Eastleigh Traders Push for Greener Business Hub and Extended Banking Hours
Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director Moses Nyabanda addresses the Eastleigh Business Community during the meeting.
Nairobi, October 2, 2025 — Eastleigh traders are taking bold steps toward building a more sustainable and business-friendly future, with plans to promote environmental conservation and extend banking hours to match the area’s dynamic trading environment.
At a recent customer engagement forum organized by Equity Bank, the Eastleigh Business Community Secretary General, Omar Ibrahim Hussein, said that local traders are increasingly aware of the need to balance economic progress with environmental responsibility.
“We are exploring partnerships in greening the Eastleigh business hub and making the environment sustainable. This is vital for the future of our businesses and the community at large,” Omar said.
He also urged Equity Bank to consider extending operating hours at the BBS Mall Branch beyond 4:30 p.m., noting that many traders conduct business well into the evening. “Our partnership with Equity is long-standing. We began with one branch but now have two. The bank continues to expand financial inclusion among our people, serving us through our very own sons and daughters who understand our language and culture,” he added.
Responding to the traders’ concerns, Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director, Moses Nyabanda, commended the Eastleigh business community for its resilience and innovation. He assured them of the bank’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives that promote both economic and environmental sustainability.
“Our commitment has always been to walk alongside individuals and businesses as you expand existing enterprises or venture into new opportunities. We are ready to stand with you not only here in Kenya but also across borders,” Nyabanda said.
He added that the bank is reviewing the proposal to extend operating hours and expressed willingness to co-create solutions that meet traders’ evolving needs. The discussions also covered areas such as financial literacy, simplified banking solutions, and sustainability-focused partnerships.
The Eastleigh engagement was part of Equity Group’s nationwide customer forums, held under the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), which aims to strengthen key sectors including trade, agriculture, manufacturing, and environmental conservation.
Nyabanda was joined by senior Equity officials — Head of Retail and Branch Business Carol Rutto, North-Eastern Regional General Manager Hassan Maalim, and Head of Business Performance and Strategy Execution Tom Osolo — who reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment to supporting the Eastleigh business community’s growth and sustainability journey.
