NAIROBI, Kenya—November 24, 2025—Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has disbursed Ksh 500 million to Githunguri Dairy Cooperative Society (GDC) to expand credit access for micro, small and medium enterprises under the World Bank-funded Supporting Access to Finance for Economic Recovery (SAFER) Programme.
The cheque was presented in Nairobi by the Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary, Lee Kinyanjui, who commended the cooperative for its strong governance and rapid growth across Nairobi and Nakuru counties.
Kinyanjui said the government is exploring ways to extend repayment periods for beneficiaries from seven to ten years, and reduce interest rates from 9% to 8% to make long-term credit more accessible, especially for capital-intensive projects.
Investment Promotion Principal Secretary, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, said the SAFER programme reflects the government’s commitment to de-risking MSME lending and supporting the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
World Bank Financial Sector Specialist Leah Kiwara said the partnership demonstrates renewed efforts to close the financing gap that continues to hold back MSME expansion. She emphasised the importance of tracking impact and highlighting success stories.
KDC Director General Norah Ratemo revealed that the corporation has so far disbursed Ksh 3.2 billion to 11 SACCOs, reaching 36,990 MSMEs, including 12,221 women-owned enterprises, and creating 25,637 jobs in 32 counties. An additional Ksh 3.9 billion has been set aside for onboarding 13 more SACCOs through the programme’s digital lending window.
Githunguri Dairy Cooperative Chairperson Charles Kioko said the cooperative’s growth across nine branches proves its financial stability and strong governance. He highlighted the success of the Bonyeza Digital Loan platform, which offers farmers fast and affordable mobile-based credit.
