Co-op Bank receives US$100 Million Facility from DEG-Led Consortium

The Co-operative Bank of Kenya has received a long-term 7-year funding facility amounting to USD 100 million (Kshs 13.8 Billion) from a consortium of financial institutions led by DEG for on-lending mainly to Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya.

The loan is a Tier II Facility that has already been fully disbursed, where DEG acted as Lender, Mandated Lead Arranger and Facility Agent while the Consortium included The Africa Agriculture & Trade Investment Fund (AATIF), Micro Small Medium Enterprises Bonds (MSMEB) and European Development Finance Institutions namely Finnfund, Norfund and the co-financing facility European Financing Partners (EFP).

DONE DEAL: The DEG-led Consortium and Co-op Bank teams after sign-off of the $100 Million financing agreement. (L-R) Wilfred Apunda – Senior Investment Manager DEG, Michael Fischer – Director Financial Institutions Africa at DEG, Caroline Karimi – Director Finance & Strategy Co-op Bank, Monika Beck – Member of DEG’s Management Board, Dr Gideon Muriuki – Group Managing Director & CEO Co-op Bank, Judy Kinyanjui – Investment Director Norfund and Antje Steiner – Regional Director East Africa at KfW DEG. Partly hidden at the back are William Nyaoke – Regional Director East Africa, Norfund and Sam Kibugi – Company Secretary Co-op Bank.

Commenting upon the disbursement of the facility, Co-operative Bank Group Managing Director & CEO Dr. Gideon Muriuki said:

“The funding by DEG and the Consortium is most timely in view of the great need to better support our business customers. In addition, the long-term tenure of the facility has significantly boosted the bank’s ability to offer solutions that are better structured to fulfil the long-term financing needs of MSMEs.”

Monika Beck, Member of DEG’s Management Board said:

“By acting as lead arranger and providing the subordinated loan to Co-op Bank, DEG contributes to the further development of Kenya’s financial sector and the wider economy through the creation of jobs and local income, all geared towards the attainment of Sustainability Development Goals.”

Co-op Bank continues to leverage its strong balance sheet to access funding and allied partnerships with global development partners to enhance the bank’s opportunities for growth and overall performance as here under;

  • Enhance the bank’s assets and liability match where long-term loans can be financed using the long-term debt.
  • Diversify the bank’s asset and funding portfolio.
  • Expand the bank’s client base especially among MSMEs.
  • Boost the bank’s competitive position on account of affordable lending.

The DEG-led facility is a significant support to the bank especially at this point in time when the bank’s digitization journey is moving full steam ahead with the recent transition to a new, robust core banking system.

Christmas made easier by Co-op Bank

The festive season is upon us and I am sure you are wondering how to ensure your December actually Decembers like every other December. In fact, if you have children or you have to actually go upcountry, then you know the pressure is real for you to make this a special Christmas complete with gifts.

Well, this is where Co-op Bank comes in to partner with you. No, not for the kayumbet but to ensure your business continues to run smoothly throughout the holiday season. Seriously though, you will have to figure out how to navigate the delicate procedure of impressing your aunties on your own BUT at least you know Co-op bank is helping you keep your payments and business operations running smoothly.

And how is this going to be achieved while you’re all the way in the village enjoying some traditional brews, your family time as you tell each other stories while sitting around the campfire? Easy:

Online card payments

Boost your sales by integrating into our online card payment solution to receive card payments from customers from different banks and from anywhere in the world.

These are Co-op Bank ATMs, Debit or Credit Cards. All payments for purchases or goods delivered can easily be checked off by swiping these cards.

With card payments, its easier to track stock levels, and enjoy an easy check out flow.

PDQ/POS

This is a device that refers to a payment terminal accessed by Visa cards to make electronic fund transfers. They are common in malls, supermarkets and fuel stations.

POS stands for Point Of Sale in a business outlet. PDQ stands for Process Data Quickly.

Co-op Bank avails PDQ/POS machines to their clients. These machines greatly boost sales by enabling them receive card payments from customers from different banks.

A trader enjoys timely reports, easier tracking of income and expenses.

Lipa Na M-Pesa Till Number

Co-op Bank provides this service in partnership with Safaricom M-Pesa service. The bank offers to process a till number for their clients businesses, at no charge.

This helps a business to receive cashless payments via Lipa na M-Pesa Till Number – usualy displayed at payment point at the business premises.

The money clients pay through the Till number is deposited directly into the clients Co-op Bank account.

The payments paid into the account can be accessed anytime via Co-op Banks mobile banking platform, ATMs, Co-op Kwa Jirani agents, Internet banking or at any branch across the republic.

M-Pesa Paybill 400200

Co-op Bank’s official M-Pesa Paybill number – 400200 – enables a trader to receive payments directly into their Co-op Bank account. The money reflects into the account immediately.

One can also check for the payment confirmation via our mobile banking or internet banking platforms. Alternatively, one can receive notifications via text if they have subscribed to the MCo-op Cash SMS notifications.

The funds are accessible anytime via the banks’s mobile banking platform, Co-op Kwa Jirani agents, ATMs, Internet banking or at the branch.

M-Coop Cash

This feature is not limited to business owners, but to everyone with a Co-op bank account. Its applicable to all needs that require exchange of money.

Encourage colleagues, family members, clients or business associates who have Co-op Bank accounts to send money directly account using the MCo-op Cash App or via USSD *667#.

How does a business boost sales?

Easier tracking of expenses.

Timely business reports.

Easy check out flow.

Instant payment confirmation via SMS notifications or via internet banking platform.

Payments are deposited into Co-op Bank account – easy access anytime via mobile banking platform, ATMs, Co-op Kwa Jirani agents, internet banking and at the branch.

How does a client register for Co-op Bank online banking?

You can log in and transact using any internet-enabled device including mobile phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.

Registration is INSTANT and FREE of charge. All you need is your National ID and any of your Co-op Bank ATM cards. Click here to register.

Youll create your own username and password, which you can re-set anytime in case you forget or feel the need to change.

Every time you log in or do a transaction, youll have to enter an OTP (One Time Password) which is sent to your mobile number or email address.

This is a security feature Co-op Bank has in place to keep accounts secure.

How to do business online and not have your identity stolen

So you have discovered a niche that you can take advantage of online in order for you to make some major bank right? Well, how do you go about running your business safely and avoiding identity theft of either yourself or your clients?

The first step is to understand what identity theft is. Identity theft is what we call the crime of someone using your personal data (name, passwords, birth date) to impersonate then steal from you.

It is a threat experienced by people who choose to conduct business of any nature online.

1. Credit identity theft
Credit identity theft happens when a criminal uses your personal information, such as birthdate and Social Security number, to apply for a new credit line.

Warning signs: You might see an unexpected change in your credit scores or an account you don’t recognize on your credit reports. You may get debt collection notices or a court judgment against you. The best way to prevent it is to freeze your credit.

2. Child identity theft
Criminals steal a child’s identity and apply for credit in that child’s name. Often it is not discovered until the victim applies for college loans or other credit.

Warning signs: If your child is getting offers of credit cards or phone calls about late payments or debt collections, investigate. You can freeze your child’s credit to prevent it.

3. Synthetic identity theft
Synthetic identity theft is when criminals use a patchwork of identity details to construct a fictitious consumer, using a Social Security number — often one of a minor child or one that is simply made up — that is not yet in the credit bureaus’ database and combining it with a name and address. They then apply for loans and credit cards, often making payments for years as the credit limits grow. Then comes a “bust out,” when cards are maxed out and the criminals disappear.

Warning signs: If you try to freeze your child’s credit and discover their Social Security number is already in use. Often it is not discovered until the child is applying for student loans. It is not always preventable, because sometimes criminals make up and use a Social Security number even before it’s assigned.

4. Taxpayer identity theft
Sometimes fraudsters use a Social Security number to file a tax return and steal your tax refund or tax credit.

Warning signs: You may be unable to e-file because someone else has already filed under that Social Security number, you get an IRS notice or letter referencing some activity you knew nothing about or IRS records suggest you worked for an employer that you did not. Filing early can help you beat criminals to filing in your name, and some states offer six-digit identity protection PINs (after a rigorous verification) with additional security.

5. Medical identity theft
Using someone else’s identity to get health care services is medical identity theft. It’s particularly dangerous because it can result in medical histories being mixed, giving doctors and hospitals wrong information as they are making health care decisions.

Warning signs: Claims or payments on your insurance explanation of benefits that you do not recognize can suggest that someone is using your health care benefits. If you’ve fallen victim, you’ll need to both report it to your insurance company and inform your health care team to be sure information in your health care records is actually yours.

6. Account takeover
Criminals use personal data to access your financial accounts, then change passwords or addresses so that you no longer have access.

Warning signs: An email, letter or text from your financial institution that refers to an action (like a password or email change) or transaction you don’t recognize.

7. Criminal identity theft
Criminal identity theft occurs when someone gives law authorities someone else’s name and address during an arrest or investigation. This is often done with false identification, such as a fake driver’s license.

Warning signs: You may be detained by a police officer for reasons that are unclear to you, or be denied employment or a promotion because of something found in a background check.

So how can you keep yourself safe from all these risks? Well, that is where Coop Bank comes in. They will partner with you to ensure you do not fall prey to Yahoo Boys or wash-wash clowns. These are the services they offer to ensure you do not get conned:

Online card payments
Boost your sales by integrating into our online card payment solution to receive card payments from customers from different banks and from anywhere in the world.

These are Co-op Bank ATM’s, Debit or Credit Cards. All payments for purchases or goods delivered can easily be checked off by swiping these cards.

With card payments, it’s easier to track stock levels, and enjoy an easy check out flow.

PDQ/POS

This is a device that refers to a payment terminal accessed by Visa cards to make electronic fund transfers. They are common in malls, supermarkets and fuel stations.

POS stands for Point Of Sale in a business outlet. PDQ stands for ‘Process Data Quickly’.

Co-op Bank avails PDQ/POS machines to their clients. These machines greatly boost sales by enabling them receive card payments from customers from different banks.

A trader enjoys timely reports, easier tracking of income and expenses.

Lipa Na M-Pesa Till Number

Co-op Bank provides this service in partnership with Safaricom M-Pesa service. The bank offers to process a till number for their client’s businesses, at no charge.

This helps a business to receive cashless payments via Lipa na M-Pesa Till Number – usualy displayed at payment point at the business premises.

The money clients pay through the Till number is deposited directly into the client’s Co-op Bank account.

The payments paid into the account can be accessed anytime via Co-op Bank’s mobile banking platform, ATMs, Co-op Kwa Jirani agents, Internet banking or at any branch across the republic.

M-Pesa Paybill 400200

Co-op Bank’s official M-Pesa Paybill number – 400200 – enables a trader to receive payments directly into their Co-op Bank account.

The money reflects into the account immediately. One can also check for the payment confirmation via mobile banking or internet banking platforms.

Alternatively, one can receive notifications via text if they have subscribed to the MCo-op Cash SMS notifications.

The funds are accessible anytime via the banks’s mobile banking platform, Co-op Kwa Jirani agents, ATMs, Internet banking or at the branch.

M-Coop Cash

This feature is not limited to business owners, but to everyone with a Co-op bank account. It’s applicable to all needs that require exchange of money.

Encourage colleagues, family members, clients or business associates who have Co-op Bank accounts to send money directly account using the MCo-op Cash App or via USSD *667#.

How does a business boost sales?

  • Easier tracking of expenses.
  • Timely business reports.
  • Easy check out flow.

Instant payment confirmation via SMS notifications or via internet banking platform.

Payments are deposited into Co-op Bank account – easy access anytime via mobile banking platform, ATMs, Co-op Kwa Jirani agents, internet banking and at the branch.

How does a client register for Co-op Bank online banking?

You can log in and transact using any internet-enabled device including mobile phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.

Registration is INSTANT and FREE of charge. All you need is your National ID and any of your Co-op Bank ATM cards. Click here to register.

You’ll create your own username and password, which you can re-set anytime in case you forget or feel the need to change.

Every time you log in or do a transaction, you’ll have to enter an OTP (One Time Password) which is sent to your mobile number or email address.

This is a security feature Co-op Bank has in place to keep accounts secure.

 

What’s the definite Must-Have’s for a memorable road trip with your gang?

Well, road trips are fun for their exploratory nature. A well-planned road trip with a tight circle of friends can be the highlight of the year.

A road trip has a definite ultimate destination in mind, but there may be numerous side trips or unplanned activities along the way. The magic lies in the spontaneity of it.

Make good choice of friends for a road trip – your joy depends on it.

Plan for the essentials.

Essential car tools and accessories, like spare tires, equipped tool boxes with jump cables, tow cables, gas cans, triangle reflectors, et al. It pays off if a member of the gang possesses basic motoring skills.

Travel first aid kit with bandages, burn cream, tweezers, gauze & medical tape, antihistamine, pain relief medicine.

Comfortable backpack capable of holding water bottle, snacks, camera, or other incidentals.

Lots of good music – or whatever favorite past time your gang likes – some may like audio books, podcasts, et al.

A tent, sleeping bag and pad so when you’re driving by somewhere super beautiful you can just pull over and pitch your tent, making the best portable home wherever you find it! Means saving money to be used in booking hotels!

A cooler with lots of drinks – however, in case of alcoholic drinks, be sure to have a designated driver at any point of the road trip – in turns.

Enough bottled drinking water, healthy snacks for the road (granola bars, fruit, nuts, shake mixes) as you don’t want to rely on only junk or roadside fast food.

Quality electronic device car chargers for smart phones, laptops, tablets, etc. as well as headphones for individual listening.

Maps – like, printed maps – not just digital maps, as sometimes devices may go off, or get reset.

Sunglasses, for comfort in case of glair – or for sheer ooze and pomp. Glasses are stylish.

Casual clothing and layered clothing like tees, sweatshirts, rain slicker, and warm jacket if traveling to cold temperature destinations.

Perhaps, the biggest factor lies in the cost factor. A lot of times, road trip groups usually save up for the trip in a central account. It may even take a year or so.

On the duration of the trip, carry along only the essential amount in liquid cash – as protection for hazards of the road – like, robberies. A little cash comes in handy, too, if your car ends up in a ditch and a homely neighbor needs to tow you out with his tractor!

The bulk of the trip savings, though, has to be in a safe place, and yet within reach in times of need.

For cashless payments, Co-op Bank offers a seamless experience through its Visa-branded cards. All kinds of payments foreseeable on a road trip can be made by safely swiping Co-op Bank Visa cards at payment points.

Name it: fuel purchases, hotel bookings, eating at hotels and restaurants, souvenir-shopping…..

Swiping Co-op Bank Visa cards comes at no extra costs.

It’s free, convenient, and safe. It’s also easy to track spending through instant notifications on mobile phone.

To learn more on opportunities availed by Co-op Bank Visa cards, check online by clicking here, or visit the nearest Co-op Bank branch and speak to the staff.

Also Read: https://www.ghafla.com/sponsored/did-you-know-that-a-co-op-kwa-jirani-agent-offers-the-exact-same-services-available-at-any-co-op-bank-branch/

How a flashy pair of Fourth Formers easily rip off an entire batch of newcomers (monos) of their prized pocket money

Nkubu Town is a mid-tier business and residential township in Meru County. While previously ranked ‘sleepy’, the town’s in hot pursuit of the county’s major administrative sibling – Meru town, just a couple of miles north. High rise business projects are slowly changing the town’s skyline, and I had a dream to be part of this new tide.

I chose to invest into the hardware business field – supply building materials. While I had majored in business in college, my folks (who were the principal financiers) had little faith in this venture. The ravaging Covid-19 virus situation also didn’t help. I had to be different.

I was also informed that the construction field was filled with fraudsters. Conniving contractors are a dime a dozen. I didn’t say lest I gave off a cocky vibe, but I’ve had encounters with fraudsters that had weaned me off.

The first was an experience in my first week in high school.

A day or two after reporting day, we had settled in class in the evening. An innocent bunch of ‘green monos’ – freshly issued uniforms crisp and fitting. We still hadn’t started lessons, as belated reporting was ongoing. We hadn’t met all the teachers, yet.

Presently, a pair of smartly dressed gents in fitting blazers and blue jeans (and, white sneakers) enter our class. They introduce themselves as Biology and Chemistry teachers. They are well-informed, and pleasantly casual. While one intimates that he’s wishing for an administrative allocation as our class teacher, the other says he’s keen on drama – wants to know if there are any acting enthusiasts in our lot.

The entire class instantly wanted to be the ‘Next Break-out Star’ in Drama Club!

After a while, they tell of their purpose to visit. They express regret that they welcoming us with bad news. The bad news? One of their colleagues – a Physics teacher – had passed on just a day earlier. The school tradition is that students and teachers contribute to some welfare fund for the bereaved family.

Long story cut short, a pair of flashy, smart-talking Fourth Formers ripped us off our pocket money, after a tall story. They were so good – they successfully repeated that charade in four streams. Of course, they couldn’t be traced.

I lost Kes.500 on that evening’s preps.

For my business, I decided to learn from one of the town’s most established hardware merchants – The Kinoti G.K Hardware. The business is located in an iconic building along the highway that splits the town.

Meeting the gentleman took a while, but I learnt a lot as I waited at the premises. One, he rarely worked there. He ran the business from home. Two, the customers rarely came to the premises. All day long, I’d see pick-up trucks getting loaded for deliveries to construction sites.

When we met, the pleasant gentleman was keen to share his business strengths, on a mentorship role.

He had opted for cashless payments, and its success to the E-commerce solution offered by his banking partner, Co-op Bank.

E-commerce afforded him a variety of advantages.

Customers do not need to be physically present. Payments can be transacted at any time from any location in the world and delivery is done. For instance, Kenyans in the diaspora with construction projects in their rural homes would pay make payments directly to his Co-op Bank account. Delivery of materials to the site is then made.

With an outstanding real-time processing speed with average authorisation response times typically below 2 seconds, such clients would find it very convenient, and safe.

There’s more sales, too, as E-commerce allows flexibility for multiple currencies – Kes, USD, GBP and Euro.

Besides, a customer enjoys a variety of cards: International VISA credit and debit cards, pre-paid cards.

While I’d like to serve clients even in the diaspora, I said that am targeting local customers. The merchant advises me to visit Co-op Bank. They’d assist me get a Lipa Na MPesa till number for my business.

In the face of danger with the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s safer to go cashless with the E-commerce solution from Co-op Bank.

#StaySafe #StayHome

 

 

For a business owner, how does using the E-commerce solution from Co-op Bank help grow a business?

The ravaging Covid-19 pandemic has dictated a rather drastic change to our livelihoods if we have to check its spread.

The business owners have had to embrace cashless means of payments, to lower their risk levels presented by use of hard cash. There’s need, therefore, for a reliable E-commerce platform.

To address that concern, The Co-operative Bank has heavily invested in E-commerce to guarantee safety and quick flow of payments to their clients – Merchants and their customers.

Here’s a preview of various advantages a merchant enjoys:

  1. Convenience to their customers consequently an increase in sales: Customers do not need to be physically present. Payments can be transacted at any time from any location in the world and delivery is done.
  2. Outstanding real-time processing speed with average authorisation response times typically below 2 seconds: quicker service delivery as payments reflect instantly.
  3. A customer enjoys a variety of card: International VISA credit and debit cards, pre-paid cards – which doubles safety and convenience on both ends.
  4. There’s more sales, as E-commerce allows flexibility for multiple currencies – Kes, USD, GBP and Euro
  5. The E-commerce solution gives unparalleled processing scalability and security – as it’s instant, and avoids the risks fraught with using hard cash.
  6. The merchants and their customers enjoy exceptional service reliability that’s backed by 24/07 operations support. In case of any hitch, there’s real-time assistance.
  7. E-commerce allows advanced fraud prevention solutions, on both the merchants’ and customers’ end.
  8. The ease of integration. A merchant using the E-commerce has accounting and book balancing cut out, as opposed to tedious paperwork occasioned by hard cash sales.
  9. Real-time reporting on payments and account statuses for trading partners.

Most importantly, with the E-commerce solution, merchants are now be able to receive payments not only from Co-op Bank card holders but also card holders from other banks.

Co-op Bank also offers other Cashless solutions to merchants. For instance:

  1. Lipa Na M-Pesa: The bank assists you get a till number so payments can be directly deposited into your Co-op bank account.
  2. POS/PDQ terminals: Customers do not need to handle hard cash. They can use their cards to make payments, and money is deposited directly into the merchant’s account.
  3. MCo-op Cash: Co-op bank customers with the mobile banking solution can conveniently transfer money directly from their Co-op account into the merchant’s Co-op account using the USSD number *667# or via the MCo-op Cash app.
  4. Lipa Na M-Pesa Paybill number 400200: Customers can use their phones to send money directly into the merchant’s Co-op bank account using the M-Pesa Paybill number 400200.

Merchants are encouraged to contact Co-op Bank for details and assistance.