While expanding access to credit is crucial for women-owned businesses in Kenya, a recent article argues that credit alone is insufficient for growth, highlighting the need for finance models tailored to specific business needs.

• Many women-owned micro-enterprises struggle to grow despite increased access to formal financial services, indicating that credit is not always the primary constraint.
• The article emphasizes understanding the true business constraint (e.g., lack of customers, equipment, transport) before offering finance, suggesting solutions like market linkages or asset finance might be more appropriate.
• Responsible finance should focus on improving the borrower's position, with loan terms matching revenue patterns and incorporating support mechanisms like savings or insurance for businesses exposed to shocks.