Private school owners in Kiambu County have been challenged to embrace sustainable practices and digital innovation if they want to thrive in a fast-changing education landscape.
This came as NCBA Bank hosted a high-level Private Schools Forum in Ruaka, Kiambu County, under the theme “Future-Ready Schools: Embracing Sustainability & Innovation”.
The significant forum brought together private school leaders, industry partners, and education stakeholders to discuss practical strategies for growth.
The forum was designed as an interactive space where private schools could explore how to strengthen operations, diversify revenue, and tap into innovative business products and sustainable financing solutions.
Discussions ranged from green financing to Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) projects, as well as the adoption of solar leasing for energy efficiency.
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NCBA also unveiled a partnership with Water.Org to roll out the WASH Loan product, branded as the NCBA H20 Loan, with the NGO providing technical aid and a credit guarantee to partners willing to invest in sustainable water solutions.
“Customer obsession is at the core of our business at NCBA, and this is why we have organised this forum; to get feedback from our customers, so that together we can co-create solutions that work for them,” stated NCBA Group Director, Retail Banking Dennis Njau.
He added: “At today’s session, we showcased tailored offerings that address real challenges schools face, from financing facility upgrades to managing operational risks.”
Participants were also introduced to SOMA Plus, a digital school management system that streamlines administrative work, integrates mobile payments, and gives parents and school leaders transparent, real-time data.
Other solutions showcased during the event included NCBA Tills and NCBA Connect Plus, digital platforms that make fees collection and reconciliation seamless for schools.
The bank further highlighted financing options such as asset finance for infrastructure and school buses, insurance covers like Student Personal Accident and School Fees Protection, and leasing facilities to help schools upgrade without heavy upfront costs.
“We have learnt about financial and risk management solutions, and we now see how NCBA can be a strategic partner in growing our institutions sustainably, said Kiambaa Private Schools Association (KIPSA) Chairman Hiram Mbugua.
Mbugua lauded NCBA for covering key highlights including sustainable financing for Water and Sanitation solutions, Digital Cash Management Solutions, Asset Financing for different infrastructural needs at schools, and wealth protection solutions under bancassurance.
“These have now positioned the Bank amongst our Association’s umbrella of schools as the preferred one-stop-shop financial services provider. We do look forward to collaborating with NCBA on this front,” he added.
The Future-Ready Schools engagement is part of NCBA’s broader push to work closely with customers in key growth sectors, equipping them with tools, knowledge, and financial solutions to drive Kenya’s dynamic economy.
