The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Equity Group to jointly promote peace, unity, and inclusive socio-economic development across Kenya.
The partnership brings together NCIC’s national mandate to foster unity and Equity’s extensive financial network and community-based programs, in a move that aims to bridge economic divides and advance national cohesion.
Joint Vision for Inclusive Development
Speaking during the signing ceremony, NCIC Chairman Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia said the collaboration marks a significant step toward engaging the private sector in advancing the national peace and cohesion agenda.
“We have chosen to begin with Equity in keeping with our mandate of building partnerships with the private sector, government agencies, and civil society to promote national cohesion and integration,” said Rev. Kobia.
“Together, we aim to co-create programs that support equal opportunity, peaceful coexistence, and the elimination of ethnic discrimination.”
The partnership will target key thematic areas including youth empowerment, environmental conservation, access to clean energy, inclusive insurance services, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Equity to Leverage Financial Networks for Impact
Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director Moses Nyabanda welcomed the collaboration, emphasizing that peace and social cohesion are essential drivers of economic stability.
“Peace, especially in politically charged environments, is a key enabler of social and economic development,” said Nyabanda.
“We will leverage our national branch network to reach communities and, together with NCIC, ensure equitable access to banking services for all ethnic and marginalized groups.”
Nyabanda added that Equity will provide inclusive financial solutions for vulnerable communities identified by NCIC, including affordable loans, micro-insurance, and financial literacy programs.
The bank will also extend competitive corporate banking services to NCIC, including payroll processing and other financial management tools to strengthen operational efficiency.
Capacity Building and Shared Learning
Through the Equity Group Foundation (EGF), the bank will conduct capacity-building programs on financial education, entrepreneurship, and agribusiness for NCIC staff and community-based peace groups.
In turn, NCIC will share its expertise on conflict analysis, cohesion metrics, and social dynamics to guide the design of culturally sensitive interventions.
Equity staff will also undergo training sessions led by NCIC on diversity, inclusivity, and conflict sensitivity to promote equitable service delivery across the Group’s operations.
Data-Driven Inclusion and Insurance Outreach
As part of the collaboration, NCIC will share insights and data on ethnic relations and discrimination trends with Equity, enabling the bank to design more inclusive financial and insurance solutions.
Both institutions will jointly implement insurance awareness campaigns targeting community-based organizations, NCIC stakeholders, and vulnerable populations — aiming to enhance resilience and protection for underserved groups.
The partnership builds on previous joint initiatives between NCIC and Equity, including tree-planting campaigns and environmental conservation drives conducted across the country.
A Model for Public–Private Collaboration
Both parties expressed optimism that the partnership will serve as a model for public–private collaboration in advancing peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.
“This partnership underscores that peace and prosperity are deeply interconnected,” said Rev. Kobia.
“By empowering communities economically and socially, we build a stronger, more cohesive Kenya.”
