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KCB Bank Kenya has secured a $100 million (KSh 12.9 billion) financing facility from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to expand access to credit for micro, small, and medium enterprises across Kenya.
The deal marks the EBRD’s first investment in Kenya’s financial sector.
The deal comes a day after EBRD announced its support for Morocco’s water security with a €250 million ($285 million) loan to Office National de l’Electricité et de l’Eau Potable (ONEE).
The EBRD has invested more than €6.2 billion in Morocco since beginning operations in the country in 2012, supporting the private sector, the green transition and sustainable infrastructure.
Under the framework, 35% of the facility will be directed towards women- and youth-led enterprises. Around 30% will finance eligible green investments, enabling businesses to adopt climate-smart technologies and sustainable business practices.
The EBRD will also provide technical assistance to KCB Bank to strengthen its green lending capabilities through specialised training, advisory services, and technical expertise.
“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,” said Dr Heike Harmgart, EBRD managing director for sub-Saharan Africa.
So far, KCB Bank has disbursed more than $1.2 billion (KSh 156 billion) to women entrepreneurs through its Female-Led and Made Enterprises proposition and over $378 million (KSh 48.8 billion) in green financing loans supporting renewable energy and climate-smart investments.
By the end of March 2026, KCB had extended $101 million (KSh 13 billion) in new credit to micro, small, and medium enterprises.
“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,” said Annastacia Kimtai, managing director of KCB Bank Kenya.
