SBS Alumna Bags the Prestigious Award at the 2023 African Banker of the Year Awards

SBS wishes to congratulate Esther Kariuki, Head of Agriculture Business at the Co-operative Bank of Kenya on her remarkable achievement of winning the prestigious African Banker of the Year Award at the 2023 African Banker Awards. This accolade is a testament to her outstanding contributions and dedication to advancing agriculture as a pivotal asset class at the Co-operative Bank of Kenya.

Esther has been a central figure in advancing agriculture as a key asset class for her institution. She was also responsible for considerably increasing lending to the agriculture sector and overseeing the roll-out of the platform Co-op Bank Soko, a digital marketplace connecting the agriculture value chain ensuring small-holder farmers receive a higher price for their produce.

Esther becomes the second woman to win the African Banker of the Year award. Her achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a shining example of the exceptional contributions made by women in the banking sector. Her success paves the way for aspiring female leaders and reinforces the importance of gender diversity and inclusivity in the industry.

Esther is an alumna of the Women in Leadership Programme, Class of 2021.