Small businesses constitute nearly 98% of all enterprises in Kenya meaning Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Kenya’s economy. Businesses in Kenya face one major hurdle, which is access to finance. For many, securing the funds needed to grow and expand their businesses feel like a battle. With traditional lending institutions often reluctant to take on the risk, SMEs are left with fewer options to fund their ambitions.
NCBA Supporting Small Businesses in Kenya
This is where partnerships like the one between NCBA and the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) make a significant difference, offering small businesses a chance to access much-needed support while managing risk.
On 3rd March 2025, NCBA renewed its partnership with AGF, extending their agreement for the next 10 years and increasing the KES 3 billion guarantee. This renewal goes beyond a financial agreement. It signifies a shared belief in the power of SMEs to drive economic change and uplift communities.
Also Read: How NCBA is Kicking Off Its Citizenship & Sustainability Initiatives in 2025
Shifting Focus to Marginalized Groups: Youth and Women-Led Enterprises
By expanding this partnership, both organizations are doubling down on their commitment to ensuring that more businesses, particularly those led by women and youth, have the opportunity to succeed.
Over the years, the partnership has already supported different groups:
KES 8 Billion in Loans Disbursed: The partnership has successfully enabled 696 small businesses to secure vital financing across more than 3,500 distinct transactions.
7,200+ Local Jobs Generated: The capital injected into these grass-roots companies has stimulated massive community employment opportunities.
Targeted Empowerment: Out of the thousands of livelihoods supported, 4,100 jobs directly target youth and 2,200 target women entrepreneurs.
This is exactly the kind of impact that can change lives and help communities thrive.
Banking for Future-Proof Business Growth and Sustainability
But the partnership isn’t just focused on providing financial assistance. Rather, also about creating lasting change. With a particular focus on renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, this collaboration aims to support long-term economic growth while addressing some of Kenya’s most pressing environmental challenges.
By supporting small businesses that are focused on sustainability, NCBA and AGF are ensuring that Kenya’s economic progress doesn’t come at the expense of its future.
The Power of 10-Year Financial Stability
What’s really powerful about this renewed partnership is the long-term nature of the agreement. The 10-year commitment provides small businesses with the stability they need to plan, invest, and grow without the stress of short-term loan deadlines.
This is giving entrepreneurs the breathing room to think beyond today and envision what their business can become tomorrow. That kind of stability is hard to come by, and it’s something that will help entrepreneurs across Kenya feel empowered to take bold steps toward their goals.
We can view this partnership between NCBA and AGF as a reminder of what’s possible when organizations come together with a shared purpose. By focusing on the long-term success of SMEs, especially those led by women and youth, this partnership is helping to lay the foundation for a more inclusive society.
Every job created, every business empowered, and every project supported has a ripple effect that goes far beyond the bottom line. It’s more of building a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Take Control of Your Financial Future
Whether you are an established small business owner looking to optimize your commercial cash flow or an aspiring entrepreneur planning your first startup, aligning your choices with the right financial partner is vital.
Want to seamlessly align your small business goals with a robust wealth-creation strategy? Join the next Abojani Personal Finance & Investing Masterclass to master cash flow management, understand debt leveraging, and build long-term generational wealth. Click here to register today!
#Supporting Businessess
CEO & Co-Founder, Abojani Investment
Robert Ochieng is a visionary entrepreneur and the co-founder of Abojani Investment, a leading financial education platform in Kenya that has empowered over 20,000 Africans to embark on their investment journeys. As CEO, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to financial literacy, successfully demystifying money and investments and making them accessible and relevant to individuals from all walks of life.
Running Thriving Investment Communities
Robert’s influence extends well beyond Abojani Investment’s core offerings. He has actively fostered a sense of community by running investment forums and groups with a vast following of over 300,000 Africans. These communities provide a safe space for individuals to exchange ideas, share experiences, and support each other on their investment journeys.
Vision for the Future
As co-founder of Abojani Investment, Robert envisions a financially empowered Africa. He strives to expand the reach of his financial education initiatives, enabling millions more to gain the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve their financial goals. His vision is to create a society where every individual has the tools and understanding to build lasting wealth and prosperity.
Professional Background
Robert Ochieng is a highly accomplished CEO at the helm of Abojani Investment, an investment and advisory firm in Kenya. He is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience in IT, Finance, and leadership.
His career includes key roles at prominent institutions such as Equity Bank, Gulf African Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Airtel.
Robert’s expertise has also been sought after by the National Treasury for consultancy on planning and budgeting systems, showcasing his exceptional knowledge and skills in the field. Passionate about driving meaningful conversations and collaborations between academia, industry, and the public sector, Robert actively engages in research projects focusing on digital transformation within the financial services sector. With his visionary leadership and strategic insights, Robert Ochieng continues to make a significant impact in the business world.
