Beyond Continents Logistics Limited is set to increase its fleet after securing $4.44 million in financing from SBM Bank Kenya to purchase 50 heavy commercial trucks for its cargo transport business.

The acquisition will add 50 Shacman prime movers fitted with Bhachu trailers to the company’s operations, increasing the number of vehicles available to transport goods for importers, exporters and other businesses operating in Kenya and across East Africa.

The funding covers up to 100 per cent of the trucks’ purchase cost, with the bank allowing the logistics firm up to 720 days to repay the facility. The arrangement also provides for commercial vehicle insurance payments to be spread over 10 months, helping the company distribute some of the costs associated with acquiring and operating the vehicles.

The deal offers the company an opportunity to expand its transport capacity without having to finance the entire purchase from its existing cash resources. However, the investment will also bring additional financial responsibilities, including loan repayments, fuel, servicing and other fleet management expenses.

SBM Bank Kenya’s Director of Corporate and Institutional Banking, Eric Wambua, said access to financing was important for businesses seeking to grow their operations.

“Access to flexible asset financing remains a critical catalyst for scaling businesses in Kenya and the wider region,” Wambua said.

For transport companies, access to credit can determine how quickly they acquire vehicles and respond to demand from customers. Heavy-duty trucks represent a significant capital investment, making financing an option for businesses that want to expand their fleets while spreading payments over time.

Beyond Logistics said the additional trucks would help it handle cargo movements as trade activity increases across domestic and regional markets.

Lawrence Ndushabandi of the company said changing international supply chains and rising import-export volumes had increased the need for dependable transport services.

“As international supply chains evolve and import-export volumes scale across local and regional markets, operational reliability is paramount,” Ndushabandi said.

He said the new vehicles would strengthen the company’s haulage capacity and improve operational reliability.

The acquisition comes at a time when logistics providers play an important role in connecting producers, importers, exporters and distributors to their markets. Cargo transport services support the movement of goods between warehouses, commercial centres, ports and border points, making the availability of trucks an important consideration for companies handling regional trade.

An expanded fleet can allow a logistics operator to take on additional assignments, but the commercial value of the investment will depend on how efficiently the vehicles are deployed and whether demand is sufficient to cover the associated costs.

The transaction also reflects the role of commercial banks in financing business assets. Rather than limiting lending to working capital, asset financing enables companies to acquire equipment that supports their day-to-day operations and longer-term expansion plans.

SBM Bank Kenya has also reported growth in its financial performance. The lender recorded a 171.3 per cent increase in profit before tax to Ksh 548 million, according to the figures provided in its reported results.

Customer deposits rose by 24 per cent to Sh94 billion, while net loans and advances increased by 18 per cent to Ksh 54.1 billion.

The growth in deposits and lending points to an expansion in the bank’s funding base and credit activity. For businesses seeking to invest in vehicles and other productive assets, financing facilities can provide access to capital while allowing payments to be made over an agreed period.

Beyond, Continents Logistics has not disclosed the expected increase in cargo volumes or revenue following the purchase of the 50 trucks. The full commercial impact of the investment will therefore depend on the company’s ability to deploy the vehicles efficiently and secure sufficient transport business to support the expanded fleet.