How NCBA’s 16 weeks of coaching is helping Kenyan SMEs survive economic volatility

In December 2025, a new generation of Kenyan business owners began preparing to scale their operations following the graduation of the latest cohort from a high-level enterprise development scheme.

The initiative, a strategic collaboration between NCBA Bank and Strathmore Business School, saw 24 small and medium enterprise (SME) customers complete an intensive training programme on 2 December 2025.

This latest milestone brings the total number of businesses supported by the project to more than 300 over several years, marking a significant contribution to the local private sector.

By specifically targeting entrepreneurs in the manufacturing, retail, agribusiness, and logistics sectors, the programme seeks to bridge the gap between small-scale operations and sustainable corporate leadership.

The 16-week Enterprise Development Programme is specifically designed to provide the practical tools required to navigate an increasingly volatile economic climate.

Throughout the course, participants undergo rigorous training in financial management, digital transformation, and marketing, while receiving direct coaching intended to sharpen their individual business strategies.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Dennis Njau, NCBA’s Group Director for Retail Banking, emphasised the direct link between local business success and national prosperity.

He noted that the bank “believes that when entrepreneurs grow, the country grows,” and that the programme gives customers the “practical knowledge, confidence and partnerships they need to take bold steps in their businesses.”

Furthermore, the bank’s strategy extends far beyond classroom learning into a broader ecosystem of financial support.

Through strategic partnerships with organisations such as the Africa Guarantee Fund, Water.Org, and Proparco, NCBA is working to reduce the inherent risks associated with lending to smaller firms.

This collaborative approach is particularly focused on critical development areas, including climate resilience and the growth of women-led businesses.

By combining academic instruction with these financial safety nets, the initiative strengthens the bank’s ability to lend more effectively to SMEs that are ready to transition to the next level of growth.

To be eligible for future cohorts, applicants must meet a strict set of criteria, including having been in operation for at least two years and holding an active NCBA business account for at least six months.

Additionally, the business must have a minimum of three employees and an annual turnover of at least three million shillings.

In addition to the core development programme, the partnership with Strathmore Business School operates through a dedicated Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Centre.

This collaboration delivers a wide suite of initiatives, including business boot camps, trade expos, and the Owner Manager Programme, all aimed at fostering a vibrant and resilient SME sector.

As the 2025 cohort enters the market with these renewed strategies, NCBA has reaffirmed its intention to continue “walking this journey” with entrepreneurs.

The bank is currently inviting eligible business owners to enrol in upcoming sessions, positioning these educational resources as a cornerstone of its broader suite of financial solutions for the Kenyan market.