Credit Bank earmarked Kshs 1bn in 2026 to finance small and medium enterprises, a move aimed at expanding credit availability for businesses that often face barriers to traditional bank lending, according to a report by Africa Business Communities.
RATIONALE AND STRUCTURE
The lender said the funds will be directed to businesses across diverse sectors, providing access to trade finance, working capital, asset financing and payment solutions.
The financing has already supported businesses in healthcare and retail, including Xana Kenya, which combines pharmacies, supermarkets and wholesale outlets. Credit Bank has worked with Xana since its early days, providing cash-backed overdrafts, insurance premium financing, staff medical insurance, supplier payments and trade finance facilities.
Alongside financing, the bank said it offers SMEs trade finance, insurance, payment and transactional banking services. "SMEs are the backbone of Kenya's economy. Our role goes beyond providing financing," said Charles Kibara, Chief Manager Operations and Branches.
ECONOMIC CONTEXT
The allocation comes as the government is banking on the private sector to drive economic growth, with SMEs among the country's biggest employers. According to the Economic Survey 2026, Kenya's informal sector supports more than 18 million jobs, while formal employment rose to 3.3 million workers in 2025.
Sources: Africa Business Communities; The Standard; Sacco Review
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