NGO Loans in Kenya: Affordable Financing for Farmers, Women & Youth

Kenya has a robust ecosystem of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and microfinance institutions offering loans tailored to underserved communities, particularly women, youth, and smallholder farmers. These loans often come with flexible terms, minimal collateral requirements, and additional support services like training and mentorship.

🌱 Notable NGO and Microfinance Loan Providers in Kenya

1. VisionFund Kenya

A microfinance arm of World Vision, VisionFund Kenya provides loans primarily to women in rural communities. Their programs focus on empowering families to improve children's well-being through economic development. Notably, 75% of their loans go to women, with a 95% repayment rate and over Ksh 5 billion disbursed to date.

Website: visionfundkenya.co.ke

2. Juhudi Kilimo

Specializing in asset-backed loans for rural smallholder farmers and micro-entrepreneurs, Juhudi Kilimo offers financial solutions aimed at wealth creation. Their services include business management, technical, and financial literacy training to support clients in improving their livelihoods.

Website: https://juhudikilimo.com/

3. One Acre Fund

Operating across East Africa, including Kenya, One Acre Fund provides smallholder farmers with asset-based financing, agricultural training, and market facilitation. Their comprehensive service bundle includes seeds, fertilizer, and crop insurance, aiming to increase farm productivity and income.

Website: https://oneacrefund.org/what-we-do/countries-we-serve/kenya

4. Inuka Africa Microfinance

Focusing on agribusiness, especially in the dairy sector, Inuka Africa offers loans starting from KES 5,000 with no upper limit. These loans require livestock as collateral, which the institution helps insure, facilitating farmers' access to capital for business growth.

Website: inukaafrica.com

5. ECLOF Kenya

ECLOF Kenya provides financial and non-financial services to micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs. Their credit facilities are designed as empowerment tools to help clients attain their potential while running income-generating activities.

Website https://www.eclof-kenya.org/

6. Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) – Tuinuke Loan

A government initiative targeting women groups, the Tuinuke Loan offers amounts ranging from Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 750,000 to start or expand business enterprises. This group loan aims to enhance women's economic empowerment across Kenya.

Website: https://wef.go.ke/

7. Youth Enterprise Development Fund

This fund provides loans to youth for business expansion and startup capital. It offers both individual and group loans, aiming to promote youth entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment.

Website: https://www.youthfund.go.ke/

8. ASA International Kenya

ASA International focuses on providing small loans to low-income female business owners to start or grow their businesses. Their lending approach is based on individual lending via client groups, without joint liability, promoting financial inclusion.

Website: https://kenya.asa-international.com/

9. Zidisha

An online platform that connects lenders directly with borrowers, Zidisha allows Kenyan entrepreneurs to access zero-interest loans. Borrowers create profiles and request loans, which are funded by individual lenders worldwide, facilitating affordable financing options.

Website: https://www.zidisha.org/apply/KE

10. Kiva

Kiva is a global nonprofit that enables people to lend money via the internet to low-income entrepreneurs and students. In Kenya, Kiva partners with local organizations to provide microloans, supporting various sectors including agriculture, education, and retail.

Website: https://www.kiva.org/

These NGO and microfinance institutions play a crucial role in enhancing financial inclusion in Kenya, offering tailored loan products to empower underserved communities. By providing accessible financing options, they support economic growth and poverty alleviation across the country.

If you need assistance identifying the best loan option for your specific needs or guidance on the application process, feel free to ask!