It was a joyous moment for Ornamental Self-Help Group, which is a drivers and conductors’ group based in Kitengela, when they received their matatu purchased through chama investment loan from Equity Kitengela branch.
Ornamental Self-Help Group, Chairperson, Samuel Mungai said 13 members of the group were grateful to Equity for supporting their investment venture.
“Equity wametuonyesha wanajali maslahi ya customers na wanasikiza shida bila kubagua. Hii matatu tumenunua na loan yao. Hii partnership na Equity ilianza na savings za thao saba tu, around 2018.
“Kuna officer wao ambaye hutufunza kuhusu pesa, mambo ya ku-deal na madeni, mikopo, bajeti na ku-invest. Tutaendelea kushikana na Equity mpaka kila msee kwa hii chama akue na matatu yake,” said Mungai.
Speaking after handing in the car keys to group, Equity Bank Kenya General Manager for Pamoja Banking, Benignas Muema, said: “As we celebrate the success of this chama, we encourage others, including women groups, youth groups, self-help and community groups to visit our branches for partnerships in financial literacy and entrepreneurship training.
“Our aim is to support customers, finance their initiatives with flexible security requirement, promote savings culture and increase income levels for individuals and businesses.”
Equity Kitengela branch BGDM Winnie Karani reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting businesses in the public transport sector.
“Today marks a significant step towards progress and growth as we flag off this minibus. Asset finance is not just about vehicles, machinery or equipment. It’s also about creating jobs and enhancing livelihoods, as well as driving economic development,” said Winnie, highlighting a variety of other options for customers, including working capital solutions.
The matatu is an additional to over 80 other vehicles that Nairobi-Kitengela route under the operator Rembo Shuttle Services.
“Equity is a valued partner in growing our transport business through affiliate member groups like ornamental that are expanding their fleets,” said Rembo Shuttle Services CEO Joseph Mwangi.