While access to funding is often cited as the primary challenge for Kenyan SMEs, readiness to receive and manage that funding is emerging as the biggest hurdle.

• Only about 20 per cent of small businesses in Kenya have access to formal credit, according to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
• John Mungai, co-founder and chief executive officer of Centafrique Ltd, is a key figure highlighting this issue.
• The article suggests that SMEs may not be adequately prepared to handle the responsibilities that come with securing and utilizing external funding.