Eastleigh Traders Eye Sustainability and Longer Banking Hours

Efforts to transform Eastleigh into a greener, more sustainable business hub are gaining momentum as traders and community leaders explore partnerships to enhance environmental conservation.

The trading hub, known for commerce and regional trade, is now setting its sights on balancing economic growth with sustainability, according to the Eastleigh Business Community Secretary General, Omar Ibrahim Hussein.

Omar, during a recent customer engagement forum with Equity Bank, highlighted the community’s commitment to making the environment sustainable. He said, “We are exploring partnerships in greening the Eastleigh business hub and making the environment sustainable. This is vital for the future of our businesses and the community at large.”

The Secretary General emphasized the need for extended operating hours at the BBS Mall Branch, suggesting that the branch remain open beyond the current 4:30 p.m. closing time. This adjustment, he noted, would better accommodate the evening trading peaks and ensure that traders have convenient access to banking services during their busiest hours.

“Our partnership with Equity is long-standing. We began with just one branch, but now we have two, and they continue to expand financial inclusion among our people. We are served by our very own sons and daughters who understand us and our language,” Omar stated at the forum attended by more than 40 business leaders in Eastleigh.

Responding to these requests, Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director, Moses Nyabanda, assured traders of the bank’s readiness to co-create solutions that align with their ambitions.

“Our commitment has always been to walk alongside individuals and businesses, supporting you as you expand existing enterprises or venture into new opportunities. We are ready to stand with you not only here in Kenya but also as you extend your investments across borders,” Nyabanda said.

He also noted that the request to extend operating hours is under consideration, adding that the bank is keen to collaborate with community leaders on initiatives in financial literacy, environmental conservation, and sustainability.

The discussions at the forum also centered on aligning banking and financial services with the evolving needs of Eastleigh’s entrepreneurs. Nyabanda emphasized the bank’s focus on simplifying banking, reducing transaction frictions, and creating convenient solutions that respect the time and ambitions of traders.

The Eastleigh engagement is part of a series of customer forums being held across the country as part of a broader effort by the Equity Group to listen to customers and reinforce relationships. These forums form a key plank of the Group’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), which supports sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, trade, and environmental sustainability.

Nyabanda was accompanied by Head of Retail and Branch Business Carol Rutto, North-Eastern Regional General Manager Hassan Maalim, and Head of Business Performance and Strategy Execution Tom Osolo, who echoed his sentiments and reiterated the bank’s commitment to support the business community.

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