- US$100 million loan will support loans to underserved MSMEs
- 35 percent of the funds will be lent to businesses run by women and youth.
- 30 percent will be dedicated to green investments.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is lending $100 million (approximately €85 million) to KCB Bank Kenya Limited to improve access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya.
This MSME line of credit will help KCB Bank reach an underserved market segment, supporting businesses that play an important role in economic growth and job creation in Kenya. A total of 35 percent of the credit line will be lent to women- and youth-led businesses, while 30 percent will be allocated to eligible green investments.
Additionally, KCB Bank will receive technical assistance in the form of training, advice and technical expertise to strengthen its green lending capabilities.
Heike Harmgart, EBRD Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “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. 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, CEO of KCB Bank Kenya, said: “This facility will strengthen our ability to extend affordable financing to SMEs, particularly those that have traditionally faced barriers to accessing credit. We remain committed to sustainable financing 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, focusing on private sector development, financial inclusion, sustainable infrastructure and the green transition.