For BIMAS, the journey has always been more than providing financial services. It has been about creating opportunities, supporting aspirations and walking alongside individuals, families and businesses as they work towards better and more resilient futures. On 14 August 2026, that journey reached another important milestone when BIMAS was recognised with five prestigious awards at the inaugural Inclusive Finance Industry Awards (IFIA) 2026, held at Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi, Westlands.

Organised by the Association of Microfinance Institutions – Kenya (AMFI-K), the awards brought together players in Kenya’s inclusive finance industry to recognise institutions making a difference through financial inclusion, innovation and sustainable impact. The event was graced by Hon. Susan Auma Mang’eni, CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, who served as the Guest of Honour.

BIMAS emerged as one of the evening’s notable winners, receiving recognition in five categories:

🏆 Best Housing Microfinance Initiative - Winner
🏆 Best Sustainability, ESG and WASH Initiative - Winner
🏆 Best Digital Financial Inclusion Initiative - 1st Runner-up
🏆 Best Women Economic Empowerment Initiative -1st Runner-up
🏆 Best SME Finance Initiative- 1st Runner-up

Each award represents a different part of BIMAS’ work, but together they tell one story... a story of an institution continuously evolving to respond to the changing needs of the people and communities it serves. From helping families access better housing solutions, to supporting women and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, promoting sustainable solutions and expanding access to digital financial services, BIMAS continues to pursue its purpose through practical, inclusive solutions.

Behind every award is a journey. It is the journey of a customer who took the courage to start a business. A farmer who invested in the next season. A woman who turned an idea into an opportunity. A family taking steps towards a better home. An entrepreneur who needed a financial partner to take the next step. These are the stories that give meaning to the work BIMAS does every day.

The recognition at IFIA 2026 therefore goes beyond the trophies. It is an affirmation of the direction BIMAS has taken as an institution — one that continues to innovate, strengthen its solutions and seek new ways of reaching people who need financial services and opportunities to build better livelihoods.

No institutional milestone is achieved alone. BIMAS celebrates its Board of Directors and Senior Management Team for providing the strategic direction, oversight and leadership that continues to guide the institution’s growth. The recognition also belongs to BIMAS staff whose commitment turns strategy into action every day. Across branches, departments and communities, staff continue to serve customers, develop solutions and keep the institution moving forward. BIMAS also recognises its partners whose collaboration, expertise and shared commitment to financial inclusion continue to strengthen the institution’s impact.

And at the centre of it all are the customers. They are the reason BIMAS continues to innovate. They are the reason the journey matters.

Five awards are a moment to celebrate. But for BIMAS, they are also a reminder that there is more work to be done. What happens when more entrepreneurs have the financing they need to grow? What happens when more farmers can invest in productive and sustainable agriculture? What happens when more families can access appropriate housing solutions? What happens when more women and young people have the financial support they need to turn ideas into thriving enterprises?

These are the opportunities BIMAS continues to work towards. The IFIA 2026 recognition is therefore not a finish line. It is a call to keep moving - to innovate more, reach further and create greater opportunities for the people and communities BIMAS serves. As the institution looks ahead, it remains committed to building on this momentum and strengthening its role in advancing inclusive finance and sustainable livelihoods across the communities it serves.

Because the measure of progress is not simply how far BIMAS goes, but how many people move forward with it.

A scale for BIMAS is a scale for all.

Five awards. One shared purpose. And a journey that continues.