Leading Banks by MSME Lending in Kenya 2025

Read Time:3 Minute, 12 Second

1. Equity Bank – Ksh. 24.9 Billion

Equity Bank has disbursed Ksh. 24.9 billion in MSME loans, maintaining a strong position in small business financing. The lender supports entrepreneurs through mobile-based credit, unsecured business loans, and specialized products for youth and women-led enterprises.

Its countrywide network of agents and branches enables wide access to credit, especially for informal traders and rural businesses.

2. Co-operative Bank of Kenya – Ksh. 12.6 Billion

Co-operative Bank has provided Ksh. 12.6 billion in loans to MSMEs. Its financing largely supports SACCO members, cooperative societies, and smallholder farmers, with a strong presence in the agricultural sector.

The bank offers both relationship-based and digital lending, helping small enterprises across Kenya’s rural and semi-urban areas access working capital and business loans.

3. I&M Bank – Ksh. 11.3 Billion

I&M Bank’s MSME loan book stands at Ksh. 11.3 billion. The bank focuses on mid-sized and fast-growing small businesses, offering structured lending, trade finance, and overdraft facilities.

It serves a wide spectrum of SMEs in urban centers, particularly those involved in manufacturing, trade, and services, through a combination of digital channels and relationship managers.

4. KCB Bank – Ksh. 11.1 Billion

KCB Bank has issued Ksh. 11.1 billion in loans to MSMEs. Its credit solutions target traders, agribusinesses, and early-stage enterprises through a mix of mobile lending, unsecured business loans, and asset finance.

The bank also partners with fintech firms and county governments to scale its reach among small businesses in need of credit.

5. Stanbic Bank – Ksh. 5.2 Billion

Stanbic Bank has extended Ksh. 5.2 billion in MSME financing. Its portfolio includes working capital loans, trade finance, and business advisory services for small and medium enterprises.

The bank supports business clients through a combination of digital tools and relationship banking, helping formal and semi-formal businesses access long-term credit.

6. National Bank – Ksh. 2.7 Billion

National Bank has disbursed Ksh. 2.7 billion to MSMEs. Its focus is on small traders and retail businesses, offering simplified loan products to support daily operations and business growth.

The bank is working to strengthen its MSME segment through expanded product offerings and easier loan qualification criteria.

7. Commercial International Bank (CIB) – Ksh. 2.4 Billion

CIB has provided Ksh. 2.4 billion in loans to MSMEs, with a strong emphasis on businesses involved in international trade and wholesale distribution.

The bank offers trade-related products such as invoice discounting, short-term working capital loans, and structured import-export financing.

8. Absa Bank – Ksh. 2.4 Billion

Absa Bank’s MSME lending stands at Ksh. 2.4 billion. The bank offers digital loan products, asset finance, and unsecured SME loans, catering to businesses in retail, services, and light manufacturing.

Absa continues to invest in tools that simplify credit access and improve the banking experience for small business owners.

9. Sidian Bank – Ksh. 1.8 Billion

Sidian Bank has issued Ksh. 1.8 billion in MSME loans, with a focus on rural enterprises and agriculture-linked businesses. It offers tailored products such as invoice financing, LPO financing, and working capital loans.

The bank is especially active in counties where access to commercial credit remains limited.

10. Gulf African Bank – Ksh. 1.2 Billion

Gulf African Bank has disbursed Ksh. 1.2 billion to MSMEs. As a Sharia-compliant bank, it provides Islamic financing products including Murabaha and Ijara to businesses in trade, retail, and services.

The bank serves clients seeking ethical banking options, particularly in Nairobi and coastal counties.

Jefferson Wachira is a writer at Africa Digest News, specializing in banking and finance trends, and their impact on African economies.