and it reflects our hearts emotions.

Coinciding with Labour day celebrations on May 1st is the International Jazz Day extravaganza in Nairobi brought to you by Safaricom Jazz.

This year’s theme is celebrating African Jazz and what better way to get your groove on than under the influence of the melodies of our continent’s maestros.

You are assured of an unforgettable live music experience with world music and jazz fusion drummer, Paco Sery from Cote d’Ivoire and Malian musician, arranger and composer, Cheick Tidiane Seck headlining this edition.

Not to mention the supporting performances from Mandla Mlangeni and the Tune Creation Committee (South Africa), Sylwester Ostrowski and The Jazz Brigade ft. Freddie Hendrix (Poland and USA) and celebrated Kenyan jazz acts Nairobi Horns Project, Shamsi Music, Jacob and Kavutha Asiyo, Kato and The Change Band.

You will also get to witness the incredibly talented children from Ghetto Classics music programme which has been supported by proceeds from Safaricom Jazz since 2014.

The funds have benefitted over 1,500 children from Nairobi and Mombasa and the proceeds from the 2018/2019 Edition will see the Ghetto Classics Schools programme extend to Kisumu.

Tag a friend along and hang out with the coolest peeps as you spend your holiday in style.

Regular tickets go for Ksh2,000 and Ksh500 for students and are available on M-Ticketing. Simply dial 1511 or visit Masoko.com and purchase your passes.

You can also buy tickets at Safaricom Shops or at the gate.

Gates open at 12 noon at Carnivore Grounds so come along and be part of this unmissable celebration of live music that moves you.

You are in the fourth month of the 52-week challenge. You’ve been faithfully making your weekly deposits but as the months go by, the amounts are getting higher demanding more from you.

As the screws get tighter you start to wonder whether you want to keep going and if the end goal is truly worth the struggle.

At this point, 52 weeks feels like a lifetime. But in that moment of weakness is when you realize what strength you truly possess.

You go back to the notes you made when you first decided to take up the challenge to reassure yourself and to take that pledge that you shall remain committed - Prove the naysayers wrong!

What was on your vision board?

Go Get That Certification

In your chosen career, getting an upper hand is as easy as getting that certification you keep postponing because you do not have the cash.

Moving on up means taking up more training like a Diploma in Project Management, or become a Certified Public Accountant when you work in Finances. If you are in the environmental field, why not go for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certification.

Many people have been forced to shelve their future education plans mostly due to the tight nature of running a household budget in these hard economic times.

This, therefore, should be the year you finally get that certification you have been eyeing and steer your career forward, the direction it really deserves.

Locking a given amount every week in your account will surely guarantee to get you in that classroom and onto greater heights with relevant training.

A vacation to Dubai You’ve Always Wanted

Earning yourself an exotic vacation to Dubai is not as hard as the world and some of your friends have led you to believe.

With little savings at a time, you can finally take yourself to one of the most enchanting tourist havens in the world. The best part is you taking a vacation at the end of the year, which is when it’s most enjoyable.

Have an Emergency Fund

Sometimes having some extra finance for unseen emergencies during the celebratory season of December and a better part of January is what every family needs.

The comfort of knowing that there are some funds to fall back on at the end of the year is pure bliss. Especially when the festive mood fades and the reality of pending bills checks in. Nobody knows what the future holds, but that doesn’t mean you should not prepare for it.

To Get That Business Off the Ground

In most instances, a person can have the perfect business idea, identify a loophole in the market but fail to actualize their dream simply because of lack of the requisite capital.

Here is the deal, saving small portions every week is guaranteed to live you with a huge chunk of capital able to kickstart the business you have always wanted. Some business ventures include; opening a clothing store, a dry-cleaning service, outside catering among others.

It's high time you took the leap and opened yourself some business.

Finally, Buy That Fridge or Leather Couch You’ve Always Yearned for

Buying expensive but necessary household items like furniture and electronics on a whim in most instances is generally impossible. It’s actually not even possible to make such purchases on a month’s salary.

It may, therefore, prove quite useful learning to save bit by bit so that at the end you will have a lump sum to acquire any household item you may need no matter the price.

So what was your end-game when taking up the 52-Week Challenge with Mshwari?

Shopping in an open-air market has been the norm for many Kenyans as a number of people thrift their clothes in markets such as Gikomba and Toi Market.

In as much as it is slowly becoming the norm, the thrift process can be a little hectic because clothes are put in bulk and one has to sift through in order to get something appealing.

The sun can also be a little bit nerve-wracking.

Although not every problem can be sorted out, here are a few tips on how shopping in an open-air market can be done more comfortably;

Dress simple

First, if you are a lady, it is good to ensure that you wear a spaghetti top and a skirt. The top and skirt makes trying out outfits easier.

Wear sandals as well in case you want to try out shoes. It is easy to remove sandals and fit any type of shoes you would like.

For the men a t-shirt and fitting jeans or a short could make it easy to fit clothes. Remember that open-air markets rarely have fitting rooms hence, it is good to organise yourself prior to the visit to avoid disappointment.

Most thrift clothes are bargainable, therefore, do not wear expensive clothes as they would give the impression that you are loaded. Simple outfits make negotiating prices a little bit easier.

Carrier Bags

With the ban of plastic bags, it is advisable to make sure you have a carrier bag as it saves you from buying another one, hence, saving you some money.

Even better, you can carry a backpack so that your hands are free and able to choose from a variety of items. A bag is also good for security purposes.

Trustworthy friends

Why not turn this shopping spree into a day out with your gang. The more the merrier right? It is very important to shop at an open-air market with trustworthy friends.

This is because you are able to get a second opinion on what looks good on you and also extra eyes are good for those blind spots - you know the stain on that shirt, or that hole in that pair of discounted jeans.

It also helps to get good deals especially when you buy as a group of people.

Get cash

Before embarking, you have to get some doh! 5K should be enough for some killer outfits. Luckily, you can withdraw money from Co-op Kwa Jirani agents who are located nearly everywhere.

You can request the agent to give you the money in smaller denominations of 200,100 and 50 bob notes as you head into the market.

If you are paranoid and don’t like to put your eggs in one basket, you can split your notes in different pockets.

Also, the small notes make it easier to complete quick sales.

Don’t buy anything wet

Wet shoes or clothes are a No! No! Don’t get fooled by the seller that it is just a little water that will dry out fine. The wetness makes the colours darker and doesn’t give you a true representation of the goods which may fade out when dry. It could be that they are just wet by coincidence but it is better safe than sorry.

Go early

Go as early as you can when the bales are still being opened. This will help you get more appealing clothes as not so many people will have had time to choose from the bale.

The six are tips that could be helpful next time you decide to visit an open-air market and obviously before wearing anything you’ve bought there, it is advisable to wash thoroughly.

Only one game in the world has earned the honour of being synonymous with beauty - that is football. If you Google the words "Beautiful game" the first page is filled with articles describing football.

The power of beautiful game cannot be underestimated as it has lifted players to incredible heights, sent the sanest of them into hysteria, made the strongest among them cry and brought giants to their knees.

In Kenya, the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom competition has brought out the passion in both the players.

The national tourney builds character in that it teaches trust, how to encourage as well as the importance of teamwork. The best players are the ones who are not only talented, but also those who gel well with their teammates.

Mombasa’s teams, Shimanzi Youth and Changamwe Ladies are the winners of Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Coast region finals.

The crowd’s favourites Shimanzi Youth triumphed after putting up a skillful match against Maweni United from Malindi scoring two goals to one within the regulation time.

The Most Valuable Player in the tournament, Cedrick Asmani netted the first goal for Shimanzi Youth giving the home team an early lead at 35th minute. Safari Juma scored the second goal at 45th minute to seal the win for Shimanzi Youth. Okwaro Dennis scored the consolation goal for Maweni United at 74th minute.

“We are very happy to have won the title this round. We lost it last season, but today is our happy day. The boys have been training so hard focusing on the top spot. We are not stopping at this because our eyes are set in the national finals. We will continue our trainings as we prepare for the national finals,” said Christine Nanjala, Coach Shimanzi Youth.

Changamwe Ladies clinched the top spot in the girls’ category after beating Malindi’s Solwogidi one goals to nil, thanks to Issa Hadwa last minutes’ header.

“It was a challenge to play on the tuft under floodlights because it was our first time ever to play under such conditions. Our opponents were tough as well but we managed to get a goal. Our win today is a great motivation to the team and we are determined to excel in the national finals,” said Joyce Hamisi, Top Scorer, Changamwe Ladies.

The 5th of 8 regional finals were played in the evening under floodlights with the Semifinals on Saturday kicking off at 3.00pm and the finals on Sunday starting at 6.00pm.

“Players’ welfare is a key component of Chapa Dimba na Safaricom tournament. The high temperatures in Mombasa during the day could greatly affect their performance and that’s why we felt the need to have the games played in the evening. We appreciate Safaricom for taking this into account and catering for the extra expenses.

"The teams are ready and we expect very competitive and entertaining football over the weekend,” Chapa Dimba na Safaricom Coast Region Coordinator Michael Karanja stated.

Mombasa teams Shimanzi Youth and Kaloleni United will square it out in the first boys' semifinal, while Kilifi’s Matsangaoni boys will take on Maweni United from Malindi in the second semi. In the girls’ category, Changamwe Ladies from Mombasa will face Kwale Starlets as Matsangaoni Ladies from Kilifi playing Malindi’s Solwogidi.

The winners will join Kitale queens and Al-Ahly FC from Rift Valley, Bishop Njenga Girls and Lugari Blue Saints from Western, Manyatta Boys and Ndhiwa Queens from Nyanza as well as Super Solico and St Mary’s Ndovea from Eastern for the June-slated national finals.

At the grand finale, the winning boys’ and girls’ teams will each walk away with Kshs1 Million shillings in prize money.

This year an all-star team will be selected to attend a training camp in Spain during which they will play against local youth sides.

Come cheer your favourite teams this weekend as you enjoy the best of Kenyan football.

You can also keep up to date on the games by dialing *455#.

#NaweKilaWakati

How does one redefine life in the city from the hustle and non-stop fast paced motion of everything? It’s simple really - by having a safe haven, a comfortable place you can call home, fitted with all you need and more, a space that is diverse and offers you all the possibilities to sustain the demands of a working environment and also one that allows you to unwind in a chilled-out setting.

You need an environment that is flowing with class, with style, love and security. That’s exactly what Cascadia apartments offers to those who move in.

Located in the robust setting of the Two Rivers Mall, Cascadia offers you modern technology amenities such as connectivity to smart devices, resident app, smart locks and access control with designated pick up and drop off locations for ride-sharing apps to offer convenience and added security to your home.

When it comes to social amenities, you are sorted by a wide array of activities offered at the mall.

If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, a ride at the tallest Ferris Wheel in Africa dubbed the Eye of Kenya will definitely get the hairs on your back standing.

As of 30th March, outdoor water sports were officially introduced giving those looking for a relaxing session fishing, cycling, boating, jogging, kayaking and much more, a reason to hang out at Two Rivers over the weekends.

Communal amenities at the roof deck such as the sky garden, recreation centre, and resident lounges are in plenty offering panoramic views of Two Rivers and Nairobi City.

When you want to enjoy luxurious downtime, Cascadia which is located within the thriving social city of Two Rivers affords you immediate access to fine dining restaurants, entertainment, fashion avenues, hypermarkets and plenty of green parks.

Other than offering competitive entry prices for investors, the apartments offer convenience, quality and luxury living for the potential homeowner.

On offer are 1,2 and 3-bedroom units +DSQ apartments and villas priced from Kshs 8.5 Million with convenient payment plans.

Talk to Centum Real Estate on +254 709 902 900, +254 742 342 722 or 742 342 724 or make a physical visit at 9th Floor (or 8th Floor), South Tower at Two Rivers for more information.

You can check out the apartments on their website and fill your contact details where a representative will get in touch with you.

You can also drop an email at sales@tworivers.co.ke.

Leading local vehicle assembler Isuzu East Africa (Isuzu EA) and Co-operative Bank of Kenya, have today announced a daily repayment asset finance partnership that seeks to address financial challenges faced by customers who reconcile their profits and losses daily.

The partnership, which is the first ever in Kenya, offers customers an option to repay their loans on a daily basis and is expected to take away the anxiety of an expected huge amount payment required at the end of the month, making it of the easiest and most affordable way to own Isuzu pickups and trucks.

Speaking on this development, Isuzu EA Managing Director Rita Kavashe noted that this program provided an opportunity for daily reconciliation customers to invest and grow their businesses.

“Our decision to partner with Coop Bank was informed by their business DNA, dealing with our customer base, the SMEs, their deep understanding of customer cash generation; and experience with SME customers’ business cycles.

"Today, we are happy to announce to a partnership that will see SMEs enjoy a raft of benefits. We strongly believe that this partnership will enable SMEs to grow their business without affecting their cash flow,” Rita explained.

Co-operative Bank Director for Retail and Business Banking, Mr. Arthur Muchangi emphasized the need for SMEs to take the opportunity to re-tool and renew their motor vehicle fleet at very affordable terms.

“Our message to customers is simple; if you desire to purchase an Isuzu bus, an Isuzu truck or a pick-up such as the famous D-Max, this is the best time. Through this partnership between Isuzu and Co-op Bank, customers will get up to 95% financing to purchase the vehicle of their choice, and in addition, be given a whole two months to use the vehicle before they begin repaying the loan.

"This will give customers space to generate cash to service the loan, which is to be repaid over an extended period of five years every day. For those Isuzu customers who also wish to boost the working capital of their business, we are providing an additional loan of Ksh300,000 to be repaid in 12 months,” Muchangi elaborated.

Mr. Muchangi added that the offer comes with a most reasonably-priced comprehensive insurance package priced at 4.75 percent of vehicle value (that includes Political Violence and Terrorism). In addition, Insurance Premium Finance is available to allow customers to pay insurance premiums in installments.

Rita further noted that the partnership with Co-op Bank was crucial, adding that Isuzu EA aims to make it easier for SMEs to access financing for their Isuzu products that SMEs strongly rely on to build, grow and sustain their businesses.

“Last year, we ran a series of ground activations to understand customer needs and expectations. And we took note of a group of customers that have a different business operation system that runs on a daily reconciliation system.

"We therefore took it upon ourselves to develop an innovative partnership that will benefit them and enable them to grow their business exponentially. For example, with 95 percent financing and 60 months repayment period, the daily repayment for an Isuzu D-Max pick-up is only Ksh2,577,” she explained.

This new and innovative partnership is targeted to help farm produce traders at Marikiti, meat traders from Burma market, hardware store owners, mitumba traders, upholstery traders from Kamukunji and Gikomba market areas.

In the partnership, Isuzu customers are set to enjoy Ksh 300,000 working capital to empower their business payable in 12 months, a 60-day repayment holiday that will allow SMEs to generate monthly installments, the lowest market negotiation fee of one percent and the longest repayment period of 60 months in the market.

The Co-operative Bank Group has reported a Profit before Tax of Kshs.18.2 Billion for Full Year 2018 compared to Kshs.16.4 Billion recorded in 2017.

The results were an impressive growth of 11% against the backdrop of a challenging operating environment in the period. Profit after Tax was Kshs12.7 Billion compared to Kshs11.4 Billion in the previous year.

Announcing the results, the group's managing director and CEO  Gideon Muriuki stated that the bank's operating model had equipped the business with added resilience to achieve the set strategic objectives, as reflected in the commendable performance in the period under review.

"The Group continues to leverage on the benefits of the “Soaring Eagle” Transformation Agenda that has re-tooled and equipped the business with added competitive edge as reflected in the sustained growth in market share across all market segments and Counties, which has progressively deepened our celebrated Financial Inclusion model rooted in the over 15 million-member co-operative movement, that is the face of Kenya," he conveyed.

The key financial highlights include;

Profit & Loss

Total interest income improved by 7% from Kshs 40.37 billion to Kshs 43.02 billion on account of; Interest income from government securities increasing by 19% from Kshs 8.21 billion to Kshs 9.79 billion and Interest income from loans & advances increasing by 3% from Kshs 31.94 billion to Kshs 32.95 billion.

Total interest expense remained under tight control, falling by Kshs 300 million from Kshs 12.27 billion to Kshs 12.24 billion. This was despite a 7% growth in deposits indicating improved management of the cost of funds.

Total operating income grew by 5% from Kshs 41.6 Billion to Kshs 43.68 Billion.

Balance sheet

Total assets grew by Kshs26.5 Billion (+7%) to Kshs413.41 Billion from Kshs386.86 Billion recorded at the close of year 2017.

Net loans and advances book declined marginally (-3%) to stand at Kshs. 245.41 billion compared to Kshs. 253.86 billion in 2017.

Investment in Government securities grew by Kshs11.03 Billion (+16%) to Kshs. 80.27 Billion compared to Kshs. 69.24 Billion in 2017.

Customers deposits grew by 7% from Kshs287.37 Billion to Kshs 306.12 Billion

Borrowed Funds from development partners grew by Kshs2.79 Billion (+13%) to Kshs 23.95 billion compared to Kshs.21.16 billion in 2017.

Shareholders’ funds grew to Kshs69.86 Billion in 2018 that enables the bank to continue to pitch for big-ticket deals.

Innovative Customer Delivery Platforms

Through their multi-channel strategy, the Bank has successfully moved 91% of all customer transactions to alternative delivery channels that include self-service kiosks in 155 branches, an expanded 24-hour contact centre, mobile banking, 580 ATMs, internet and over 11,000 Co-op Kwa Jirani banking agents.

A successful Universal Banking model and the implementation of Sales Force Effectiveness has seen the Group serve over 8 Million Account-holders across all sectors.

Key focus on digital banking, with the all-telco Mco-op Cash Mobile Wallet continuing to play a pivotal role in the growth of non-funded income with 4 Million customers registered.

Their unique model of retail banking services through Sacco FOSAs enabled them to provide wholesale financial services to over 464 FOSA outlets and issue over 1 Million Sacco-Link cards.

Regional Expansion

Co-operative Bank of South Sudan that is a unique Joint Venture (JV) partnership with Government of South Sudan (Co-op Bank 51% and GOSS 49%) made a Profit before tax of South Sudanese pounds (SSP) 897.3 Million in 2018 which was 368% higher than SSP 192 Million posted in 2017. This performance however translated to a monetary loss of Kshs. 16.4 million in 2018 attributable to hyperinflation accounting occasioned by currency devaluation of the South Sudanese pound.

Corporate Social Investment

Co-operative Bank Foundation has provided Scholarships for gifted but needy students from all regions of Kenya. The sponsorship includes; fully-paid secondary education, full fees for University education, Internships and career openings for beneficiaries. The Foundation is fully funded by the bank and has so far supported 7,002 students since inception.

Accolades

The Group was recognised by Banker Africa, East Africa Awards 2018 with three key awards, namely the Best Retail Bank in Kenya, The Best SME Bank in Kenya and the Best Investment Institution in Kenya. This is a re-affirmation of the bank’s unique position as a bank that positively influences the lives of the majority of Kenyan citizens.

The Group was also recognized by Europe Middle East & Africa Finance (EMEA Finance) - African Banking Awards 2018 as the Best Bank in Kenya and Best Product Launch in Africa (MCo-op Cash v4.0 update) while International Finance recognized the bank with Best Retail Bank in Kenya and Best Banking CEO, Kenya for Dr. Gideon Muriuki.

Dividend

The Board of Directors recommended for approval by the AGM the payment of a dividend of Kshs.1.00 per every ordinary share held subject to approval by the Capital Markets Authority. This will represent a growth of 25% compared to a dividend of Kshs 0.80 paid in 2017.

The Co-operative Bank Group will continue to deliver strong performance as they focus on the growing 8 million account-holder base, digital banking, the basket of innovative financial solutions, efficient delivery of services and multichannel access to retain market position and deliver business growth and profitability in the days ahead.