Chase Bank on Thursday, 20th May donated Kshs22 million to Strathmore Business School for the construction of a library in the new SBS building which is part of the University's Phase III of development. The cheque was presented by the bank's CEO Mr Duncan Kabui to the Dean of SBS Dr Edward Mungai and the University's Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning and Development) Dr Charles Sotz.

Mr Kibui said his institution was proud to be associated with the developments Strathmore was undertaking. “We are a young and growing institution and we feel highly honored to partner with SBS in transforming Africa,” he said.

“The green technology adopted here is a noble way of energy saving and environmental conservation and we are happy to be part of it,” he added.

Phase III is designed in adherence with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification which is a "Green Building" Rating System of the USA . It is a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction.

Dr Sotz welcomed the bank's support. He said the bank's move to be associated with the library which is at the heart of learning institution shows the readiness African institutions are willing to work together to transform the continent.

SBS Fundraising committee Chairman Mr Zeph Mbugua thanked the bank's management for standing out to support important causes in society especially education. He noted that the gesture is a good example and urged other organizations to follow the example.

Dr Mungai observed that although business schools and the business community are partners, this was partnership is not very evident in Kenya. He lauded Chase Bank's move to partner with SBS.

The new library will have a seating capacity of 150 people with open areas for discussions and private reading areas and will be named after the company. Chase bank has been voted the fastest growing bank in Kenya for two years in a row.

By Nick Walubengo