Kenyan banks have significantly boosted lending to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the first half of 2026, with total disbursements reaching Sh245.06 billion. This surge in credit is attributed to a reduction in interest rates, stimulating demand from businesses.

• The total loan amount disbursed to MSMEs was Sh245.06 billion.
• The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) reported this data, highlighting Equity Bank as the leading lender with Sh82.3 billion.
• The lending increase follows a cut in the Central Bank Rate (CBR) by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) to 8.75 percent, aimed at fostering private sector growth.

SBM Bank Kenya has officially opened its 34th branch in Nanyuki Town, Laikipia County, aiming to serve the region's diverse economic sectors.

• The new branch will target key industries including tourism, agriculture, real estate, SMEs, and conservancies like Ol Pejeta and Lewa.
• SBM Bank Kenya CEO Bhartesh Shah highlighted the strategic importance of Nanyuki as a high-growth market.
• This expansion follows SBM Bank's strong financial performance, with a 171.3 percent increase in profit before tax to Sh548 million in the six months ended June 30, 2026.

Kenya is aiming to significantly expand its mortgage market, targeting one million mortgages as it scales up its affordable housing program. The initiative seeks to include more Kenyans in formal housing finance by considering alternative creditworthiness measures.

• Kenya aims to reach one million mortgages, up from approximately 30,000.
• The Principal Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, Charles Hinga, highlighted the push for inclusivity.
• The strategy involves lenders considering alternative data like mobile-money transactions and utility bills to assess borrowers, alongside the ongoing construction of over 280,000 housing units.