Inter Banks: Equity face KCB as inter-banks games close

Equity Bank's Dennis Mathenge (left) and Henry Oketch of Bank of Africa during Kenya Institute of Bankers Interbank Games at Kenya School of Monetary Studies on Nov 16, 2017. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The 35th edition of the annual Inter-Banks Sports Games end today at the Kenya School of Monitory Studies (KSMS) with football defending champions Equity in contention for an unprecedented third consecutive title.

Equity booked a date with the KCB after beating Bank of Africa (BOA) 2-0.

In another semi-final match, KCB edged out Eco Bank 3-1. Rahma Chimako bagged a brace and Albert Nyakundi added another for the convincing win and a place in the finals to be played today at KSMS.

The chief guest will be the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Governor Prof. Patrick Njoroge among other dignitaries.

In darts, CBK’s Samson Lodhapa Esikwan led the banking regulator in beating KCB 3-0.

Meanwhile, Vivo Energy Managing Director, Polycarp Igathe will not be defending the Inter Banks CEOs 800m race which will be the highlight of the events on the closing day.

Igathe who won the race when he was the Equity Bank Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer will not be eligible to participate in the race after leaving the banking sector.

CBK Governor Njoroge, who is the patron of the games is expected to try his luck again after finishing fifth last year and second in 2017.

The Kenya Institute of Bankers CEO Gilbert Alela is the favourite after finishing second last year.

Last year, Igathe clocked 3:26.09 for victory ahead of Alela who clocked 3:31.06 as Paramount Bank’s Ayaz Merali completed the last podium finish in 3:32.01.

KCB CEO Joshua Oigara was fourth after clocking 3:35.01 ahead of Njoroge.

NIC Bank’s John Gachora was sixth after by clocking 3:50.08.