NAIROBI, Kenya, – Co-operative Bank of Kenya has signed a three-year sponsorship deal for the Naivasha Horticultural Fair, underlining its continued focus on agribusiness financing.
The bank’s support comes at a time when the horticulture industry remains a pillar of Kenya’s economy, generating US$1.06 billion (KSh137.3 billion) in export revenue in 2024 and employing over 40 percent of the population, according to the State Department for Agriculture.
“The success of Kenya’s horticulture sector requires dedicated financial leadership and innovative solutions tailored to this critical industry,” said Olive Ong’ele, the bank’s Sector Head of Agribusiness, noting that the sponsorship would directly engage more than 12,000 industry stakeholders.
The horticulture sector, which includes flowers, fruits, and vegetables, is among Kenya’s top foreign exchange earners.
Projections from the Kenya Flower Council indicate that flower exports alone could reach Sh110 billion (US$851 million) in 2025, cementing Kenya’s status as one of the world’s leading exporters.
The Naivasha Horticultural Fair has grown into a key networking forum for exporters, growers, suppliers, and service providers.
Organizers say the annual event is vital for showcasing innovations and fostering trade partnerships that have a direct impact on millions of livelihoods across the value chain.
According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, agriculture contributes 21.3 percent to the country’s GDP and accounts for 65 percent of national export earnings.
According to the lender, investments and partnerships that enhance sector resilience are crucial, particularly as farmers grapple with fluctuating global demand and climate-related challenges.
During the fair, Co-operative Bank highlighted its suite of agribusiness financing products, including export credit facilities, supply chain financing, and tailored loans for horticultural enterprises.
Ong’ele said the bank’s solutions were designed to address seasonal cash flow gaps for smallholder farmers as well as financing needs for large-scale exporters.
The sponsorship underscores the bank’s broader strategy of supporting key agricultural sectors such as horticulture, tea, and coffee, which remain central to Kenya’s economic outlook.
