Banks, SACCOs, and Government Funds

In 2025, Kenya’s financial sector is stepping up to close the gender financing gap with tailored loan programs for women entrepreneurs. From banks and SACCOs to government-backed funds, women now have access to billions in credit—often with flexible terms, low interest, and bundled support services.

This guide highlights the top financing options available, success stories, and how to apply.

Top Banks Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

1. Equity Bank – Fanikisha Loans

Disbursed: KSh 12.6B to 65,000+ women
Interest: From 9.5%
Perks: Free business training, flexible collateral
Contact: fanikisha@equitybank.co.ke

2. KCB Bank – Women in Business (WIB)

Disbursed: KSh 9.4B to 38,000 women
Interest: 10.5%, with 3-month grace period
Extras: Agribusiness incubator, export readiness support
Contact: womenbiz@kcbgroup.com

3. Co-operative Bank – Biashara Plus & Msamaria Loans

Disbursed: KSh 6.8B via SACCO-linked groups
Interest: From 9.8%
Features: Group lending, no personal collateral, medical insurance
Contact: womenenterprise@co-opbank.co.ke

4. Absa Bank – SHE Business Loans

Disbursed: KSh 5.3B to 12,000 women
Loan Limit: Up to KSh 10M unsecured
Extras: Coaching, networking events
Contact: she@absa.africa

5. Stanbic Bank – DADA Program

Disbursed: KSh 4.7B
Interest: From 11%
Perks: Collateral-free, startup-friendly, UN Women partnership
Contact: dada@stanbic.com

SACCOs & Microfinance Institutions

6. Kenya Women Microfinance Bank (KWFT) – Jitegemee Loans

Disbursed: Over KSh 14B cumulatively
Model: Group lending, from KSh 5,000
Reach: All 47 counties
Contact: info@kwftbank.com

7. Faulu Microfinance – Faulu Women Loans

Disbursed: KSh 1.6B to 9,000+ clients
Requirements: Business plan, group or collateral
Contact: womenservices@faulukenya.com

8. SMEP Microfinance – Women Empowerment Loans (WEL)

Disbursed: KSh 980M
Terms: 3–18 months, group model
Contact: women@smep.co.ke

Government Funds for Women

9. Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) – Tuinuke Loan

Loan Range: KSh 50,000 – 750,000
Model: Group-based, interest-free (6% admin fee)
Cycles: Graduated repayment from 6 to 18 months
Requirements: Registered self-help group, financial literacy training
Website: wef.go.ke

10. Uwezo Fund

Target: Women, youth, and persons with disabilities
Features: Interest-free loans with 5% admin fee
Administered by: Constituency-level committees

Success Story Spotlight

Jane Wanjiku – Nairobi

Started with a KSh 100K Tuinuke Loan in 2023
Grew her tailoring business into a 6-employee workshop
Now accessing a KSh 500K Biashara Plus Loan from Co-op Bank
“I never imagined I’d qualify for a bank loan. Group lending gave me the confidence and track record.”

Final Thoughts

With over KSh 62 billion disbursed in 2025 alone, Kenya’s women-focused loan programs are no longer niche—they’re central to economic growth. Whether you’re in agribusiness, retail, tech, or manufacturing, there’s a financing path tailored to your needs.