Chuka town is not only the commercial hub of Tharaka Nithi County but also a fast-growing municipality.
The town has become synonymous with Chuka University though the latter is about three kilometres from the town’s central business district.
The institution of higher learning has attracted many students and business people alike besides the staff to the university.
To cope with this population explosion the service industry is catching up on a tremendous scale with the providers coming up with tailor made packages to meet their clients’ needs.
Salons, barber shops, cosmetics and jewelry outreaches have set base in Chuka town and its Ndagani outskirts, but one thing that easily catches the eye of a curious journalist is the influx of banking institutions.
Several banks and Saccos have pinched camp at the town to keep abreast with the rapid growth of the urban settlement and to remain relevant. Many of them are also coming up with new packages to suit their customer’s demands.
Marketing of their products is essential for survival due to competition. In a significant stride towards fostering financial awareness, officers from Stanbic Bank, led by Archangel Micheni Mbaabu, hosted an educational workshop on financial literacy at a Ndagani resort recently. The event drew an enthusiastic turnout from the local community, eager to learn about managing their finances effectively.
The workshop, aimed at empowering residents with essential financial skills, featured insightful sessions on budgeting, saving, and smart investing. Kingori Gathinji and Godfrey Gada, notable figures in the financial sector, were among the officers who facilitated the event.
“Our goal is to equip individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions,” said Mbaabu adding that by doing so, Stanbic Bank hopes to foster a financially literate community that can thrive in today’s economy.
Other officers from Stanbic Bank also shared their contributions into the initiative.
“It’s crucial for us to give back to the community and help them build a secure financial future,” said Gathinji.
“We are committed to making a difference through education and support,” he added.
His colleague Gada said that financial literacy is a powerful tool that could transform lives.
“We’re proud to be part of this effort and look forward to many more such initiatives,” he said.
Community members appreciated the initiative, emphasizing the importance of such educational programmes in promoting financial stability and growth.
“It’s incredibly beneficial to receive this kind of guidance,” said Alexander Murithi, a local resident adding that he is now better prepared to manage his finances and plan for the future.
Catherine Mukami, another resident, added that the workshop was an eye-opener.
“I’ve learned so much about managing my finances, and I’m excited to put these lessons into practice,” said Ms. Mukami.
The attendee further urged Stanbic Bank to continue providing such valuable workshops, especially during these times of economic constraints.
“Their message and workshops have really benefited us. We hope they continue to support us whenever possible,” Mukami said enthusiastically.
The success of the workshop underscores the crucial role of financial education and though aimed at marketing their products, Stanbic Bank turned into a crucial provider of information and indeed an institution whose role of giving back to the community is greatly appreciated.
By David Mutwiri