I found the hotel easily enough via Google Maps, but my “something is off” radar started buzzing the moment I reached the gate. The building facing the entrance had peeling paint—a total contrast to the polished, inviting photos you see online. It wasn’t the best first impression.

Maintenance

The word that kept coming to mind was decrepit. It felt like a building that had simply been left to decay. The car park was jam-packed, and the guard on duty seemed completely overwhelmed by the chaos. Even walking up the stairs to the second-floor conference facility, you could tell that maintenance is just not a priority here.

The Conference Facility

Surprisingly, the conference hall itself was actually good—much better than the rest of the building led me to believe. It was well-lit and featured a 65-inch TV live-streaming the speakers. The setup was professional: round tables for eight, bottled water, and tropical sweets. It actually felt relaxing and comfortable, which was a relief given how I was feeling.

The Toilets (The “Criminal” Part)

Then there were the washrooms at the entrance of the hall. If the conference room was the highlight, the toilets were the absolute rock bottom. The urinals were stained and looked like they hadn’t seen a deep clean in ages.

The most bizarre part? As I went in to take a leak, there were two ladies in there attempting to clean the urinals. They had to excuse themselves so I could use the facility. For a hotel to have washrooms in this state—and a cleaning “protocol” that awkward—is honestly criminal.

Food and Final Thoughts

I usually make it a point to rate the buffet, but since I wasn’t feeling well, I had to skip the food this time. I won’t give an official rating there, though I’ll be honest: it didn’t look particularly appetizing from a distance.

I didn’t check out the rooms or the pool, but if the “face” of the hotel is anything to go by, Kilimo Grand Resort needs a total overhaul. I’m honestly shocked it maintains a 4-star rating on Google Reviews.

Rating: (5/5 Stars)

Amid the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Dubai have found themselves facing imminent pressure to stay afloat. Recognizing this critical need, Emirates NBD, one of the region’s largest banking groups, has introduced a timely and strategic intervention: the Business Support Package designed to help SMEs sustain their operations.

Purpose & Context: This package emerges as a direct response to geopolitical tensions rippling across the Middle East. Its primary objective is to cushion businesses from liquidity pressures and tightening market sentiment, ensuring that these vital economic contributors can continue to function effectively even as regional uncertainties grow.

Key Features & How It Delivers:

Waived Loan Deferment Fees: This is a critically important feature for any business facing cash flow challenges. The ability to defer loan payments without incurring additional costs provides immediate financial relief, allowing SMEs to preserve capital, manage operating expenses, and navigate temporary revenue dips. It removes a significant burden, preventing short-term difficulties from spiraling into more severe financial distress.

Discounted Trade Finance Costs: For Dubai’s trade-centric economy, this feature is invaluable. By reducing the expenses associated with trade financing, the package directly supports businesses involved in import and export. This helps maintain the seamless flow of goods, particularly for essential and perishable supply chains, ensuring that trade remains viable and competitive despite potential increases in risk perception.

Reduced Transaction Charges: In today’s competitive environment, every cost saving matters. Lowering banking transaction fees, while seemingly minor individually, adds up to significant operational savings for SMEs. This directly improves their bottom line and makes daily business operations more economical, contributing to overall financial health and operational efficiency.

Strategic Alignment & Broader Impact: The strength of the Emirates NBD Business Support Package is significantly enhanced by its integration into Dubai’s wider economic stability efforts. It aligns seamlessly with the KSh37 billion ($272 million) economic stimulus package approved by the Dubai Government and the Financial Institution Resilience Package introduced by the Central Bank of the UAE. This coordinated policy approach ensures that the support offered by Emirates NBD is part of a larger, robust system designed to maintain financial stability and prevent disruption to business activity across the emirate. This synergy amplifies the package’s effectiveness, making it a powerful component of Dubai’s comprehensive resilience strategy.

Ease of Access & Implementation: While specific details on the application process are not provided in the text, the initiative’s intent is clearly to provide rapid and effective support. Given its critical role in the broader stability efforts, it’s reasonable to infer that the package is designed to be accessible to eligible SMEs who need it most.

What We Like:

Direct Financial Relief: Offers immediate and tangible cost savings and liquidity support.

Targeted & Relevant: Specifically designed for SMEs, recognizing their economic importance and particular vulnerabilities.

Comprehensive: Addresses multiple financial pressure points critical for business continuity (loans, trade, daily operations).

Part of a Coordinated Strategy: Benefits from alignment with wider government and central bank initiatives, enhancing its impact.

Proactive Stance: Helps cushion businesses before deeper crises emerge, reinforcing market confidence.

What Could Be Improved (Based solely on the provided text):

Further publicly available details regarding specific eligibility criteria and the application process.

Final Verdict & Recommendation: The Emirates NBD Business Support Package stands out as an exemplary product in times of regional uncertainty. It is a precisely targeted, intelligently structured, and highly effective tool that provides essential financial cushioning for Dubai’s SMEs. By directly addressing critical liquidity and cost pressures, it empowers businesses to maintain confidence, sustain operations, and contribute to the emirate’s overall resilience. This package is not just a banking offering; it is a vital pillar supporting the continued strength of Dubai’s economy.

Highly recommended for Dubai’s SMEs seeking to navigate current economic headwinds and secure their operational future.

From the main road, the resort is less than 500 meters away. Although the murram road isn’t the best, I drove through it without any difficulties in a Nissan Note.

The Heated Pool

The pool is what brought me to Koma Gardens. Kudos to the management for doing a superb job of keeping it clean. Since it was a weekday, it wasn’t busy. For almost an hour, there were only two of us enjoying the crystal-clear water—arguably the best pool on Kangundo Road.

It is 25 meters long and about 15 meters wide. There is also a separate baby pool. They occasionally hold pool parties, during which the water is heated. The bathrooms are equally clean. On one side, they have provided ample shaded seating, plus a sunken area that feels more private.

The ground floor has enclosed rooms, while a gym and spa are still under construction. The charge for swimming at Koma Gardens Resort is Ksh 450 per person.

Rooms

Rooms go for Ksh 2,000, and Ksh 3,000 for a double. Once you book a room, you are allowed to swim at no extra cost. Honestly, the rooms are basic—nothing to write home about.

Gardens

The resort is divided into two sections. One area serves the swimming pool and rooms, while the second area—separated by a road—houses the bar, kitchen, parking, and a lush garden.

The garden, which has umbrellas and seating, is very popular with customers. Even on a weekday, I noticed it was quite busy; some guests were enjoying drinks while others were eating.

The space is dotted with trees and flowers, making it a perfect spot for a wedding reception, birthday party, graduation, or any celebration. There is also an area with a bouncing castle dedicated to children. According to one of the staff members, a DJ plays every weekend, so expect loud music and a lively atmosphere if you visit then.

Kitchen & Bar (Food)

The bar is cozy, with a 99-inch TV—perfect for football lovers. It is well-ventilated and feels safe; it’s the kind of place I would take a girlfriend for a drink.

The food is reasonably priced: fries go for Ksh 250, a kilo of roasted meat is around Ksh 1,600, and a soda costs Ksh 100.

Service

A waiter whose tag read Faith served us. She was friendly and ready to assist. The swimming pool attendant was also eager to help.

How I Grade Koma Gardens Resort:

If you are interested in having us review your hotel, you can reach us at whownskenya@gmail.com.

Quarry

Before the building was constructed, the land where Micaphonia Suites sits used to be a disused quarry. Setting up a structure, let alone Airbnbs, sounded unfeasible. Using beams to support the structure, it metamorphosed into one of the best chill spots in the area. An attempt at landscaping what was once a quarry has been made, but much more can be done.

Rooms

The rooms come with a kitchenette, bathroom, and a balcony. The bed, made of steel, is immovable. A sofa is provided in the room to give it a homely feel. The one-way sliding doors lead to the somewhat squeezed balcony, which doubles as the window. It is nearly impossible to sit on the balcony because of the size. The rooms are surprisingly quiet and feel very private. This is a perfect hideout for lovers who want to spend quality time away from the chaos of the city. Utensils are provided for clients who want to cook for themselves.

Restaurant/Bar

As I mentioned in the introduction, these Airbnbs are a hybrid. It has a restaurant that serves walk-in customers as well as guests who don’t feel like cooking. The à la carte menu offers a variety of dishes. While the food is good, the seats are a bit uncomfortable. It is not really an ideal space to work from. Adjacent is a bar where you can enjoy drinks with an extended outdoor patio seating area. It is open to the public.

Coffee lovers will be disappointed, as the best you can get is instant coffee. They can also do some good with adjusting their prices. 

Garden

The simplicity of this garden is what makes it stand out. It has umbrellas to provide shade in the scorching heat of Ukambani. They cleverly integrated what some would consider weeds to give the place a natural feel. This, in addition to flowers in pots, makes the place a perfect spot to enjoy your drink or hold a meeting. The downside is the seats that make a quirky sound with every move you make.

Service

The service is exemplary. The staff are on hand to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Micaphonia has a reception area to receive guests. It is well-designed and manned at all hours of the day and night.

Pricing

The rooms are very well priced for what they offer going for between Ksh2,500 to Ksh3,500 per night. 

How would I rate Micaphonia Suites?

Speaking at Kagumo Teachers Training College in Nyeri during the opening ceremony of the 64th Kenya National Drama and Film Festival (KNDFF), the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) CEO Prof. Charles Ong’ondo stated that this year’s students will be used to set the benchmark for the next cohort in the coming years.

“This is the first year we have Grade 10 learners participating in this festival. We are very happy that they are now part of this stage, and some of them are doing well, either in solos or in group items,” he said on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026.

“Grade 10 learners are specializing in various pathways. Some are participating in theatre and film not just as a co curricular activity, but as a learning area in which they will be assessed, and in which what they do here will form part of their portfolio,” Ong’ondo added.

The guest of honour, Education Director General Dr. Elyas Abdi Jillaow, concurred, stating that through the lens of Competency-Based Education (CBE), the festival cultivates essential 21st-century skills, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving, indispensable to all learners.

He thus cautioned schools from barring senior school learners from the festival. Dr Elyas, who represented the Education CS Julius Ogamba added that regardless of their academic pathway, including STEM, all students are entitled to participate in co-curricular activities such as drama and film.

“In CBE, if somebody is doing STEM, that does not mean we have banned the student from playing football or volleyball, or from coming and performing on a stage. All students, whatever the pathway, are supposed to take part in co-curricular activities,” Dr. Elyas Abdi Jillaow, OGW, said

KICD CEO Dr. Ong’ondo had also made the clarion call earlier on stating,” For senior school Competency-Based Education learners, you are allowed to participate in co curricular activities, regardless of your pathways. Do not tell learners who are doing STEM that they are not eligible to participate in the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival or even the Music Festival. Drama and film remain co curricular activities. Please let all our learners participate regardless of their pathways.”

More than 120,000 learners from pre primary to university, including special needs institutions and TVETs, are participating in this edition, cementing KNDFF as the largest performing arts festival in Sub Saharan Africa.

This year’s theme is: Digital Stages: Driving Kenya’s Development Through Theatre and Film with a sub-theme Leveraging Technology to Make Banking a Lifestyle – From a place you go to something you do courtesy of Equity Bank; the festival’s main sponsors.

 While reacting to the themes, KNDFF Chairperson Professor Christopher Joseph Odhiambo said they serve as a guiding framework, giving schools flexibility to interpret them creatively. Odhiambo thus cautioned scriptwriters against misinterpreting the themes to serve selfish agendas.

“This theme is quite broad, and each of our schools is allowed to ‘cut a slice’ of it and treat it in their own way. The National Drama Festival, the Ministry of Education, and the government do not decide the topic for any school. We give schools and their teachers the privilege to choose the slice they can handle. Our job is not to prescribe; our job is to describe.”

“What we are interested in is a work of art that creates awareness about the social, economic, and development issues facing this country. Ours is edutainment: we privilege education and entertainment as a way of delivering the curriculum and the national values of this country. Our mandate is to help the Kenyan child develop talents and skills, so they have something to live on.”

Equity Bank’s Head of Education, Peter Ndoro, added that technology is transforming access to financial services and shaping how young people build their future.

“We believe that technology is a powerful equalizer. It is transforming how individuals access financial services, how institutions operate, and how young people imagine and build their future. Banking is no longer confined to a physical branch. It is available anytime, anywhere through a mobile phone or digital platform.”

To address these challenges and meet the growing demand, Equity Bank has introduced the FX Preferential Rate Solution. According to the bank, this platform is tailored to meet the needs of individuals and businesses that frequently handle foreign currency transactions.

It allows customers to access preferential FX rates directly through the bank’s digital platforms, Equity Mobile App and online, eliminating the need for branch visits or lengthy phone calls.
The Preferential FX Rate Solution enables users to access discounted rates via the app or online, based on the value of their transactions. Customers can view discounted rates tailored to their account and transaction details and execute transactions directly through the app or online. Each transaction is assigned a unique reference number for transparency and tracking.

The system is designed to automatically apply discounted rates, with higher transaction values attracting better rates. Once the rate is confirmed, users can finalize the transaction in real time, avoiding delays and manual processes.

This solution comes at a time when Kenya’s foreign exchange market is experiencing significant growth and transformation. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) reported record-high foreign exchange reserves of $12.5 billion as of January 2026, providing 5.4 months of import cover.

This growth has been supported by remittance inflows, which totalled $435 million in December 2025, and a booming retail forex trading market, which now boasts over 100,000 active traders in Kenya. Kenya’s international trade volume reached Ksh973.6 billion in the second quarter of 2025, further reflecting the critical need for seamless cross-border payment solutions for businesses.

These developments highlight the increasing demand for efficient and accessible forex solutions.
Equity’s Preferential FX Rate Solution is ideal for a wide range of customers. This solution simplifies international payments, enabling organizations to focus on their core operations without being hindered by the delays and complexities of traditional FX processes.

It allows travelers to access competitive foreign exchange rates for their trips abroad, freelancers and expatriates to manage regular foreign currency transactions with ease, and businesses to streamline cross-border payments. NGOs and development sector organizations can facilitate payments for international projects, while traders dealing in large currency transactions can negotiate better rates, ensuring both cost savings and convenience.

As technology reshapes how individuals, businesses and organisations manage cross-border transactions, more Kenyans hope that these solutions will lead to greater financial inclusion, reduced transaction costs, and improved access to global markets, enabling them to fully participate in the opportunities of a connected world.

Held on Friday, April 3rd, the event was hosted by Mwalimu Rachel, DJ Xclusive, and DJ Chunky, who kept the energy high and the crowd engaged throughout the night.

The Hangout brought Gilbey’s Real Moments campaign to life, creating a space for consumers to unwind, connect, and celebrate with their crews. From curated music sets to interactive brand experiences, attendees were treated to a seamless blend of entertainment and lifestyle.

Attendees also enjoyed Gilbey’s signature serves, including the new Gilbey’s Berry Bramble RTD cocktail, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to innovation and accessible high-quality gin, perfect for both intimate hangouts and vibrant social occasions.

The vibe came alive with a touch of red, adding a playful and stylish element that tied the night together visually and reflected the energy of the brand.

“The Gilbey’s Hangout is about celebrating the moments that truly matter, the ones shared with friends, full of laughter and real connection. Through this platform, we are creating experiences that are not only memorable but also accessible, staying true to our commitment of delivering quality and value to our consumers,” said Lilian Mbugua, the Brand Manager, Gilbeys.

The event further amplified Gilbey’s ongoing Ksh 999 offers on ke.thebar.com, positioning the brand as the ideal choice for consumers seeking to enjoy premium experiences without compromise.

The Gilbey’s Hangout continues to establish itself as a key cultural platform, reflecting the evolving social landscape where consumers are embracing more intentional and relatable ways to connect.

The Gilbey’s Real Moments campaign celebrates authentic connections and invites consumers to share their unfiltered moments with their “day ones”.

The Road Less Traveled (For a Reason)

We stopped at a local shop to grab some bottled water and asked the shopkeeper how far the resort was. “Ni mbali sana,” she replied with an expression that should have been a warning.

What we didn’t realize was just how punishing the road to this “gem” would be. The first kilometer was manageable, but then the murram road narrowed and turned into a battlefield of ruts and rocks. Let’s just say driving a Nissan Note on this terrain was an act of bravery. Thanks to some “pro” navigation and sheer willpower, I managed to dodge the crater-sized potholes and keep us moving. The drive was scenic, but unless you’re in a sturdy 4×4, I wouldn’t exactly recommend it.

Kitonga Garden Resort Entry Fee

Upon arrival, my initial excitement hit a bit of a speed bump. We were informed of a Ksh 1,500 per head entry fee. I was taken aback—I’d driven all that way specifically to spend money at their establishment! However, I soon gathered that the management uses this as a “gatekeeper” policy to keep away idlers. The good news? The fee is fully redeemable for food and drinks.

The Views: A Slice of Heaven

To say KGR is beautiful is an understatement; the scenic vistas of the Yatta Plateau are simply breathtaking.

The restaurant is split into two levels:

The Ground Floor: A “dry” zone (no alcohol) with a balcony offering incredible views.

The First Floor: The place to be if you want to enjoy a cold Tusker while soaking in the landscape.

Despite the rough road, the “pilgrimage” is popular. The first floor was packed, and almost every empty table was already marked as reserved.

Kitonga Garden Resort Menu: A Major Letdown

If the views are the “Good,” the food is unfortunately the “Ugly.” We ordered the Junior Platter for Ksh 2,500 (note: accompaniments and soup are sold separately).

The platter was a mix of goat, chicken, what I think was beef, and a disproportionate amount of pork. Honestly? It was underwhelming. The quality simply didn’t match the price point. We ended up leaving most of it behind. The only saving grace on the menu was the coffee, which was excellent. If you visit, stick to the caffeine and perhaps skip the buffet.

The Rooms: Rustic Romance

Though our visit was impromptu, we couldn’t help but scout the accommodation. The rooms are a masterclass in rustic architecture blended with modern comfort.

The Vibe: Tastefully designed with balconies that offer a front-row seat to the stars.

The Price: Rooms go for Ksh 28,000.

The Verdict: It’s a perfect, secluded spot for a romantic getaway or a memorable honeymoon.

Service & Activities

The staff here are the resort’s greatest asset. From the guards at the gate to the receptionists, everyone was welcoming. A special shout-out to our waiter, Sam, who handled the heavy Sunday crowd with impressive grace.

Due to time constraints, we didn’t get to try the outdoor activities, but they are on the list for our next visit (perhaps in a bigger car!).

Category	Rating
Rooms	(5/5)
Staff & Service	(5/5)
Views	(5/5)
Food	(1/5)

Kenyan banks more than doubled new lending to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in 2025, advancing Sh326.5 billion against an annual target of Sh150 billion, according to the Kenya Bankers Association. Equity Bank led the sector with Sh90.7 billion, about 28 percent of MSME credit, reinforcing its dominance in small-business financing amid rising demand for working capital and trade lines.

KCB followed with Sh56.2 billion, Co-operative Bank with Sh37.7 billion, Stanbic at Sh32.7 billion, and Family Bank with Sh32.0 billion. Together, the top five lenders accounted for roughly three-quarters of the new MSME credit, underscoring the concentration among major banks even as overall demand grows.

Mid-tier lenders also stepped up: I&M Bank advanced Sh26.3 billion, Kingdom Bank Sh9.8 billion, Absa Sh6.4 billion, National Bank Sh5.8 billion, and Sidian Bank Sh5.5 billion, reflecting intensifying competition for SME clients through supply-chain finance, invoice discounting and sector-focused programs.

Analysts attribute the surge to a stabilising shilling, gradual easing of lending rates, and broader uptake of the public credit guarantee scheme, which has strengthened banks’ willingness to extend risk-weighted loans to small businesses.

Equity aligns lending to CBR as easing cycle gathers pace

Equity Bank reiterated that it is passing Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) rate cuts directly to borrowers. Group MD and CEO Dr. James Mwangi said the bank has aligned its variable-rate loans to the Central Bank Rate (CBR), with pricing set at CBR plus a fixed premium and adjusting automatically after each Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision.

“We are very excited that the banking industry, with our regular CBK, has now found a formula that will tag our lending rates to the central bank rates. The day central bank reduces its rates is an automatic reduction of your lending rate,” Dr. Mwangi said on Wednesday, March 18, when the bank released its record 2025 financial results.

The MPC last met on February 10, 2026, cutting the CBR by 25 basis points to 8.75 percent, its fourth consecutive quarterly reduction. The next announcement is expected on April 8, 2026. Dr. Mwangi said the sustained easing cycle is reshaping borrowing behaviour after years of subdued appetite: “For the last six years, we have been experiencing declining lending, particularly in Kenya, and it’s for the first time we have seen appetite.”

Beyond rate transmission, Equity is also retooling how and to whom it lends. Dr. Joanne Korir, Director of Equity Group Foundation, outlined the scale of the Young Africa Works programme with the MasterCard Foundation, targeting youth enterprise and jobs across the region.

“We’ve been able to onboard 962,000 MSMEs into the programme, of whom 720,000 have received mentorship. In terms of access to credit to fuel their businesses, we’ve seen approximately 3.12 billion US dollars, which is about Sh390 billion, extended to these MSMEs,” Dr. Korir said. She added that job creation has reached approximately 2.4 million against an initial target of 810,000.

To support sustainability, Dr. Mwangi noted the bank is extending loan tenors within the programme from six months to as long as 24 months to help young entrepreneurs build stronger credit histories and business balance sheets.

Equity posted a 55 percent rise in profit after tax to Sh75.5 billion, described by the bank as the highest in Kenya’s corporate history. The balance sheet expanded nine percent to Sh1.97 trillion, with net loans up eight percent to Sh882.5 billion, providing headroom to meet resurgent MSME demand as the rate environment eases.

Building on the festival theme Bold Storytellers, Digital Stages: Driving Kenya’s Development Through Theatre and Film, and Equity Bank’s sub theme Leveraging Technology to Make Banking a Lifestyle – From a Place You Go to Something You Do, performances showed audiences how to adopt digital tools that build credit trails and widen market access.

The scenes are familiar and relatable. A kiosk owner drops loose cash for QR and e wallet acceptance, builds an auditable trail and secures stock financing. Parents shift school fees to digital rails for speed and verifiable receipts. Youth agripreneurs pool savings on apps to fund inputs and insure harvests, while women led collectives lean on instant payment to reach customers across counties and into regional markets. Alongside the opportunity, students confront risk head on, from basic cyber hygiene to responsible digital borrowing, tying clean data to affordable credit.

Kayole South Senior School trainer Morgan Odera was among those testing the boundaries of financial storytelling. He said their spoken word piece linked national identity to present day financial inclusion by blending Kenya’s independence story with the role of education finance in creating awareness.

“We have just performed a spoken word talking about how Kenya gained independence and how the bank chips in to benefit students, mostly through its education programs and by supporting businesspeople and Kenya’s development in general,” he said.

Performed by student Sheila Akinyi, the work drew mixed reactions for its ambition. “It is hard to combine a spoken word about independence with current affairs,” Mr Odera noted. “The artist was creative enough to blend the independence struggles and the bank’s support to students through Wings to Fly, which supports them at higher education level.” The piece underscored a simple economic arc: access to education and skills pulls more young Kenyans into a modern, increasingly digital economy, the same transformation students advocate through safer, smarter money habits.

At Precious Blood Riruta, lead choreographer Amos Othengo Pinto threaded a small trader narrative into dance and gave it commercial stakes. A mama mboga closes her day by banking takings to build a savings record and grow her enterprise. “After a day with her customers, she can save in the bank to boost the business,” he said, explaining how the team blended African and hip-hop styles to tell a modern finance story on a digital stage.

Performed by the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication under the Equity theme, the play Giza Gizani also confronted abuse of power, silence, absent parenting and injustice. Dickens Sumba, the playwright and thespian, said the work was crafted to provoke reflection and affirm the possibility of accountability.

“We built Giza Gizani to strip impunity of its glamour, to show what silence costs in homes and institutions, and to light a path toward courage, dignity and justice.”

For Nairobi Regional Director of Education Reuben Kipturgor, the business and financial awareness approach is deliberate. It stems from handing authorship to learners and demanding utility from the art. “Can we make these activities learner based? Can we go back and allow our learners to generate their own script, and then we just help them to fine tune to the levels that we can reach? That is the only way we can develop their talents,” he said, before urging partners to back student creators in tangible ways.

Equity Bank’s has committed Sh25 million nationally to support the festival, with the bank’s themed genres highlighting how technology is making financial services part of daily life and expanding inclusion for individuals, schools and enterprises.

At the national finals, champions in the Equity classes will receive Ksh100,000 with silverware, runners-up will take Ksh50,000, and third place will get Ksh30,000. All winners will also be awarded wit trophies and certificates. The best trainer will receive Ksh30,000, second Ksh20,000 and third Ksh10,000.

The national finals will be held in April in Nyeri, followed by gala showcases hosted by Education CS Julius Ogamba and Equity Group CEO and MD Dr James Mwangi. The top students will then cap the season with a performance at State Lodge, Nyeri, in a gala to be attended by President William Ruto.