Under the three-year sponsorship agreement, the bank says it is deepening its commitment to the horticulture industry which earned $1.06 billion (Sh137.3 billion) in export revenue in 2024 and employs over 40 per cent of Kenya's population, according to the state department for agriculture.
Co-operative Bank head agribusiness Olive Ong'ele said that as Kenya's leading agribusiness financier, it is a strategic investment in Kenya's economic future.
“We're directly engaging with 12,000 industry stakeholders because we understand that the success of Kenya's horticulture sector requires dedicated financial leadership and innovative solutions tailored to this critical industry," said Ong'ele.
According to the lender, the sponsorship aligns with its long-term goals of strengthening support across key sectors including horticulture, tea and coffee.
Kenya's horticulture sector is a significant contributor to the country's export earnings, through the export of flowers, fruits and vegetables to international markets.
Flower exports alone are projected to reach Sh110 billion (US$851 million) in 2025 as per forecasts from the Kenya Flower Council.
The Naivasha Horticultural Fair serves as a crucial networking platform where exporters, growers, suppliers, and service providers converge to explore business opportunities and share industry insights; and their significance cannot be overstated for Kenya's economy.
According to Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) data, agriculture contributes 21.3per cent to GDP and accounts for 65 per cent of national export earnings, making events that strengthen industry networks and showcase innovations directly impact millions of livelihoods.
Co-operative Bank's participation in the fair highlighted its specialised agribusiness banking solutions, including export financing, supply chain financing, and tailored loan products for horticultural enterprises.
The bank's representatives engaged with fair participants to discuss customized financial solutions that address the specific challenges facing the sector.
" Our specialised solutions address the sector's most pressing challenges: from seasonal cash flow management for smallholder farmers to sophisticated export credit facilities for major flower exporters shipping to Europe. When Kenya's horticulture exports grow, we ensure our clients have the financial infrastructure to capitalize on every opportunity," added Ong'ele.
