KCB Bank Kenya has obtained a Sh12.9 billion facility from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to deepen its lending book for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The financing is earmarked specifically for businesses led by women and youth, sectors that have historically faced tighter credit constraints in the East African market.
The deal underscores a strategic pivot by the lender toward inclusive finance, leveraging multilateral capital to de-risk exposure to smaller borrowers.
By channeling EBRD funds into this segment, KCB aims to expand its addressable market while maintaining prudent risk-weighted asset growth.
The facility provides a stable funding source that can be deployed over time, rather than a one-off liquidity injection.
This development arrives as Kenya continues to diversify its external financing sources.