Co-op Bank to lift SMEs with Sh6b funding

European Investment Bank President Werner Hoyer (centre), Co-operative Bank Chief Executive Gideon Muriuki (right) and European Union Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger during the signing of the financing deal in Nairobi. [David Njaaga, Standard]

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that were hit by the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic will benefit from a 50 million euros (Sh6.3 billion) credit facility.

This is after the European Investment Bank (EIB) extended the money to the Co-operative Bank of Kenya to provide working capital and long-term local currency loans to such businesses.

It is part of a 400 million euros (Sh50.5 billion) credit facility for businesses, housing investment, and conflict-hit countries in the region that the EIB signed with various partners yesterday as it announced its new Nairobi Hub. 

Under the EIB East Africa Covid-19 Rapid Response, the new financing to Co-op Bank will support companies in sectors most impacted by the pandemic.

“Covid-19 has dramatically impacted business activity across Kenya and ensuring new investment is essential to help companies recover from the pandemic,” said EIB President Werner Hoyer.

Mr Hoyer added that the facility will boost new investment, strengthen economic resilience and allow Kenyan companies to harness growth opportunities.

EIB Vice President responsible for Eastern and Southern Africa, and development Thomas Östros noted that the new initiative will enable companies to adapt to the new Covid-19 operating environment.  

Co-operative Bank Chief Executive Gideon Muriuki said the money would benefit more than 15 million people in various Saccos who bank with the tier-one lender.

“Through this money, we will be able to reach 15 million Kenyans,” said Mr Muriuki.  

He the bank would ensure the facility is available immediately to fund the acquisition of tangible business assets, working capital, development of distribution networks, innovation and business research.

Muriuki explained that the credit facility will be available for up to a maximum of Sh1.5 billion per customer for a maximum tenor of seven years.

“Businesses employing up to a maximum of 250 employees can apply immediately,” he said.

The new financing scheme targets companies in sectors most impacted by the pandemic, including trade, tourism and health.

Co-op Bank had previously received two lines of credit from EIB - 20 million euros (Sh2.53 billion) and 50 million euros (Sh6.3 billion).

EIB is the world’s largest international public bank and last year provided more than 5 billion euros for new investment across Africa.

The European lender will be opening its external operations in Nairobi, with Mr Hoyer hailing Kenya as "a place of stability in a fragile environment."