Tag: Simba Colt

What does a business owner need to acquire a brand-new Isuzu truck and additional working capital?

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

For most business owners, a significant portion of the overheads arise in logistics. Moving new stock from the source to the market or between warehouses and making deliveries. There’s also a lot of costly risks in outsourcing transport.

To seal this loophole, business owners need a formidable financial partner.

Co-op Bank has the special Motor Vehicle Purchase Schemes established with major motor vehicle dealers, Isuzu East Africa Ltd and Simba Corporation Group. This is structured to enable Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) acquire vehicles they need at highly negotiated terms.

These are the requirements needed to secure Biashara Iendelee na Isuzu financing:

  • 6 months’ bank statements: (Non Co-op Bank clients) Mpesa statements are an added advantage. 1 year statements for seasonal/contractor business OR schools
  • Copy of ID/passport for all applicants/directors/officials
  • Copy of KRA pin certificates
  • Business registration certificate
  • Duly filled Asset finance application form, include working capital form
  • Limited Companies: Certificate of Incorporation, PIN, Memo & Articles of Association, annual returns
  • Saccos: PIN, Certificate of Registration, Registered borrowing powers, minutes authorizing the borrowing, minutes appointing officials
  • Copies of contracts where applicable
  • Pro forma Invoice
  • For amounts above 10 million: 3 years audited accounts, latest management accounts

In addition, the package comes with:

  • A working capital of Ksh 300,000/=
  • A 60-day repayment holiday on the loan
  • A comprehensive insurance package priced at 4.75% of the vehicle value (that includes political violence & terrorism)
  • Insurance Premium Financing which allows you to pay insurance premiums in easy instalments
  • 1% processing fee

This is a way to overcome logistic challenges. To address them and achieve success via this scheme, visit any one of the 150 Co-op Bank branches across the country. The solution is within reach.

To check the Biashara Iendelee na Isuzu promotion online from the comfort of your office or home, click here!

Did you know that the discarded Banana Blossom is a super food, and an expensive delicacy?

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

It’s astonishing, how little you know about the basic banana tree. Or, the fruit, even.

For instance, what’s the little strings inside a banana?

The little strings are called phloem bundles.

Do you know the actual name for the banana flower? The cylindrical part that grows forth through the stem, forms part of the stalk that holds the fruit and then peels off in layers as the fruit ages?

It’s called the Banana Blossom.

Banana Blossom Chicken Salad (file image)

In most cases, this part of the banana tree is discarded as waste, or set aside as animal feed. It escapes a lot of folks -but the banana blossom is a delicacy, and a delicious meal.

These are the simple steps:

Ingredients:

Banana Blossom

Vinegar, or, lemon juice (2 lemons)

The steps:

Wash the entire blossom.

Start opening the outer leaves one by one. Under each leaf you will find a group of long pale yellow flowers.

Keep repeating the first 2 steps: open the leaf, collect flowers, and discard leaf. While peeling, the leaves will get softer and paler in color and the flowers will get smaller – as the blossom peels.

Put in a bowl, add cold water, lemon juice or vinegar to avoid discoloring.

Pick a flower, open, by pulling the feathery plastic like petal back, you’ll find the matchstick like stem inside the flower. You have to remove it, otherwise your blossoms will be hard and bitter.

Open the flower by gently rubbing the end of it in between your fingers and gently push the petals back. Do this for all that you can. The flowers closer to the heart will get smaller and smaller and will get harder and harder to clean. When you can’t clean anymore, just separate the flowers.

Discard the match-stick like part, keep the flower. These are ready to cook, as you’d cook any other salads – or, vegetable like the spinach.

While the banana fruit remains a fast-moving commodity, and the crop remains a huge income earner for most communities in Kenya – there’s a huge challenge in transport logistics – between the producer and the consumer in towns.

There’s considerable wastage and business losses incurred in unprecedented delays along the route, either from dishonest transport agents or mechanical breakdowns.

There’s been an effort by a leading regional bank to even out the playground for traders – especially those dealing with perishable fruits and vegetables.

Co-op Bank has renewed a vehicle financing deal financing deal that is set to empower such traders – either as individuals or registered groups.

The Biashara Iendelee campaign deal gives clients up to 95% funding on selected vehicle brands to boost Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

These are versatile lorry and pick-up trucks ideal for business, from Isuzu Kenya and Simba Colt.

For Isuzu, models available are: Pickups – TFS & TFR series. Trucks: N-series Models – NHR, NKR, NQR, NPR; Isuzu F-Series models – FRR, FSR.

For Simba Colt, Co-op Bank clients can pick the versatile Mitsubishi Canter FE 71, 84,85CG, 85CH, Mitsubishi Trucks and assorted Mitsubishi Pickups.

If they wish, the clients can also apply for a Ksh.500,000 working capital facility to ride out the crippling Covid-19 season. Other exciting perks is the 60 day loan-grace-period, a negotiated motor vehicle insurance cover and the longest, flexible re-payment periods in the market – 5 years.

There’s really no need for a trader to incur losses due to delayed transport from the farm to the market – NO MATTER THE DISTANCE!

What best describes the feeling of getting to your house after a long day at work?

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

After a hard day’s hustle, and errands – what’s the first thing you do when you get into your house?

Kick off the irksome heels?

Flop on the stained coach and switch on the thumping music system?

Unclip tight clothing to free long-suffering appendages?

There’s no place like home. This is your personal space – you can be you.

It matters not if it’s a sprawling estate on endless acreage fraught with servants, or, a tiny, cramped, windowless box in a maze of floors and staircases somewhere in the city.

This is home, and there’s nowhere else the heart would rather be. And, these are just urban rentals. The homeowners are usually on another, higher level.

Have you seen how hard faces and hearts melt into emotional mirages when discussing the journey to building the first home?

The first home is often a rewarding culmination of an intense journey of endless personal sacrifice, sweat, blood and tears. The patience and inner drive needed to transform a barren piece of rocky land into a haven of dreams, is not a mean feat – and it’s painstakingly slow – akin to pulling out multiple bee stings.

Also Read: https://www.ghafla.com/sponsored/co-op-bank-partners-with-isuzu-and-simba-colt-to-stir-the-motoring-industry-with-an-incredible-95-vehicle-financing-scheme/

In between dishonest building crews bent on fleecing by overcharging for supplies and inflating the casuals tally, most home builders contend with taxing day jobs. Site supervision is relegated to multiple calls to the foreman – energy sapping and financially draining.

And, no, hiring a relative as a supervisor at your building site always ends in tears – and, irreparable family damages.

To fill in this gap, numerous construction firms have been formed. Depending on the level of work, these firms usually charge a percentage higher – but, all factors held constant – it’s the safer bet for the busy corporate home builder.

 

Along the Kenyan coastal zone, one building firm stands out – Riziki Home Solutions.

Interestingly, Riziki Home Solutions is lady-owned, and ran. This firm has steadily created a comfortable niche in residential and business structure development. As it is, once a potential home owner signs a contract and settles half of the agreed final payment, the firm handles every aspect of the process – from ground breaking to final touches – within an agreed time frame.

There’s some truth in the adage that what a man can do a woman can do twice better.

The firm is staffed with lady professionals, from architects, civil engineers and all craftsmen in between. Read plumbers, electricians, interior décor and landscaping experts.

Riziki Home Solutions Director, one Ms. Sarah Riziki doesn’t mince words, in her swivel leather seat behind a swarthy mahogany desk in her spacious office on the mezzanine floor, on one office block off Nkrumah Road.

“We started off as a tiny cowboy outfit – with the bare minimum we needed to make a successful project – one architect, one engineer, one plumber, et al. At the time, we all had day jobs till we ran the first few projects. We all quit and got into it fulltime” Says Ms. Sarah.

“Thanks to a solid financial partner, Co-op Bank, we’ve been able to expand, and build a credible working reputation”.

As we speak, Riziki Home Solutions is taking advantage of the Biashara Indelee Na Isuzu Campaign.

Co-op Bank has partnered with Isuzu and Simba Colt in a vehicle financing deal that gives clients up to 95% funding on selected vehicle brands to boost Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The construction firm has signed up for a fleet of Isuzu trucks and pick-ups: the TFR series, the N-series NHR; and the F-Series models – FRR, FSR.

The Biashara Iendelee Na Isuzu Campaign also allows clients a Ksh.500,000 working capital facility, a 60 day repayment-grace period, a negotiated motor vehicle insurance cover and the longest, flexible re-payment periods in the market – 5 years.

 

Get home and kick off your heels, enjoy your personal space and just be yourself.

This is home.

This is how cereal, fruit & vegetable traders get easy financing for brand new trucks to ferry produce, cut transit losses and irksome middlemen

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

Do you know why bananas are a sure fixture in the breakfast basket in every hotel? Or, in your own kitchen, or sneaked into your school lunch basket?

The fruit is loaded with healthy benefits. It’s loaded with fibre – both soluble and insoluble.

The soluble fiber has the tendency to slow down digestion and keep you feeling full for a longer time.

In Nairobi, and other major towns across the region, the banana is the fastest moving fruit in grocery stalls, street vendors and supermarket fruit stands. Its available all year round, and a common staple in most households.

The versatility is boundless.

Ripe? You game.

Chopped and tagged with other fruits as pudding? Even better.

Peeled raw and chopped into tire shapes and fried? Who doesn’t miss that cuisine?

The banana also features heavily in every urban bachelor’s dwelling. Its affordable – and a high -energy fruit.

In Kenya, many regions grow bananas. The richest, though, and famous for their banana-cultured lifestyles, are the Kisii people. In hot pursuit is the Meru region.

The banana trade is booming, but the blunt edge is borne by traders – on the transport part. It’s really hectic. But necessity is the mother of innovation, right?

In banana-rich Kisii and Meru region, traders have joined up to form empowerment groups. This enables them to pool resources and hire a single hauling truck, as opposed to the previous trend to just source for available transport at the main markets.

One step further, is that these trading groups have evolved to be financial outfits, and got duly registered. Each member has a membership number to the group, and deposits money directly to the group’s central account.

For Co-op Bank, these trader groups enjoy customized services, and expert financial advice. The bank has assiste4d the group acquire Safaricom till numbers that deposit money directly to the group’s account.

Despite the prevailing financial melt-down spurred by the pandemic, Co-op Bank has renewed a vehicle financing deal financing deal that is set to empower such registered groups – like, the banana traders.

The Biashara Iendelee campaign deal gives clients up to 95% funding on selected vehicle brands to boost Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

These are versatile lorry and pick-up trucks ideal for business, from Isuzu Kenya and Simba Colt.

For Isuzu, models available are: Pickups – TFS & TFR series. Trucks: N-series Models – NHR, NKR, NQR, NPR; Isuzu F-Series models – FRR, FSR.

For Simba Colt, Co-op Bank clients can pick the versatile Mitsubishi Canter FE 71, 84,85CG, 85CH, Mitsubishi Trucks and assorted Mitsubishi Pickups.

If they wish, these groups can also apply for a Ksh.500,000 working capital facility to ride out the crippling Covid-19 season. Other exciting perks is the 60 day loan-grace-period, a negotiated motor vehicle insurance cover and the longest, flexible re-payment periods in the market – 5 years.

There’s really no need for your group to incur losses due to delayed transport from the farm to the market – NO MATTER THE DISTANCE!

Fancy a brand new Isuzu, or, Mitsubishi truck for your business? It’s now very easy!

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

For an entrepreneur in a seasonal business, or, a businessman in a contractor-based project and need reliable, financial motivation, there is a bit of good tidings in store.

Do you run a private school – and, needs to prep up for operations when the learning program is back?

You need to know that Co-operative Bank has renewed for the fifth year running the special Motor Vehicle Purchase Schemes established with major motor vehicle dealers, Isuzu East Africa Ltd and Simba Corporation Group. This is structured to enable Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) acquire vehicles they need at highly negotiated terms.

With the Biashara Indelee na Isuzu promotion, one enjoys up to 95% funding for the vehicle of choice. Also, you can choose to attain additional funding for up to 500, to boost business operations.

Incredibly, the package affords your business a 6 month grace period to start making the payments.

Vehicle models under the Special Scheme for Isuzu are Pickups – TFS & TFR series, Isuzu N-series Models – NHR, NKR, NQR, NPR; Isuzu F-Series models – FRR, FSR.

Simba Colt are offering Mitsubishi Canter FE 71, 84,85CG, 85CH, Mitsubishi Trucks and Mitsubishi Pickups.

These are the requirements needed to secure Biashara Iendelee na Isuzu financing:

  • 6 months’ bank statements: (Non Co-op Bank clients) Mpesa statements are an added advantage. 1 year statements for seasonal/contractor business OR schools
  • Copy of ID/passport for all applicants/directors/officials
  • Copy of KRA pin certificates
  • Business registration certificate
  • Duly filled Asset finance application form, include working capital form
  • Limited Companies: Certificate of Incorporation, PIN, Memo & Articles of Association, annual returns
  • Saccos: PIN, Certificate of Registration, Registered borrowing powers, minutes authorizing the borrowing, minutes appointing officials
  • Copies of contracts where applicable
  • Pro forma Invoice
  • For amounts above 10 million: 3 years audited accounts, latest management accounts

Related: https://www.ghafla.com/sponsored/co-op-bank-partners-with-isuzu-and-simba-colt-to-stir-the-motoring-industry-with-an-incredible-95-vehicle-financing-scheme/

In addition, the package comes with:

  • A working capital of Ksh 300,000/=
  • A 60-day repayment holiday on the loan
  • A comprehensive insurance package priced at 4.75% of the vehicle value (that includes political violence & terrorism)
  • Insurance Premium Financing which allows you to pay insurance premiums in easy instalments
  • 1% processing fee

Each business has unique challenges. To address them and achieve success, visit any one of the 150 Co-op Bank branches across the country. The solution shall be met with equal zeal.

To check the Biashara Iendelee na Isuzu promotion online, click here.

What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had travelling long-distance on a public bus?  

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

Who doesn’t love a long road trip?

The endless open road, favorite jams and binge-ing on junk with a loved one.

If one is lucky, a spontaneous fight with the significant other over some useless trivia from weeks ago – that results to a few miles of tarmac in total silence – as each goes over the minute merits and de-merits of dating a complete Neanderthal …….

It’s never that serious, right?

Endless miles staring at gaping cornfields and bare-chested farm workers often lead to a wise, epiphany moment – and you always make up!

But, have you had a chance to travel long distance on public transport?

On the long distance, overnight buses, it’s easy to be a complete idiot. Something takes over the minds and personalities of otherwise rational citizens to transition them to undesirable versions of themselves.

Is it the caging feel? It can be overwhelming for natural free birds.

Most overnight buses are severely sealed and air-conditioned. Free birds seek refuge in some sort of protest. Is it the scented air of the bus cabins – tainted with a variety of individual smells – garlic, alcohol, strong perfumes and, of course, body sweats?

Whatever it is, people act weird and irritable.

Once in a while, though, these night travel buses have been the source of very inspiring stories.

Lifelong friendships and even marriages have started with a mere, random seating arrangement. Getting stuck with someone for long periods sometimes leads to honest one-to-one conversations – meeting new friends, and networking.

On a personal front, an eye-opening encounter happened in November 2019.

The pandemic hadn’t yet gained traction in East Africa, and business was still bustling – gearing up for the Christmas festivities.

On this day, I was booked on a 10 PM bus from Nairobi to Mombasa. It wasn’t the high-end, air-conditioned class. Just a regular commuter mini bus. The firm is cheap, but has a reputation for reliability. For this reason, it’s the favorite for the market traders, fondly referred to as Mama Mboga’s.

On this day, I chanced upon a trader – supplied bananas, oranges and whatever other fruits are in season – from inland to the coastal city. She was talkative, and opened up quite fast. In less than an hour, she’d talked of her supportive chama, her family, her clan and, thankfully, her business.

It’s the business part that inspired me.

After half a year saving with her chama – which had a central account at Co-op Bank – she’d taken a chama loan. She’d partnered with a colleague and started buying seasonal fruits in bulk, to sell at the coastal areas.

They’d been in a promising business streak for a few weeks. Never underestimate the reach of ambitious women. In just two months, they’d repaid their chama loans.

The challenges they faced?

Top of the list was the uncertainty with the cargo lorries. They’d load at Ngara Market, then follow up on the night buses to rendezvous with the lorry at the main coastal market at dawn – Kongowea.

Sometimes, delays on the road happened. The lorry crew would hike fees. The fruit cargo would naturally go bad. Transport was their main headache.

I dozed off at some point, after the Mtito Andei stop-over.

I wish I’d picked her contacts. I’d be glad call her about an exciting opportunity that could solve her transport challenges, as a long time Co-op Bank client, dubbed ‘Biashara Iendelee’.

Co-op Bank has a vehicle financing deal with Isuzu and Simba Colt that gives clients up to 95% funding on selected vehicle brands to boost Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

These are versatile lorry and pick-up trucks ideal for business, from Isuzu Kenya and Simba Colt.

If they wish, clients can also apply for a Ksh.500,000 working capital facility to ride out the crippling Covid-19 season. Other exciting perks is the 60 day grace period, a negotiated motor vehicle insurance cover and the longest, flexible re-payment periods in the market – 5 years.

I hope Mama Mboga gets wind of this deal.

Visit the nearest Co-op Bank branch, or click here, to learn more of this business deal.

Must Read: https://www.ghafla.com/sponsored/did-you-know-that-a-piggy-bank-for-your-kids-has-an-immense-impact-in-their-adult-years/

Co-op Bank partners with Isuzu and Simba Colt to stir the motoring industry with an incredible 95% vehicle financing scheme

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

Co-operative Bank has renewed for the fifth year running the special Motor Vehicle Purchase Schemes established with major motor vehicle dealers, Isuzu East Africa Ltd and Simba Corporation Group, to enable Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) acquire the vehicles they need at highly negotiated terms.

This special scheme makes the process of buying vehicles most affordable, with the bank financing up to 95 per cent of the purchase price.

The Fuso FN
The Fuso FN

Related: https://www.ghafla.com/sponsored/all-you-need-to-know-about-co-op-banks-apis-and-its-positive-impact-in-customer-service-delivery/

In addition, customers can apply for a Ksh.500,000 working capital facility to support their businesses especially at this difficult Covid-19 season. The loan has one of the longest re-payment periods in the market – 5 years, and further has a 60 days’ grace period and a negotiated motor vehicle insurance cover.

Head of Business Banking, Co-operative Bank, Mr. Moses Gitau said:

“As partners, we had to renew this joint scheme due to its huge popularity among SMEs, who have told us the scheme is currently the most affordable means of acquiring a wide selection of vehicles such as the popular Isuzu TFR and Mitsubishi Fuso, for their various transport needs.”

The Mitsubishi L200 SUT Truck
The Mitsubishi L200 SUT Truck

Vehicle models under the Special Scheme for Isuzu are Pickups – TFS & TFR series, Isuzu N-series Models – NHR, NKR, NQR, NPR; Isuzu F-Series models – FRR, FSR.

Simba Colt are offering Mitsubishi Canter FE 71, 84, 85CG, 85CH, Mitsubishi Trucks and Mitsubishi Pickups.

SMEs and other business customers are invited to apply for this special motor vehicle purchase scheme at any of the 155 branches of Co-operative Bank countrywide, or Isuzu East Africa dealers and Simba Colt dealers to access the offer.

Check Out: https://www.ghafla.com/sponsored/how-the-modern-kids-indifference-to-the-one-shilling-coin-shows-the-gradual-shift-to-a-cashless-money-future/