NAIROBI, July 29, 2026 — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development [EBRD] is providing a US$ 100 million [approximately Ksh 13 billion] credit line to KCB Bank Kenya Limited to improve access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises [MSMEs] in Kenya.
The financing will enable KCB Bank to reach underserved businesses that play an important role in economic growth and job creation across the country.
Under the facility, 35 percent of the credit line will be on-lent to women- and youth-led businesses, while 30 percent will be allocated to eligible green investments.
KCB Bank will also receive technical assistance, including training, advisory support and technical expertise, to strengthen its green lending capabilities.
Heike Harmgart, EBRD Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, said the investment would help channel much-needed financing to MSMEs, which are key drivers of job creation and economic growth.
“This is our first investment in Kenya’s financial sector. By partnering with KCB Bank, we are helping to channel much-needed financing to MSMEs, which are engines of job creation and economic growth,” Harmgart said.
“We are particularly pleased that this facility will support the transition to a greener economy and increase opportunities for women and young entrepreneurs, whose success is critical to Kenya’s long-term prosperity.”
Annastacia Kimtai, Managing Director of KCB Bank Kenya, said the facility would strengthen the bank’s ability to provide affordable financing to SMEs, particularly those that have traditionally faced barriers to accessing credit.
“This facility will strengthen our capacity to extend affordable financing to SMEs – particularly those who have traditionally faced barriers in accessing credit,” Kimtai said.
“We remain committed to sustainable finance by increasing investments in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture and other green projects that contribute to Kenya’s climate ambitions while creating long-term economic value.”
The EBRD began investing in Kenya in 2025, with a focus on private-sector development, financial inclusion, sustainable infrastructure and the green transition.
https://thecooperator.news/cooperatives-emerge-as-engine-of-rural-industrialisation-in-kenya/
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