Banks mull plan to assist people with disabilities
By Nicholas Waitathu, August 12, 2020
INITIATIVE: Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) has embarked on an initiative to help persons living with disabilities (PWDS) access more financial services.
Fast-tracked by member banks and partners, the programme aims to identify major accessibility challenges PWDs face while using banking service channels. It is being spearheaded by KBA, Financial Sector Deepening Trust (FSD Kenya), non-profit inABLE and Georgia Institute of Technology
The programme pilot phase that kicked off this month seeks to assess PWDs’ access challenges using the sample of seven banks. The project will be jointly funded by the banking industry and FSD Kenya.
Habil Olaka, KBA Chief Executive said the programme is in tandem with the aspirations of the banking industry’s 2019-2023 Strategic Plan, particularly on the area of financial inclusion.
“Persons With Disabilities are an integral part of the banking public and we are delighted to work with our partners to promote inclusive banking through customized technological innovation and sector-wide efficiency programs,” he said.
Absa Kenya, Standard Chartered Bank, Rafiki Microfinance Bank, Family Bank, Cooperative Bank, Equity Bank and KCB Bank have volunteered to take part in the pilot stage scheduled to run for at least eight weeks.
The next phase will consist in reviewing the recommendations for application across the banking sector.
FSD Kenya Chief Executive Officer, Tamara Cook, noted that the project bodes well with the institution’s efforts towards harnessing financial solutions and making financial markets work better.