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Business loans in Kenya for exporters, traders and growing companies
USD financing for Kenyan businesses, with expert help presenting your business plan and potential to independent lenders.
Who we help in Kenya
We help business owners prepare applications and connect with independent lenders that lend across borders, with expert advice to improve your chances of approval.
All financing is arranged in USD.
Exporters
Tea, coffee, flower and horticulture exporters that are paid in USD or euros.
Importers and traders
Businesses using the Port of Mombasa to bring in goods, machinery and stock.
Technology and services
Nairobi startups and SMEs with growing revenue, often collected through mobile money.
Established SMEs
Retail, manufacturing and agribusiness companies with documented accounts.
Registration and documents
Lenders typically ask for:
- Certificate of Incorporation and a CR12 company search showing directors and shareholders
- KRA PIN and tax compliance certificate
- Six months of bank statements, plus M-Pesa statements if customers pay that way
- Business permit, ID or passport for directors, and a business plan
Borrowing in USD
The Kenyan shilling floats against the dollar. If your income is in shillings, a USD loan carries real exchange-rate risk, because a weaker shilling makes repayment more expensive. Exporters paid in dollars, such as flower and tea sellers, are better matched. See multi-currency business loans.
Typical uses
Export working capital
Pay growers, packing and freight before buyers pay, with working capital loans.
Farm inputs and equipment
Irrigation, cold storage and machinery are covered under farm and agricultural loans.
Solar and energy
Cut power costs with green energy loans.
An illustration
A Nairobi flower exporter is paid in USD by European buyers and needs USD 75,000 for packing, freight and grower payments before the season. Its buyer contracts, consistent bank statements and a short business plan show how the loan will be repaid. We help it present them clearly and connect it with lenders that fund exporters; the lender sets the terms.
For illustration only. This is not an offer, rate or quote.
Local points to know
Companies are registered through the Business Registration Service, and lenders usually ask for a KRA PIN and tax compliance certificate. Kenyan rules on foreign borrowing may apply, and your bank can confirm what is needed before funds move. We do not give legal or tax advice.
I was unsure at first but everything went smooth. Highly recommend for online loans for international entrepreneurs.
Frequently asked questions
Can a young Kenyan company apply?
Yes. Lenders weigh a good business plan and its potential as well as trading history, although most like to see some months of revenue.
Do M-Pesa statements count?
Lenders can use them alongside bank statements to see your revenue. Tell us what records you have and we will advise on how to present them.
Is the loan in Kenyan shillings?
Financing is arranged in USD. The shilling floats, so exchange risk is yours unless your income is in dollars.
Related financing options and other regions
Working capital loans
Short-term funding to bridge payment gaps and seasonal swings.
Loan typeFarm & agricultural loans
Seasonal and equipment finance matched to growing and harvest cycles.
Loan typeGreen energy loans
Finance for solar, efficiency upgrades and clean-energy equipment.
RegionUnited States
USD financing for foreign-owned US companies and non-US founders.
RegionRest of Europe
UK and European companies borrowing in USD against euro, pound and other revenue.
RegionNetherlands
Dutch BVs and exporters borrowing in USD against euro revenue.
Ready to apply for business funding?
Complete our online application in minutes. No upfront fees.