Kenya’s creative economy has long been rich in talent but constrained by access to capital. Musicians, filmmakers, designers, event producers, and digital creators consistently generate cultural and economic value, yet many have remained excluded from formal financing because their work does not fit traditional business models.
Irregular income, project-based earnings, and informal structures have made it difficult for creatives to be “seen” by financial institutions, despite their growing contribution to the economy.
A new partnership between NCBA and HEVA Fund marks a meaningful turning point for the sector. Rather than forcing creatives to adapt to rigid financial systems, this collaboration is built around how creative businesses actually operate.
By designing financing solutions that align with production cycles, events, touring schedules, and digital distribution, the partnership acknowledges that creative work is both artistic and entrepreneurial. This shift moves the conversation away from whether creatives are bankable, and toward how financial systems can better serve them.
One of the most significant aspects of this initiative is its shared-risk financing model. By jointly assessing and supporting creative enterprises, NCBA and HEVA reduce entry barriers while offering more flexible and responsive terms.
This approach reflects a growing confidence in the commercial viability of creative MSMEs and recognizes that risk, when understood and structured properly, can be managed rather than avoided. It also signals a more mature engagement between finance and the creative sector, one rooted in partnership rather than exclusion.
Beyond access to capital, the initiative strengthens the broader creative ecosystem. Financing is paired with support for business development, financial literacy, and long-term sustainability, helping creatives move from surviving project to project toward building scalable enterprises. For emerging artists and studios, this creates a clearer pathway from talent and exposure to income stability, growth, and financial resilience.
This collaboration reflects a reimagining of the creative economy’s place in Kenya’s growth story. By integrating creatives into mainstream financial systems, the partnership helps unlock innovation, youth employment, and economic transformation at scale. It is a reminder that when talent is matched with intentional capital and supportive structures, the creative economy can move from potential to power.
#Creative Economy
CEO & Co-Founder, Abojani Investment
Robert Ochieng is a visionary entrepreneur and the co-founder of Abojani Investment, a leading financial education platform in Kenya that has empowered over 20,000 Africans to embark on their investment journeys. As CEO, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to financial literacy, successfully demystifying money and investments and making them accessible and relevant to individuals from all walks of life.
Running Thriving Investment Communities
Robert’s influence extends well beyond Abojani Investment’s core offerings. He has actively fostered a sense of community by running investment forums and groups with a vast following of over 300,000 Africans. These communities provide a safe space for individuals to exchange ideas, share experiences, and support each other on their investment journeys.
Vision for the Future
As co-founder of Abojani Investment, Robert envisions a financially empowered Africa. He strives to expand the reach of his financial education initiatives, enabling millions more to gain the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve their financial goals. His vision is to create a society where every individual has the tools and understanding to build lasting wealth and prosperity.
Professional Background
Robert Ochieng is a highly accomplished CEO at the helm of Abojani Investment, an investment and advisory firm in Kenya. He is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience in IT, Finance, and leadership.
His career includes key roles at prominent institutions such as Equity Bank, Gulf African Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Airtel.
Robert’s expertise has also been sought after by the National Treasury for consultancy on planning and budgeting systems, showcasing his exceptional knowledge and skills in the field. Passionate about driving meaningful conversations and collaborations between academia, industry, and the public sector, Robert actively engages in research projects focusing on digital transformation within the financial services sector. With his visionary leadership and strategic insights, Robert Ochieng continues to make a significant impact in the business world.
