KCB Bank Kenya and European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD) Sign US$100 Million Facility to Expand SME Financing

KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director, Mrs. Annastacia Kimtai (left) and European Bank for Reconstruction & Development Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Dr. Heike Harmgart (right) during the signing of a US$100 million financing facility to support the MSME sector in Kenya.

Under the framework, 35 per cent of the facility will be directed towards women and youth-led enterprises, while 30 per cent will finance eligible green investments, enabling businesses to adopt climate-smart technologies and sustainable business practices.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, EBRD’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Dr. Heike Harmgart said the partnership reflects the Bank's commitment to unlocking the potential of Kenya's private sector.

"This investment marks our first investment in Kenya's financial sector. By partnering with KCB Bank, we are helping to channel much-needed financing to MSMEs, the engines of job creation and economic growth. We are particularly pleased that this facility will contribute to the transition to a greener economy and will expand opportunities for women and young entrepreneurs, whose success is critical to Kenya's long-term prosperity."

In addition to the financing, EBRD will provide technical assistance to KCB Bank to strengthen its green lending capabilities through specialised training, advisory services and technical expertise, enhancing the Bank's capacity to support environmentally sustainable investments.

KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director, Mrs. Annastacia Kimtai noted: "This facility will strengthen our capacity to extend affordable financing to SMEs particularly those who have traditionally faced barriers in accessing credit. 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 support builds on KCB Bank’s strong track record of supporting Kenya's MSME sector, efforts that have seen the bank disburse over KShs. 156 Billion to women entrepreneurs through the Female-Led & Made Entreprises (FLME) proposition while disbursing over KShs. 48.8 billion in green financing loans to support environmentally sustainable projects in renewable energy and climate-smart investments. By end of March 2026, the Bank had extended KShs. 13 billion in new credit to micro, small and medium enterprises, demonstrating its continued commitment to addressing the financing needs of businesses.

About KCB Bank Kenya

KCB Bank Kenya Limited is one of Kenya's leading commercial banks and the flagship banking subsidiary of KCB Group Plc, East Africa's largest financial services group. Through an extensive network of over 220 branches, more than 490 ATMs, and over 18,000 banking agents across Kenya, the bank provides a comprehensive range of retail, SME, corporate, and digital banking services. KCB Group serves more than 40 million customers across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Its Kenya and DRC banking subsidiaries also have representative offices in Ethiopia and Brussels respectively. The Group boasts of a wide network of correspondent relationships totaling over 200 banks across the globe.

For more information, please visit KCB Bank Kenya Website.