Kenyan Innovation Earns Global Stage as I&M Bank Team Selected Among Five Worldwide to Present at UN Leaders Summit
Nairobi, Kenya – August 2026 – I&M Bank has been selected to represent Kenya on the global stage after its TekeTeke innovation was chosen as one of only five business solutions worldwide to be showcased at the United Nations Global Compact Leaders Summit in New York this September.
The selection follows the Bank's participation in the UN Global Compact SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals, a nine-month programme that equips young professionals to develop commercially viable solutions to sustainability challenges within their organisations. Following a highly competitive national process coordinated by Global Compact Network Kenya, TekeTeke emerged as Kenya's top innovation and will now join winning teams from Nigeria, Ghana, the United Kingdom and China at the global showcase.
Adding to the achievement, a second I&M Bank team also finished among the top three finalists in Kenya, highlighting the Bank's growing culture of innovation and problem-solving.
TekeTeke addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing Kenya's growing gig economy by exploring new ways to improve access to working capital for independent workers, helping them better manage cash flow, grow their businesses and strengthen financial resilience.
The innovation was developed by Albert Lumumba, Lucian Ouma, Beyu Anjichi and Jesca Chepkoech, with guidance from programme champions Sidi Katembo-Marambii, Dipna Shah and Eunice R. Gatama throughout the accelerator.
"This recognition is a proud moment not only for I&M Bank but also for Kenya. Being selected among only five teams globally demonstrates what is possible when we empower young talent to tackle real business and societal challenges through innovation. At I&M, we believe sustainable business growth comes from creating solutions that improve lives while strengthening our business, and we are delighted to see our people representing Kenya on the global stage," said Kihara Maina, Regional CEO, I&M Bank.
Speaking on behalf of the innovation team, Jesca Chepkoech said: "TekeTeke was inspired by the everyday realities faced by thousands of gig workers who often have income opportunities but limited access to flexible working capital. The Accelerator challenged us to think differently about how banking can become more inclusive, and we are excited to share our solution with innovators from around the world."
The achievement also reflects the growing impact of the UN Global Compact SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals, which empowers emerging business leaders to develop solutions that advance the Sustainable Development Goals while creating long-term business value. Through workshops, mentorship and global collaboration, participants transform real business challenges into scalable innovations with commercial and social impact.
As the 2026 sponsor of the SDG Innovation Accelerator in Kenya, I&M Bank has partnered with Global Compact Network Kenya to help nurture the country's next generation of sustainability-driven innovators, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth, innovation and responsible banking.
The Bank will continue supporting the TekeTeke team as they prepare to present their solution before global business leaders, policymakers and sustainability experts at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit in New York this September.
ENDS
About I&M Group PLC
I&M Group has a long-standing presence in the Kenyan market with presence in banking, insurance and real estate. The Group offers a full range of banking and financial services covering corporate, business and personal banking, wealth management, bancassurance and advisory services with presence spanning across 5 countries in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and in Mauritius as Bank One.
I&M Group PLC is regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya, Capital Markets Authority of Kenya and the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
For more information visit www.imbankgroup.com
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