KBA Conference Explores Credit Access Challenges, Highlights Financial Inclusion Opportunities

The 7th Edition of the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) Annual Banking Research Conference kicked off today with presentations that sought to provide solutions to a wide range of challenges facing the credit market.

In their papers, researchers shined a spotlight on credit access issues, making recommendations on how lenders’ capital requirements can be designed to improve levels of access to formal credit.

The presentations also highlighted opportunities for minimizing borrowing risks by leveraging on linkages between sectors such as agriculture, industry, and services. Other papers sought to establish whether policy dynamics affect consumer credit preferences.

The role of sustainability in regulation and risk management among commercial banks in Kenya also featured, with one study indicating that banks are at different levels of adopting sustainable banking practices.

Speaking during the event, Central Bank Governor Dr. Patrick Njoroge commended KBA for organizing the forum for the past seven years, saying the research was key in providing solutions to challenges in the industry.

“Discussions on consumer protection have not been addressed in the past. However, I am informed that the issue will be discussed in this forum,’’ said Dr. Njoroge.

KBA Chairman Mr. Joshua Oigara said the focus of the Conference could not have come at a better time, given that industry discussions in recent years have centered around facilitating access to credit to small enterprises and the private sector.

Mr. Oigara called on players in the industry to explore ways of increasing credit access to industries that have low access levels, noting that the banking industry remains upbeat in regard to opportunities that the economy offers.

On his part, KBA CEO Dr. Habil Olaka said thanked the various academic institutions, both local and international, that continue to work closely with KBA in the initiative, saying the collaborations continue to give the forum fresh perspectives that are informed by tangible industry dynamics.

Today’s forum marked 7 years since the inaugural conference that was held in 2012. So far, close to 30 papers have been published under the KBA Working Paper Series, making a significant contribution to discussions on both policy and enterprise development.