22 September 2016…Nairobi, Maisha Microfinance Bank has officially been launched to offer Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises better access to cash to grow their businesses. The Bank received its operational license from Central Bank of Kenya on 26 June 2016 as the 13 th Microfinance bank in Kenya after meeting all the CBK guidelines and regulations.Located at the heart of the City Centre on Koinange Street, Chester House Building, Maisha Microfinance Bank is targeting traders, salaried individuals, institutions and Chamas as customers through its bouquet of tailor made products available through mobile banking platform and traditional banking.
Speaking at the launch of the bank, the Chief Guest, Mr. Mohammed Nyaoga, Chairman of the Board Central Bank of Kenya, said, “I am pleased to be associated with the launch of Maisha particularly because this achievement will lead to increased access to banking services and financial inclusion in line with Vision 2030.”
He added, “Microfinance bank products and programs play an important role in our society by enhancing competition, driving growth and keeping the wheel of innovation in motion; I am confident that with the addition of Maisha Microfinance Bank to the pool, we will see a much desired shift towards a more focused response to the markets’ financial needs.” Within just a few weeks of Maisha’s operation, the Bank has attracted close to 50 customers from Nairobi and its environs including Thika and Kiambu towns. Maisha is also among the few Microfinance Banks with a comprehensive mobile app called M-Doh (available on Google store and iOS) that allows customers to cater for both their financial and lifestyle needs such as checking traffic, Cinema guide, Weather Forecast amongst others.
In her remarks, Dr. Beatrice Sabana, the Board Chair of Maisha Microfinance Bank appreciated Central Bank and her team saying, “We are proud to see this day when our dream has become a reality; we believe our licensing by the Central Bank of Kenya is a strong indication of the confidence in our ethos and the measures put in place by Maisha to ensure operational efficiency. We as a team are ready to serve our customers and derive tangible value for the people in the communities where we operate.”
Mr. Ireneus Gichana, the CEO of Maisha Microfinance Bank, concluded saying, “As a new
entrant in the Kenyan banking sector, we are cognizant of the rising expectations of the market.It is for this reason we embarked on an intensive market research exercise, which guided our product development process. Our strategy as Maisha is to remain committed to listening to the needs of our customers through integrating feedback mechanisms and staying true to our promise of ensuring that our customers Prosper with Us.”
The Bank boasts a strong Board of Directors drawn from targeted sectors to guarantee the
necessary oversight that will see Maisha grow to achieve its full potential.