Bank of Kigali (BK) on Saturday, May 25, organised a special Umuganda in all districts of Rwanda, in line with the "Nanjye ni BK” initiative focused on ensuring that all BK banking services are accessible to Rwandans from diverse backgrounds.
Bank of Kigali introduced its latest campaign, ‘Nanjye ni BK’, on March 27, 2024, that aims to establish BK as the bank of choice for everyone, offering easily accessible services at all times.
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In partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and joined by several diplomats, pan-African leaders, and other guests, and area residents, BK personnel engaged in communal work tasks by clearing bushes in Kicukiro District. Dr Diane Karusisi, the Chief Executive Officer of BK, underscored the importance of financial literacy and prudent money management as catalysts for economic progress.
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"This imitative entails three categories; work, save, and develop. So, when you work, you need banking services for different reasons. In BK when you open the savings account, you get interest that multiplies your finances,” she said.
"This programme has many more advantages including different loans that don’t need collateral either for women, farmers, transport service providers... and now all our services are more cheap and quick than usual, driving Rwandans to develop and save more.”
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The Minister of Local Government, Jean-Claude Musabyimana, explained "Gira Wigire”, a government initiative that aims to help poor families achieve personal development. The programme that is in line with "Nanjye ni BK” has, so far, helped improve people’s lives and the advocacy is still on to help more Rwandans.
"We have over 300,000 households that agreed to change for the better, and over 300,000 sponsors help to do follow up on these families. The advocacy will continue until we see that many families in Rwanda shifted from poverty.”
The minister also highlighted that Umuganda is an opportunity for citizens and leaders to come to one place and discuss or generate general ideas that lead to general development.
Jean-Paul Shakamahoro, 32, a motorcyclist in Nyarugenge District, was introduced to the "Nanjye ni BK” programme and he said he will use it to enhance personal development.
"I have just learned about this new service and I think it will really help because sometimes when you want to get a loan it is hard. But I think this way, it’s easier,” he said.
"I normally think about improving my financial status but I grapple with the challenge of having a low income and lack of collateral which always limits me. When I get a loan I will be able to grow my side business, a shop where I sell clothes and shoes.”
Bank of Kigali has earned the distinction of being named the best bank in Rwanda for the third consecutive year by Global Finance, a respected international magazine with over 35 years of experience in financial reporting. BK was established in 1967, becoming one of the leading institutions in the banking sector at the time.
Operating under the umbrella of BK Group, the banking institution has four additional subsidiaries: BK Insurance, BK TecHouse, BK Foundation, and BK Capital.