DTB reports rise in SME lending as economy rebounds
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 15 - Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Kenya says lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is on the rise, buoyed by a stronger Kenya breaking news | Kenya news today |..
✨ Key Highlights
Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Kenya reports a significant increase in lending to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), attributed to an improving economy, easing inflation, and lower interest rates. This positive shift is seen as a sign of renewed business confidence in Kenya.
DTB Chief Executive Officer Murali Natarajan credited the Government and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) for stabilizing the shilling and improving credit conditions.
Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui urged banks to boost lending to facilitate expansion under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), eyeing a market of 1.4 billion people.
According to Mr. Natarajan, DTB aims to double its balance sheet in three to four years, barring unforeseen circumstances, by focusing on business banking.
Continue Reading
Read the complete article from Capital Business
Part of the Day's Coverage
Bank CEOs Expect Credit Growth After Rate Cut; DTB Reports Rise in SME Lending - October 2025
Kenyan bank chief executives anticipate an increase in private sector lending following a recent interest rate cut by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). According to the CBK’s Market Perceptions Survey, this optimism is attributed to a stable macroeconomic environment and low inflation. Similarly, Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Kenya reported a significant increase in lending to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), attributing it to an improving economy, easing inflation, and lower interest rates. However, the same CBK survey revealed that seven in ten CEOs expect the expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to negatively impact their businesses. CEOs anticipate AGOA's expiry will lead to increased import costs and reduced export volumes.
