Kenya’s Climate Vision and Women-led Enterprises Get USD 100 M Power-up from BII

Big things are happening in Kenya’s banking sector, and this time, it’s all about green growth and women entrepreneurs. British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, has just committed USD 100 M to KCB Bank Kenya, giving it the firepower to expand lending for climate-focused projects and women-led businesses.

At its core, this isn’t just another bank loan—it’s a game-changer for Kenya’s economy. The funds will help KCB back businesses that are making a difference in renewable energy, green transport, and sustainable agriculture—sectors that are key to cutting carbon emissions and building a more resilient economy.

But that’s only part of the story. A major focus of this funding is on women entrepreneurs, especially those in the informal sector, who often struggle to access credit. Through its Female-Led and Made Enterprises (FLME) initiative, KCB is working to break down systemic barriers and restrictive policies that have long held women back from scaling their businesses.

The impact? More women will now be able to get the financial support they need, helping them grow their businesses, create jobs, and drive economic progress.

This investment also qualifies under the 2X Challenge, a global initiative focused on boosting gender diversity in finance and business leadership—a cause that BII has been actively championing.

Chris Chijiutomi, MD and Head of Africa at BII sees the potential here, emphasizing that Kenya remains a key market for their investments, and this deal is all about scaling climate finance and unlocking more opportunities for women-led enterprises.

For KCB Bank Kenya, this is another bold step in its commitment to sustainability and inclusion. Annastacia Kimtai, KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director, sees this as a huge win for expanding climate financing while also strengthening the bank’s position in the market. She stated that this facility will allow the bank to scale its support for climate-aligned businesses and women-led enterprises while strengthening its overall capital position.

The UK Government is also fully backing the move. Daniel Wilcox, Economic Counsellor & Head of Prosperity and Climate at the British High Commission in Nairobi, acknowledged that access to finance remains one of the biggest roadblocks for Kenyan businesses and welcomed the partnership as a real solution to bridging the gap.

This isn’t just a one-off initiative. KCB has been at the forefront of supporting women entrepreneurs, committing KSh 50 B annually to businesses owned and run by women. Since 2022, the bank has already extended KSh 150 B in funding under this initiative, fueling entrepreneurship and strengthening the economy.

Now, with BII’s USD 100 M million backing, KCB is set to drive Kenya’s green transition while ensuring women-led businesses get the financial muscle they need. This is more than just investment—it’s economic transformation in motion.

As KCB rolls out these funds, all eyes will be on how it impacts Kenya’s businesses, climate sector, and financial inclusion.