Equity Bank, Buffalo Bicycles Kenya Partner to Boost Access to Affordable Mobility
L-R: Executive Director of Programs at World Bicycle Relief (WBR) Sean Granville-Ross and Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director Moses Nyabanda lead a team of staff from Equity Bank Kenya in a cycling exercise held to mark the beginning of the partnership that seeks to boost access to affordable mobility, physical fitness and support economic empowerment. Equity Bank will support access to the bicycles through its asset financing solution.
Equity Bank Kenya and Buffalo Bicycles Kenya (BBK) entered a partnership aimed at making quality bicycles more accessible to Kenyans, a move the two organisations say will improve mobility, support economic empowerment, boost physical fitness, and expand access to essential services.
Speaking during the launch, Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director Moses Nyabanda said the initiative aligns with the lender’s mission of empowering individuals and communities through practical solutions that improve livelihoods.
“One of the solutions we are proud to be part of is empowering the owner of the bicycle. As Equity, we are making it as easy as possible for people to acquire these bicycles. When somebody acquires a bicycle, it transforms them economically. Compared to spending money on transport every day, the return on investment is very high,” he said.
“The health outcomes are also much better when riding a bicycle. It promotes physical fitness while providing a reliable and affordable means of transport.”
Nyabanda added that the partnership reflects the growing importance of collaboration in addressing development challenges and creating sustainable impact.
“In today’s world, meaningful impact cannot be achieved in isolation. The first partnership is between Equity and Buffalo Bicycles, but we see opportunities to bring in governments and other partners to broaden the impact even further,” he said.
As part of the arrangement, Equity Bank will support access to the bicycles through financing solutions and will initially showcase the products in its branches, starting with four in Nairobi. The financing solution is expected to make bicycle ownership more accessible to entrepreneurs, small business owners, institutions, and individuals seeking reliable and affordable transport. By reducing upfront costs, the partnership will enable more Kenyans to invest in mobility that supports livelihoods and everyday activities.
The partnership will see customers access three bicycle models, including the Single Speed bicycle, the Charger model, and the Double Chain model.
BBK East Africa Regional Director Maureen Kolenyo said the partnership is designed to remove barriers that prevent people from accessing opportunities due to distance and lack of affordable transport.
She said the company shares Equity’s commitment to inclusion and empowerment, particularly for low-income earners and small-scale entrepreneurs.
“We are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents and how it can transform lives across communities. As a business, one of the things we do is ensure that the small entrepreneur is able to participate in the economy. Just as banking has reached the mama mboga and the person on the street, we believe no one should be denied education, healthcare or economic opportunities because of distance,” said Kolenyo.
According to Kolenyo, the bicycles are designed to withstand demanding conditions and can be used across the country for both personal and commercial purposes.
As part of the deal, BBK has committed to donating 100 bicycles to the Equity Group Foundation (EGF) for every 1,000 bicycles purchased and financed through Equity.
The initiative is expected to support sustainable mobility financing that reduces transport costs by up to KES 15,000 monthly through fuel savings, while also promoting healthier lifestyles. Cycling, the partners noted, is a low-cost, accessible form of exercise that supports both physical fitness and mental wellbeing, helping reduce stress and improve overall productivity.