Access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs, suppliers, and SMEs in Kenya. Whether you're starting up or scaling up, having reliable funding could mean the difference between breakthrough and burnout.
The good news? There are several grants and low-interest loans available to help you build or grow your business in 2025. Most are government-backed, donor-supported, or offered through local banks and fintech platforms — and many are underutilised simply because people don’t know they exist.
🏦 1. Uwezo Fund
This government initiative offers interest-free loans (except a 5% administrative fee) to youth, women, and people with disabilities. It's available through constituency-level offices.
Who can apply:
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Registered youth/women/self-help groups
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Must have been active for at least 6 months
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Have a group bank account
📍Visit your local constituency office for application details.
👩💼 2. Women Enterprise Fund (WEF)
Targeting women entrepreneurs, WEF provides both loans and capacity-building support. You can apply individually or as a group.
Loan categories include:
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Tuinuke loan (group-based)
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LPO financing
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Bid bond loans
Funds are disbursed through Equity Bank, KCB, Co-op Bank and others.
🌱 3. Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF)
Aimed at helping Kenyan youth (18–35 years) access affordable loans and business training.
Products include:
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Individual startup loans
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Talent-based enterprise support
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Agribusiness funding
📍 YEDF is also useful if you're bidding for tenders but need initial capital for delivery.
🌍 4. Donor-Funded SME Grants
There are multiple grants by development partners, including:
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USAID's Kenya Investment Mechanism
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GIZ Make-IT in Africa (especially tech startups)
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Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) for agribusinesses
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EU Go Blue Projects in the coastal region
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Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) – Pan-African, open annually
You’ll need a strong business proposal, clear financials, and some patience — but these are 100% non-repayable grants.
💸 5. Bank Loans Tailored for SMEs
Banks have begun offering SME-specific financial products, including:
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KCB Biashara Loans – Short term and asset financing
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Equity Bank Fanikisha Loans – Targeting SMEs with informal records
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Absa Business Club Loans – With business training support
Many also offer mobile-based loan applications, making access easier.
🧭 6. County and SACCO-Based Business Funds
Some counties offer youth innovation funds, SACCOs offer revolving loans, and there are Jua Kali sector-specific support funds.
📍Check your county website or chamber of commerce office.
🛠️ How to Increase Your Chances of Approval
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Register your business officially (CR12, KRA PIN, etc.)
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Have a business plan or proposal
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Join a group or SACCO if required
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Keep your financial records clean
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Verify your business tax info — you can do this via Tenders.co.ke
🔗 Where to Find Tenders and Contracts After Funding
Once you've secured funding or a loan, the next step is finding contracts to grow your income.
✅ Tenders.co.ke lists active opportunities from:
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Government ministries and counties
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NGOs and development partners
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Corporates and private buyers
👉 [Insert internal link to tender listing page]
👉 [Insert link to verify KRA PIN page]
💡 Final Thoughts
Funding is out there — and it’s often within reach. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, small supplier, youth-run group, or women-led business, there’s a loan or grant tailored for your journey.
And when you’re ready to turn that funding into contracts, we’ve got you covered.
🔗 Post your business profile
🔗 Browse active tenders
🔗 Start growing with purpose
