This article was updated on July 10, 2024: Added new microfinance institutions and expanded information on existing ones, added information about the benefits of microfinance institutions, the difference between banks and microfinance institutions, the growth of microfinance institutions in Kenya, and choosing the right microfinance institution.
In this article, we list Microfinance Institutions in Kenya, let us know if there is any that we’ve left out in the comments section.
Currently, the most significant population of Kenyans is unbanked, and if banked, their saving is minimal. This means that they do not qualify for big loans in mainstream or Tier 1 banks.
This is where Microfinance Institutions in Kenya comes in. There is a constant need for finances, while the streams of income are few. As such, most people result in borrowing and acquiring small loans from MFIs in Kenya.
This is why we have prepared you a list of microfinance institutions in Kenya that can boost you in the time of need.
Microfinance institutions in Kenya offer small loans, or micro-loans, to people unable to access conventional loan services. Microfinance institutions in Kenya vary in size and function with some organizations focusing entirely on microfinancing.
Other microfinance institutions work as extensions of large investment banks. The world over, people living in under-developed areas such as Latin America, Asia, and countries within the Sub-Saharan region can access needed financial resources through the services provided by microfinance institutions in Kenya.
Microfinance has been a longstanding advocate in Kenya due to its ability to facilitate financial inclusion for excluded populations and the socially disadvantaged. Prominent microfinance organizations throughout the nation have united in support of this initiative, extending their reach to millions of clients.
A group referred to as “unbanked” is economically, geographically, and socially isolated; microfinance has become a vital instrument in promoting their financial inclusion and helping them escape poverty.
Low-income households can receive support from microfinance in ways that may seem unusual to the general population. For example, it makes it easier to get loans for necessities like roof repairs, which traditional financial institutions could pass over.
Leading microfinance organizations in Kenya help people pay for costs that people in higher income groups frequently overlook. This covers money needed to launch small enterprises, buy necessary equipment like grinding machines, or pay for upcoming events like weddings and funerals.
Furthermore, Kenyan microfinance organizations provide more than just money assistance. They also give loans that are customized to meet the needs of both individuals and businesses, as well as assistance with vital needs like health insurance. This adaptability distinguishes microfinance firms in their endeavors to improve underprivileged communities.
Conventional banks provide a variety of financial services, such as deposit accounts and loans, but they frequently ask for collateral from their clients. However, some loans might not be secured.
Prominent microfinance organizations in Kenya mostly assist low-income borrowers, frequently using group guarantees as collateral, such as participation in women’s organizations. While some microfinance organizations can take deposits, not all of them are.
The kinds of activities that borrowers can finance are limited by the normal rapid repayment requirements of microfinance loans. These debtors often engage in petty commerce. The social impact of microloans from Kenya’s leading microfinance firms is being measured through ongoing research.
Since the mid-1990s, Kenyan microfinance has undergone tremendous evolution in terms of both institutions and legal frameworks. An important turning point in this evolution was the 2006 enactment and 2008 enforcement of the Microfinance Act. Kenya had twenty-four significant microfinance institutions by 2010.
The main purpose of this law is to control how microloans are distributed throughout the nation. The Act, which was passed on December 30, 2006, now only affects institutions that take deposits; non-deposit-taking companies may be added in the future.
The Act’s main features include licensing requirements, operational qualifications, licensing processes, governance standards (such as minimum capital and liquid asset requirements), activity restrictions, loan application procedures, account submission to the Central Bank, and requirements for the selection and training of external auditors.
The Companies Act, the Financial Act, and the Central Bank of Kenya Act are among the legislation that oversees Kenya’s financial industry in addition to the Microfinance Act. The Central Bank of Kenya, which is also in charge of monetary policy, bank regulation, and the dissemination of information about interest rates and banking laws, is in charge of overseeing these rules in addition to others.
Some Microfinance Institutions in Kenya double-up as Deposit-Taking Institutions. The benefits of using mobile money such as M-Pesa when taking deposits include reduced costs, increased convenience, and lower risk of fraud. Here is the list of microfinance institutions in Kenya
This is one of the most prominent community-based Microfinance Institutions in Kenya. The MFI has its headquarters in Rongai within Kajiado County.
Like with Faulu, you can deposit into Choice Microfinance Bank using M-Pesa Pay Bill. Their products and services include loans and savings accounts such as Faidikeni Fixed Deposit Account and Asset Mali Account.
Choice MFI started as a diaspora story that has evolved to become a local story as well.
It is a link of Kenyan Diaspora Investments to the local people’s need for small credit facilities to improve their livelihood and break the poverty cycles.
Microfinance Institutions in Kenya are famous due to their flexible loan repayment periods. Choice Microfinance Bank loans can be repaid within 3, 6, 9, and even 12 months.
Choice Microfinance Contacts:
Physical Address: Siron Place, Magadi Road, Ongata Rongai
This MFI also doubles up as a deposit-taking institution that lends loans in Kenya. It is one of the leading microloan lenders in Kenya with several branched scattered across the country. With Faulu, Kenyans can deposit using M-Pesa.
Faulu has an extensive network within Kenya and is well represented in every county from their headquarters in Nairobi to the far-away Isiolo County. You can use mobile banking, ATMs, and Faulu Agents to transact on Faulu Kenya.
Like most Microfinance Institutions in Kenya, Faulu loans are flexible, accessible, processed within 12 hours, and have affordable interest rates.
Faulu Contacts:
This MFI focuses on retail banking, group banking, asset financing, provision of credit to businesses, and church banking.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) is the largest SMEP shareholder, in addition to over 10,000 other shareholders. SMEP is among the microfinance institutions in Kenya that offer small loans, with Group loans as low as Ksh 5,000.
To get a SMEP Group loan, create or join a registered self-help group of fifteen or more members.
SMEP Contacts:
This is one of the oldest and one of the most popular microfinance institutions in the country. It is also one of the biggest Deposit Taking Microfinance Institutions in Kenya and was licensed to operate as an MFI by the CBK on 31st March 2010.
KWFT has branches all over Kenya. The MFI has both savings and loan accounts that are open to all women and girls in Kenya.
KWFT has over 600,000 clients and over 231 branches in all counties in Kenya. As its name suggests, KWFT has a mission to empower women–and in the process, enrich the lives of entire families, communities, and the nation at large. Loan installments can be deposited to the bank using M-Pesa.
KWFT Contacts:
This is one of the youngest Microfinance Institutions in Kenya, having been registered in 2009. Mobile banking is at the core of Musoni–“M” stands for Mobile and Usoni is Swahili for “future”. Musoni has no hidden fees and does NOT charge registration fees.
It is, perhaps, the most “paper-less” of all Microfinance Institutions in Kenya. All Musoni funds are sent and received through mobile money.
Musoni loans are accessible and easy to apply for–loans are processed and available in your account within 72 hours. This MFI has many branches where you can chat with their staff, but all money transactions are done through mobile.
Musoni contacts:
Uwezo provides both savings and loan facilities. It facilitates wealth creation and better living for individuals, groups, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya. This MFI offers short-term loans that are affordable and flexible.
Their farmer loans are perfect for those who are into smart farming in Kenya, cattle rearing, tomato farming, and other farming ventures.
Uwezo MFI Contacts:
This is one of the MFIs in Kenya that offer diaspora banking, savings, and loan products. Get affordable asset finance, loans for Chamas, and Saccos. Farmers can open a Kilimo Biashara Account to receive affordable farming loans.
Rafiki Microfinance Contacts:
This MFI specializes in providing credit to agri-businesses in Kenya. Like most Microfinance Institutions in Kenya, Century Bank also provides loans. You can save by regularly using M-Pesa to deposit into your Century Microfinance Bank account.
The MFI has a handful of branches around Nairobi, the central region, and western. The headquarters are in Gikomba, and other offices are located in Githurai.
Century contacts:
This is another Microfinance institution in Kenya. It is entirely new but has a considerable customer base, and it is growing fast. Momentum Credit was founded in March 2017 with purposeful intent to meet an overwhelming market need of providing structured working capital solutions to Individuals and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Momentum Credit Contacts
Maisha Microfinance is a well-known and quickly growing microfinance company in Kenya that provides a wide range of financial services to strengthen and improve the financial prospects of economically engaged firms.
To be the best microfinance institution in Kenya, Maisha Microfinance Bank is driven by a mission to thrive in the financial services industry. Its main goal is to provide for the financial needs of hardworking people in the community, as well as to give shareholders excellent profits and provide its employees with unmatched chances for professional advancement.
Maisha Microfinance Bank Contact
Head Office: Jahazi, 2nd Floor, James Gichuru Road
Customer Care: 0709567000
P.O Box 49316-00100 Nairobi
Emerging as one of Kenya’s leading regulated microfinance companies, U&I Microfinance focuses on serving the needs of both large enterprises and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Their offerings include operating capital, promoting technical advancement, and supporting creative projects. Located in Nairobi’s Asili Complex on River Road, U&I Microfinance runs its core center from there, with other branches in Thika and Gikomba.
U&I Microfinance was first founded in 2007 as a credit-only microfinance organization. With regulatory approval, the company changed its focus in 2013 and began accepting deposits. By April 2017, it had achieved national recognition and was operating under the Central Bank of Kenya’s auspices, moving away from community-focused operations and toward serving clients nationwide.
To realize its aim of becoming the go-to microfinance provider in Kenya, U&I Microfinance is committed to developing a culture of collaboration and providing unmatched customer care.
U&I Microfinance Contact
Main Office: 1st Floor Asili Complex, RiverRoad
Office Line: +254 713 112 791
P.O Box 15825-00100, G.P.O Nairobi.
Sumac Microfinance is a significant player in Kenya’s microfinance market, providing easily accessible lending facilities, bancassurance, and trade financing. It is headquartered at Nairobi’s Consolidated Bank House and has branches in Ngara, Nakuru, Githunguri, and Thika.
A group of fourteen forward-thinking investors founded Sumac Microfinance Bank in 2002, originally as an investment organization. It was first known as Sumac Credit Ltd. and was established in 2004 to assist business owners who couldn’t satisfy the strict lending standards of traditional banks.
Sumac was given formal permission by the Central Bank of Kenya in 2012 to function as a microfinance bank and take deposits. It is now regarded as a cornerstone of dependability for Kenya’s microfinance organizations.
Sumac Microfinance is unwavering in its resolve to provide businesses with exceptional financial services that are marked by diligence, concentration, and effectiveness. It extends an invitation to Kenyans looking for quick, flexible, and effective financial solutions to come and experience its warm environment for themselves. Sumac Microfinance upholds the maxim “Prompt Service, Our Key Priority,” meaning that client happiness comes first.
Sumac Microfinance Bank Contact
Head Office: Consolidated Bank House
Second floor, Koinange Street, Nairobi
Telephone: 0111 029 000
Eligibility: The general criteria might include gender (as in the case of special women’s loans), age (at least 18 years of age), a valid Kenyan ID, a business, the ability to repay the loan and being a customer of the institution.
Interest rate: They are mostly calculated on a flat basis and some at a declining balance. More than 90% of the institutions require monthly interest payments. The average interest rate is 30-40% for loans up to 500,000 Kenyan Shilling. For loans above 500,000 Kenyan Shilling, interest rates go up to 71%.
Credit scoring: There is no advanced credit scoring system, and the majority of lenders have not stated any official borrower requirements. However, some institutions require having an existing business for at least three months, a small amount of cash, provide the institution with a business plan or proposal, and have at least one guarantor
Most Microfinance Institutions in Kenya (MFI) are using M-Pesa to provide micro-credit to their clients. The MFIs in Kenya are licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
This is under the Microfinance Act of 2006 and the Microfinance Regulations for Deposit-Taking MFIs of 2008. These regulations involve licensing and supervision of the establishment of MFIs. They also regulate the business operations of all Microfinance Institutions in Kenya.
To make sure that your financial needs are successfully satisfied, it’s critical to take into account several variables while choosing a microfinance organization in Kenya. The following are important things to remember:
Various MFIs provide a range of services. Some concentrate on loans and savings, while others offer specialty goods like investments, insurance, or loans for agricultural purposes. Consider your unique requirements when choosing an institution, whether it be for personal financial management or for launching or growing a business.
The terms of repayment and interest rates can differ greatly between institutions. It’s critical to weigh these factors to make sure they make sense and are sustainable for your financial circumstances. To avoid any unstated costs or charges, try to be transparent with these phrases.
Take into account the MFI’s accessibility and location. Greater convenience can be provided by an organization that offers mobile or internet banking, has branches or agents nearby, or both, especially when it comes to routine transactions or getting help.
An MFI’s reputation is very important. To evaluate the institution’s dependability and credibility, look into its past performance, examine client testimonials, and confirm that it complies with all legal requirements. Fair treatment and high-quality services are more likely to be offered by a respectable MFI.
When it comes to answering questions, providing financial guidance, and supporting clients during difficult times, excellent customer service is crucial. You may greatly improve your banking experience with an MFI if its customer service personnel is helpful and quick to respond.
Some MFIs offer programs for personal or community development, like small business assistance or financial literacy campaigns. If these factors are significant to you, choose an MFI that supports your community and is consistent with your beliefs.
Microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Kenya are financial enterprises that offer modest loans, savings accounts, and other financial services to individuals and small businesses who do not have access to standard banking services.
MFIs generally serve low-income individuals, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), women, and marginalized communities, enabling them to obtain financial services for personal and commercial growth.
MFIs frequently charge higher interest rates than typical banks, reflecting the risk and costs associated with serving clients who have little collateral or credit history. However, rates vary by institution.
Yes, several MFIs in Kenya have adopted digital banking, allowing clients to access services through mobile banking platforms and internet portals.
Consider the services provided, interest rates, accessibility, the institution’s reputation, customer service quality, and how the MFI fits into your personal or corporate growth objectives.
Yes, many microfinance institutions provide a variety of services such as savings accounts, insurance, financial education, and, in some cases, business consultancy services.
While many MFIs specialize in company lending, they also provide personal loans for schooling, home improvements, crises, and other personal expenses.
This list of micro-finance institutions in Kenya shows the range of financial choices accessible to those in need of assistance, including individuals and small enterprises. Especially for people who might not have access to traditional banking, these institutions are essential in giving people access to loans, savings accounts, and other financial services. People can use microfinance in Kenya to help them achieve their personal and business goals by being aware of the services available and selecting the best organization.
