BII Commits $100M to KCB Kenya to Support Women Entrepreneurs & Climate Projects

•  KCB Bank Kenya gets $100 million funding from British International Investment (BII), for women advancement and climate projects
• The funding will target barriers limiting women’s business growth and fostering employment opportunities

KCB Bank Kenya Ltd. is set to receive $100 million in financing from British International Investment (BII), UK’s Development Finance Institution. The financial aid will reinforce the bank’s tier 2 capital, improving its capacity to extended credit.

The capital injection is designed to fund environment sustainability and women-led enterprises. By targeting funds into these two key areas, the institution fosters eco-friendly solutions that leave a long-term economic and environmental benefits.

Supporting women operating in Kenya’s informal sector, the investment aims to tackle the deep-rooted financial barriers that limit their access to credit. The funding will address systemic challenges, cultural norms and discriminatory policies that are an obstacle to women’s business growth, as outlined in an official email.

“By providing supplementary capital to KCB Bank Kenya, we are helping to scale investments in climate projects and create more opportunities for women-owned and led businesses - critical to Kenya’s economic development trajectory and a national plan for green growth,” BII Managing Director and head of Africa Chris Chijiutomi said.

Since the program’s inception in 2022, KCB has disbursed 150 Billion shillings ($1.16 billion) in loans. The bank remains dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. Its goal is providing 50 Billion shilling in the financing each year to drive entrepreneurship and increase employment.