About
Founded in 1968 as the banker of Kenya’s co-operative movement, Co-operative Bank of Kenya has grown into one of the country’s largest commercial banks, with 222 branches nationwide and a lending book of KES 421.9 billion (approximately EUR 2.8 billion). Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange since 2008, the Bank serves a broad customer base spanning retail, corporate, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), agribusiness and co-operatives.
Sustainability is a growing strategic priority for the Bank. Since launching its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Policy in November 2022, Co-operative Bank has received multiple industry awards in sustainable finance, environmental and social reporting, and women and youth empowerment. With Kenya’s green taxonomy framework taking shape and demand for green energy financing on the rise, the Bank saw an opportunity to systematically strengthen its internal capacity to identify, appraise and structure green energy transactions.
Our support
Founded in 1968 as the banker of Kenya’s co-operative movement, Co-operative Bank of Kenya has grown into one of the country’s largest commercial banks, with 222 branches nationwide and a lending book of KES 421.9 billion (approximately EUR 2.8 billion). Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange since 2008, the Bank serves a broad customer base spanning retail, corporate, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), agribusiness and co-operatives.
Sustainability is a growing strategic priority for the Bank. Since launching its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Policy in November 2022, Co-operative Bank has received multiple industry awards in sustainable finance, environmental and social reporting, and women and youth empowerment. With Kenya’s green taxonomy framework taking shape and demand for green energy financing on the rise, the Bank saw an opportunity to systematically strengthen its internal capacity to identify, appraise and structure green energy transactions.
"Our engagement with the GET.invest EDGE Finance service has enabled Co-operative Bank to build real institutional capability to originate and structure green energy transactions. The combination of structured training, hands-on coaching and direct deal-level application has helped embed sustainable finance across our business – from technical teams to executive leadership. It has been a highly collaborative and impactful partnership that is already translating into tangible business opportunities for the Bank."
Jeremy Munyua, Manager of Sustainability, Investor Relations and Strategy, Co-operative Bank of Kenya
Staff from across seven of the Bank’s major business teams, including corporate, MSME, agribusiness, and mortgage finance units, were enrolled in a structured coaching programme, with sessions designed to build practical skills in green energy appraisal and to directly support the progression of active pipeline deals. In parallel, the Bank’s Executive Committee received a dedicated online training through a “Green Finance for Directors” course, embedding green energy awareness at the highest level of the institution. The EDGE Finance team also worked directly with the Bank’s Sourcing Department to strengthen their ability to assess the technical and financial capabilities of solar energy contractors — reducing the risk that projects financed by the bank underperform due to poor installation quality.
Throughout the engagement, the EDGE Finance team provided hands-on support across a diverse pipeline of green energy funding proposals and solar energy initiatives. The team also facilitated a linkage between Co-operative Bank and guarantee providers to help address the risk constraints that can limit green energy lending.
The outcome
EDGE Finance’s support to Co-operative Bank delivered tangible progress across capacity building, product development and pipeline advancement. Sixteen staff members received structured coaching in green energy finance, while seven Executive Committee members completed a dedicated online training, ensuring that green energy finance is understood and championed at both operational and leadership levels.
Beyond training, EDGE Finance support helped Co-operative Bank develop specific financing offers for promising new green energy segments. As a result, the Bank approved an e-mobility financing product, opening the door to lending for electric vehicle fleets and related clean transport solutions. In addition, the Bank is moving forward with a new Solar-for-Schools offer, paving the way for the Bank to finance solar installations at schools across Kenya. With these new products in place, the Bank’s lending teams are now empowered and mandated to actively originate and close deals in these segments. Beyond these milestones, EDGE Finance also helped the Bank advance with several additional green energy transactions, ranging from small hydropower to e-mobility and solar PV.
Co-operative Bank’s green finance products will be listed on the GET.invest Funding Database, increasing the Bank’s visibility among green energy companies and project developers across the region.
Disclaimer: This story was last updated in July 2026.
