SBM BANK KENYA CHAMPIONS TURTLE CONSERVATION IN DEDICATED SUSTAINABILITY DRIVE

Nairobi, Saturday, 2nd March 2024 – SBM Bank Kenya, has reaffirmed its commitment to championing the conservation of endangered species and critical ecosystems as part of its vital role in driving Kenya’s agenda on sustainability, biodiversity and environmental conservation.

SBM Bank Kenya Deputy CEO, Jotham Mutoka says that SBM Bank is keen on taking a leadership position in driving sustainability initiatives in line with the bank’s key tenets around responsible business, inclusive communities and sustainable growth.

Speaking during a turtle conservation drive in Bidibadu beach, in Diani, Mutoka noted that the bank is stepping up efforts in environmental conservation in the face of increasing human and climate threats especially across the Coastal region where endangered species such as sea turtles are facing survival challenges.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, we recognize our role in promoting sustainability across our operations including the coastal region which is a key biodiversity hotspot,” Mutoka said.

“However, the rich marine ecosystem and endangered species such as sea turtles face serious threats from human activity and climate change. This calls for collaborative efforts to reverse the negative trends that undermine the wellbeing of local communities whose livelihoods depend on a healthy environment,” he added.

The exercise, which was preceded by a beach clean-up, was conducted in partnership with Diani Turtle Watch, with the aim of boosting the turtle population as part of long-term sustainability efforts.

 It involved the relocation of vulnerable nests to safer locations and further enhancement of patrols and monitoring activities critical in augmenting the turtle conservation work.

"Diani Turtle Watch exemplifies the power of community action in driving impactful change. The work they do in monitoring nesting sites, relocating vulnerable nests, collecting data and nurturing hatchlings is inspiring. We commend their efforts and are glad to come on board to lend our support through sponsorship, altruism and advocacy initiatives. We aim to support the growth of the turtle population, which will in turn support a thriving ecosystem along the Kenyan coastal line,” Mutoka stated.

SBM bank places great importance on matters of sustainability, especially across the coastal and island geographies which are a major focus of the group's operations.

The population of sea turtles has decreased by as much as two-thirds overall with about 6.5 million remaining globally today. The Western Indian Ocean hosts five of the seven sea turtle species, including the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, loggerhead turtle, olive ridley turtle and leatherback turtle. As migratory species that travel thousands of miles, their protection requires collaborative regional efforts between nesting sites, feeding grounds and migratory routes.

About SBM Bank Kenya:

SBM Bank is a leading and trusted financial institution with an international footprint in Mauritius, Kenya, India, and Madagascar. It is headquartered in Mauritius and has a Kshs. 1 Trillion group asset base and is listed on the Mauritius Stock Exchange. SBM is positioned to offer an unprecedented banking experience based on our evolved corporate purpose, ‘For A Smarter Tomorrow,’ which speaks to digitization, innovation, excellence in customer experience and relevant solutions for customers.

SBM was established in Kenya in May 2017 and currently has branches countrywide. This is complemented by customer touch points such as a round-the-clock contact centre, ATMs, mobile banking, online banking, and extensive agency banking services. A key focus for SBM is sustainability and positive impact for the environment and community driven by an elaborate ESG agenda.

SBM Bank Kenya is regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya, and it also operates as an Authorized Depository and Securities Dealer following a license issuance by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA).