EBRD Extends US$100 Million to KCB Bank Kenya for MSMEs, providing more funding to help micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) access credit, grow their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to Kenya’s economic development.
The financing facility, equivalent to about KShs. 12.9 billion, has been provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to KCB Bank Kenya. The funding will help the bank increase access to affordable financing for businesses across the country.
A major part of the facility will support women- and youth-led businesses. About 35% of the funding will be directed to enterprises led by women and young entrepreneurs, giving them greater opportunities to start, expand, and strengthen their businesses.
Another 30% of the facility will support green investments. This will help businesses adopt environmentally friendly technologies and sustainable practices, including renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture.
EBRD Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Dr. Heike Harmgart, said the partnership will help unlock the potential of Kenya’s private sector. She noted that MSMEs play an important role in creating jobs and driving economic growth.
The EBRD will also provide technical support to KCB Bank. This will include training, advisory services, and technical expertise to improve the bank’s ability to provide financing for environmentally sustainable projects.
KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director, Mrs. Annastacia Kimtai, said the facility will help the bank provide more affordable financing to SMEs, especially businesses that have faced difficulties accessing credit.
KCB will use part of the support to increase financing for areas such as renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and other green projects that can create long-term economic benefits.
The new facility builds on KCB Bank’s existing support for businesses. The bank has already provided more than KShs. 156 billion to women entrepreneurs through its Female-Led & Made Enterprises (FLME) initiative. It has also issued more than KShs. 48.8 billion in green financing for renewable energy and other environmentally sustainable projects.
By the end of March 2026, KCB Bank had also provided KShs. 13 billion in new credit to MSMEs, demonstrating its continued efforts to meet the financing needs of businesses in Kenya.
Overall, the EBRD-KCB partnership is expected to give more Kenyan businesses access to funding while supporting women and young entrepreneurs, job creation, green investments, and sustainable economic growth.