Women-owned businesses are an important pillar of Kenya’s economy, providing livelihoods, creating employment and supporting household incomes across the country.

From small retail shops and agribusinesses to professional services and growing enterprises, women continue to play a significant role in driving entrepreneurship and economic activity.

However, access to affordable and suitable financing remains a major challenge for many women entrepreneurs.

Limited access to capital can make it difficult for business owners to increase stock, acquire equipment, expand their premises, meet day-to-day operating costs or take advantage of new investment opportunities.

It is against this backdrop that the Msamaria Women’s Loan seeks to provide women entrepreneurs with access to financing to support both working capital and investment needs.

Offered by Co-operative Bank of Kenya, the loan is designed to provide flexible financing while combining credit with training, networking and insurance benefits.

Financing women-owned businesses

The Msamaria Women’s Loan provides unsecured financing ranging from Sh5,000 to Sh10 million, with repayment periods of up to 24 months.

The facility can be used to meet operational expenses as well as finance business investments, giving entrepreneurs room to manage immediate cash-flow needs while pursuing growth.

Beyond financing, the product incorporates empowerment initiatives through training and networking forums, providing women entrepreneurs with opportunities to strengthen their business skills and build professional networks.

The loan also comes with an insurance package that includes Femina Medical Cover, Critical Illness Cover, Personal Accident Cover, and Death and Permanent Total Disability cover.

Women entrepreneurs seeking a digital financing solution can also access the Msamaria Digital Loan, which provides business e-loan solutions through *USSD (667#) and the MCo-op Cash App.

The digital product includes Business Plus, Business Plus Refinance and Business Plus Top Up facilities. Loan amounts range from Sh100 to Sh1 million, with repayment periods of between one and six months.

The facility is available to individuals, registered partnerships, business enterprises and limited companies.

Who can apply?

To qualify for the Co-op Bank Msamaria Women’s Loan, applicants must provide proof of running a business for at least one year and demonstrate regular cash flow.

Other requirements include a current business licence, where applicable, and an account with Co-operative Bank. Applicants whose Co-operative Bank accounts are less than six months old may also be required to provide certified bank statements from other financial institutions.

Depending on the facility, acceptable security may include chattels over household or business assets, land and NSE securities, among other forms of security accepted by the bank.

Applicants are also required to provide a KRA PIN.