Many Kenyans dream of running their own business with and ideal partner a key ingredient for success.
From the mama mboga in Gikomba to the techpreneur in Westlands, entrepreneurship is seen as the path to financial freedom and impact.
Also read: Supporting Small Businesses in Kenya: A Partnership for Growth and Sustainability
But why is this dream so common?
- Small businesses are the heartbeat of Kenya’s economy. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics:
- Kenya has over 7 million SMEs
- SMEs make up over 90% of all business entities
- They employ more than 15 million people
- And contribute over 30% to the country’s GDP
- Clearly, SMEs matter. But not all of them survive.
- The Harsh Reality for SMEs
- Despite the enthusiasm, many businesses shut down early.
Here’s what stands in their way:
- High failure rates – Many SMEs struggle to survive their first year, and only a small percentage make it to year five.
- Economic shocks – From inflation to cash flow issues, unpredictable economic tides sink many young businesses.
- Policy hurdles – Tax pressure, licensing barriers, and changing regulations make it hard for SMEs to grow.
- Financing struggles – Many banks prefer lending to the government, leaving SMEs crowded out of the credit market.
- Copycat competition – New ideas get copied fast, and price wars erode profit margins.
So how can a small business stay alive and scale?
- NCBA: A Partner That Walks the Talk
- NCBA understands the real challenges facing entrepreneurs—and has stepped up to be part of the solution.
Here’s how:
- Business Training: Through a partnership with Strathmore Business School, over 100 SMEs have accessed world-class training and used it to grow sustainably.
- Access to Funding: In 2023, NCBA signed a $50M deal with Proparco to fund SMEs, green businesses, and women-led enterprises.
- SME Lending Capacity: NCBA renewed its 10-year deal with the Africa Guarantee Fund, doubling its SME lending potential from KES 1.5B to KES 3B.
Whether you’re starting out, scaling up, or simply surviving a tough season – NCBA is the kind of growth partner every business needs.
Kenya’s economy depends on SMEs. But SMEs can’t thrive without the right support.
NCBA isn’t just a bank – it’s a long-term growth partner ready to walk the journey with you.
#GoForIt #NCBATwendeMbele #Business
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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.
