KCB Bank Kenya has secured Sh12.9 billion from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to provide financing to businesses owned by women and young people, as well as firms investing in environmental projects.
The bank, which is part of KCB Group, said 35 percent of the funding will support enterprises run by women and youth, while 30 percent will go towards green projects aimed at helping businesses adopt climate-friendly technologies and sustainable practices.
The facility marks the EBRD’s first investment in Kenya’s banking sector since the institution was established in 1991.
“By partnering with KCB Bank, we are helping to channel much-needed financing to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the engines of job creation and economic growth,” said EBRD Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa Dr Heike Harmgart.
“We are particularly pleased that this facility will contribute to the transition to a greener economy and expand opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs, whose success is critical to Kenya’s long-term prosperity,” she added.
The funding adds to KCB’s growing partnerships with international lenders aimed at improving access to finance for underserved entrepreneurs. British International Investment (BII) provided the bank with Sh12.9 billion in 2025, while the European Investment Bank (EIB) extended Sh32 billion in 2024.
Women and young entrepreneurs often struggle to access bank loans due to limited collateral, as property ownership remains a challenge for many. Government-backed initiatives, including the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Women Enterprise Fund and Hustler Fund, have sought to address the financing gap but have faced challenges in achieving broad impact.
“This facility will strengthen our capacity to extend affordable financing to SMEs, particularly those that have traditionally faced barriers in accessing credit,” said KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director Annastacia Kimtai.
– By Salome Thiani
