The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has recognized Equity Bank as a Peace Champion for its outstanding contributions to fostering peace and social cohesion in Kenya.

The award was presented at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex in Kisumu by County Governor H.E. Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o and NCIC Chairman Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia during the 2025 International Day of Peace (United Nations) celebrations. This year’s theme was “Act Now for a Peaceful World.”

NCIC commended Equity Bank’s commitment to inclusive growth, highlighting its position as both a leading financial institution and a cornerstone of peacebuilding in Kenya. The commission also acknowledged the bank’s efforts in advancing education, youth empowerment, and economic inclusion, key pillars of peaceful societies, through its financial literacy programs.

Equity Bank was further lauded for supporting the International Day of Peace through donating tree seedlings to symbolize growth, unity, and environmental sustainability.

“Through its collaborative efforts with national agencies such as NCIC, National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), peace committees, and county governments, Equity Bank has consistently supported initiatives that promote dialogue, coexistence, and sustainable development,” NCIC stated.

Kisumu Governor H.E. Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o emphasized the broader meaning of peace, stating, “Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is justice, dialogue, inclusion, and shared humanity.” He also called for a collective commitment to peace, adding, “Youth remain at the centre of this journey as we rise above division and commit to lasting solutions, even locally within our beloved county.”

Speaking on behalf of Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director Moses Nyabanda, Dr. Silpah Owich, Head of Women and Youth Banking, highlighted the bank’s dedication to fostering peace, sustainability, and empowering its customers.

“For us in business, we appreciate and recognise that businesses thrive in the right conducive environment. Peace creates stability that allows enterprises to flourish, attracts investment, and enables communities to prosper. Simply put—without peace, there can be no sustainable growth,” she said.

Dr. Owich also highlighted the bank’s focus on customer partnerships to drive inclusive growth. “We shall continue to partner with our customers, institutions, and organizations to create financial solutions that improve access to capital and funding, especially for women, youth, MSMEs, and agricultural value chains. By combining technical assistance, capacity building, and innovations like group lending and digital channels, we aim to lower barriers and ensure equitable economic opportunities,” she explained.

She further noted the link between peace and environmental care. “Climate change, if not addressed, remains one of the most serious threats to global peace and security. That is why Equity Bank continues to champion financing of climate-smart initiatives and tree-growing. By restoring ecosystems, we protect livelihoods today and secure peace for generations to come,” she added.