Equity Crowned Overall Winner of 2025 Interbank Games

Nairobi, 21st September 2025… Equity has once again etched its name in the annals of banking sector sports history, emphatically defending its overall title at the 2025 Interbank Games for a third consecutive year.

This remarkable three-peat solidifies Equity’s standing as the undisputed sporting powerhouse among Kenyan financial institutions.

In the fiercely contested 38th edition, Equity outmanoeuvred all rivals, clinching an impressive haul of 11 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze medals under the newly adopted Olympic-style ranking system. Close contenders Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) finished a distant second with 6 golds, 9 silvers, and 4 bronzes. This marks the 12th time Equity has claimed the overall title at this prestigious bonanza, further cementing its legacy as a dominant force in corporate sports.

Speaking after the thrilling conclusion of the three-week spectacle, which featured over 40 banks battling across more than 20 disciplines, Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) CEO Raimond Molenje lauded Equity’s performance and the spirit of all participants. “We commend Equity for their outstanding performance and thank all participating banks, partners, and national sports officials for making this year’s games a success. The presence of bank CEOs added an extra spark to the event. These Games celebrate more than medals. They represent unity, networking, and camaraderie within the industry. Congratulations to all, you are all winners!” Molenje declared, emphasizing KBA’s commitment to ensuring the games remain a platform that unites, energizes, and strengthens the banking industry.

Welcoming the triumphant victory, Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director Moses Nyabanda exuded pride in the bank’s continued dominance, underscoring the pivotal role of sports in staff wellness and brand building. “Winning for the third year in a row is more than a milestone; it’s a reflection of the commitment and resilience of our sportsmen and women, coaches, and supporting staff. We are immensely proud of the 20 medals brought home,” Nyabanda stated, hinting at plans to further integrate sports success into brand visibility strategies and even individual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for athletes.

Nyabanda, who himself secured a third-place finish in the CEO’s 100m sprint, affirmed the undeniable impact of sports success on both internal culture and external brand value. He also hinted at institutionalizing sports reward and recognition within Equity. “We must protect and nurture our top talent. Recognizing and rewarding excellence in sports will soon become part of our corporate culture. The energy and passion we’ve seen this year is just the beginning; we want to bring more colleagues on board to experience the power of sport in promoting wellness, teamwork, and pride,” Nyabanda added.

Equity’s formidable presence was felt across more than 20 sports disciplines, including basketball, athletics, chess, swimming, darts, handball, snooker, scrabble, and table tennis, consistently securing top-three finishes in the majority of categories. The bank’s dominance was particularly evident in several one-sided victories: a stunning 11-0 rout of Access Bank in football, a commanding 32-2 netball triumph over Caritas, and an unbeaten streak of 22 games in chess, all showcasing exceptional skill, strategic prowess, and meticulous preparation.

Beyond its financial services, Equity Bank continues to make a profound impact on the development of sports and the arts in Kenya. The bank has invested millions in sponsorships and talent development, currently backing six teams in various national leagues and having seen its athletes represent Kenya at continental tournaments in volleyball, basketball, and chess. Looking ahead, MD Nyabanda announced ambitious plans to expand Equity’s presence in national leagues from six teams to at least 10.

To honour their stellar achievement, Equity hosted a celebratory dinner at the prestigious Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi. Captains, coaches, and sports administrators shared reflections on the arduous road to victory and reaffirmed their commitment to cultivating an even stronger sports culture within the organization.

“This win is more than a trophy; it’s a symbol of what we can achieve through teamwork, discipline, and passion,” declared Nick Ongeri, Equity Bank’s Sports Coordinator. “We will continue to grow our footprint in competitive sports and use this platform to empower our athletes and build a healthier, more engaged workforce.”

The Interbank Games, organized by the Kenya Institute of Bankers (KIB) with support from various partners, successfully brought together banking professionals from across the country, fostering healthy competition, connection, and celebration.