Family Bank Secures USD 20 Million Facility from BII to Boost MSMEs and Agribusinesses
Family Bank has announced a strategic partnership with British International Investment (BII), securing a USD 20 million (KES 2.6 billion) trade finance facility aimed at expanding access to financing for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya.
The funding from BII the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor is set to inject vital capital into MSMEs, with a special focus on trade-related sectors.
At least 50% of the facility is earmarked for women-led businesses and enterprises within the agribusiness value chain, including agricultural production, processing, logistics, infrastructure, and other supporting services. The investment qualifies under the 2X Challenge criteria, a global initiative to promote women’s economic empowerment in developing countries.
“SMEs in Kenya face significant foreign currency liquidity constraints, making it difficult to access affordable financing and conduct international trade,” said Family Bank CEO Nancy Njau. “With over 80 percent of our customer base comprising SMEs, we are committed to providing innovative and cost-effective financial solutions to support their growth.”
Njau added that the partnership aligns with Family Bank’s five-year strategy to scale up SME lending, deepen market segmentation, and close financing gaps particularly for women-led enterprises and agribusinesses, which are critical to the country’s food security and economic resilience.
Seema Dhanani, BII’s Regional Director for East Africa and Head of Office in Kenya, emphasized the pivotal role of MSMEs in Kenya’s economic fabric. “MSMEs constitute 98 percent of all businesses in Kenya and are key employers of youth, women, and vulnerable communities. Our partnership with Family Bank enables us to support these businesses especially those focused on agriculture and women empowerment by providing vital trade and working capital finance,” she said.
The facility is expected to have a ripple effect across Kenya’s MSME ecosystem, improving access to credit, supporting trade expansion, and driving inclusive growth in key sectors. It also reinforces BII’s broader mission of promoting private sector development and sustainable economic transformation in Africa.
This latest development positions Family Bank among the key drivers of inclusive financing in Kenya, as it works to empower small businesses and unlock new opportunities for trade and agribusiness across the country.
