Across Kenya, SMEs have proven to be more than economic engines, they are the heartbeat of livelihoods, community resilience, and job creation. But they also face structural challenges: access to credit, lack of specialized business knowledge, and vulnerability to market shocks.
NCBA has stepped into this gap with a multi-pronged strategy that goes beyond lending, recognizing that capital without capacity is often a missed opportunity.
The bank is striving to support SMEs at every step of their journey through a variety of customized initiatives. One such milestone is their collaboration with the African Guarantee Fund (AGF).
Also read: Supporting Small Businesses in Kenya: A Partnership for Growth and Sustainability
The partnership has resulted in up to KES 17 billion in loan facilities to SMEs, greatly increasing financing availability for SMEs who would otherwise slip through the cracks. As evidence of NCBA’s sustained dedication, the partnership was renewed with a guarantee cap of KES 3 billion for a 10-year agreement.
Additionally, NCBA’s support for SMEs through this partnership has gone beyond improving revenues through funding. It reports that 2,200 jobs have been created for women and 4,100 for youth.
From asset financing to working capital solutions and trade finance, the bank itself has a range of products tailored to suit businesses at different stages of growth.This approach also extends to the digital front. NCBA’s digital lending portfolio has grown by 23% year-on-year, now crossing the KES 1 trillion mark. This growth shows that digital tools are becoming key enablers for SME resilience and innovation.
However, financing is just one component.
NCBA has also made investments in education and capacity building because it understands that many entrepreneurs require organized assistance to expand in a sustainable manner. They are in partnership with Strathmore Business School to give entrepreneurs tools for operations, marketing, financial management, and digital transformation.
One aspect of their program is the Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP). Designed for established entrepreneurs, the programme blends academic knowledge with real-world business application.
In addition to it, there is also the Owner Manager Programme that focusses on boosting SME owners’ leadership, strategy, and execution, allowing them to make better long-term decisions. These programmes, among others, demonstrate NCBA’s commitment to providing SMEs with more than simply money; they also provide structure, knowledge, and networks that position enterprises for growth.
NCBA has also pursued strategic collaborations, such as its two-year arrangement with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), which aims to support 300 manufacturing SMEs. This collaboration focusses on capacity development, market access, and specialized finance solutions. The alliance aims to train local manufacturers for long-term competitiveness in both home and export markets through combined exhibitions, regional and international trade missions, and dedicated SME forums.
As Kenya continues to place entrepreneurship at the centre of its economic strategy, the role of institutions like NCBA cannot be overstated. It paints a strong picture of how finance, when coupled with understanding and collaboration, becomes a powerful enabler of business growth, and largely, national transformation.
