Why financing options must evolve with local businesses

Bridging Kenya's financing gap will require not only more capital but also more diverse, well-regulated financing solutions.

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Kenya's growing businesses are not short of ambition. Many have strong products, expanding customer bases and clear growth plans, yet struggle to access financing that matches their stage of development. The challenge is not simply a shortage of capital but a shortage of financing options.

The scale of the problem is significant. While earlier International Finance Corporation estimates placed Kenya's MSME financing gap at Sh2.2 trillion, the Revised MSME Policy 2026 now puts it at Sh3.3 trillion.

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