CHASE BANK EYES HORTICULTURAL SECTOR WITH NEW PARTNERSHIP

Nairobi: January 21, 2015 – Chase Bank is targeting the one-billion shilling horticultural sector as it braces for its next phase of growth, Chase Bank Business Development Director Ken Ouko, has said.

“Horticultural sector is one of the key sectors in the Kenyan economy and as a bank we are keen in developing this sector,” said Mr Ouko. “Our agricultural division, Chase Agri offers financial solutions that are drawn from a deep understanding of the agricultural sector, as well as the diverse and unique needs of our clients who include small, medium and large scale players within the various agribusiness value chains.”

Mr. Ouko was speaking when the bank signed a partnership agreement with Green Farming, a group of Dutch horticultural technical suppliers and knowledge partners.

The partnership will see Chase Bank customers gain easy access to greenhouse technology, input supplies, capacity building and access to financial services and the domestic market under Growing Solutions, a programme managed by Green Farming and aims at improving local entrepreneurship in Kenya on the theme of food security and food safety and is executed by a consortium of Dutch private partners in close co-operation with local partners.

“Green Farming works together with Kenyan partners to find sustainable solutions adapted to the Kenyan climate and economic circumstances.  This partnership with Chase Bank enable us to tie together financial and technical aspects of our project to ensure their success," said Green Farming President Harm Maters.

With the proof of concept complete and commencement of business development phase of the program, Chase Agri will leverage on the program to target, SME Vegetable Growers, to finance the acquisition and implementation of the greenhouse packages.

“As a bank, we cherish strategic partnerships that help us satisfy the ever changing needs of our customers. We believe this partnership will be useful to our current and prospective customers in the agricultural sector by creating added value for horticulture entrepreneurs through the continuous marketing of innovative and contemporary services and products,” said Mr. Ouko. 

“Our strategy included working closely with partners in the horticulture industry who offer technical support, optimal inputs and access to market such one the one we have signed with Green Farming,” he added.

Green Farming has a reputation in the field of agro-consultancy, and undertakes its own scientific research, as well as providing operational, strategic planning and turn-key consultancy across all sectors in Agriculture and Horticulture.

Green Farming is headquartered in the Netherlands with presence in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, Russia, Saudi Arabia, East Africa, and Latin America.