Credit Bank Earmarks KES 1 Billion To Support SME Growth And Job Creation In Kenya

Credit Bank has set aside KES 1 billion in 2026 to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Kenya, helping businesses expand, create jobs and contribute to economic development.

As Kenya continues to look to the private sector to drive economic growth, SMEs remain among the country’s biggest employers and a key source of livelihoods for millions of Kenyans.

The KES 1 billion financing is part of Credit Bank’s broader approach to supporting SMEs, providing businesses with access to funding alongside trade finance, insurance, investment, payment and transactional banking solutions that support growth at every stage.

“SMEs are the backbone of Kenya’s economy. Our role goes beyond providing financing. We work alongside business owners as they navigate growth, manage cash flow and respond to changing market needs,” said Charles Kibara, Chief Manager – Operations and Branches at Credit Bank.

“Every business has its own ambitions and challenges. We take time to understand what our customers are trying to achieve and provide solutions that support them at different stages of their journey. Whether it is expanding to new locations, managing payroll, paying suppliers or financing stock, we want to be a reliable partner for their business.”

One of the businesses that has benefited from this approach is Xana Kenya, a retail and healthcare company that combines pharmacies, supermarkets and wholesale shopping outlets.

Guided by its “Pharmacy First” model, Xana is working to bring quality healthcare closer to communities across the country. The company aims to reduce the distance many Kenyans travel to access healthcare by expanding its presence across all counties.

Credit Bank has worked with Xana since its early days, supporting the establishment of its flagship Syokimau branch along Mombasa Road and accompanying the company as it expanded into multiple locations.

Today, the partnership covers a range of financial solutions including cash-backed overdrafts, insurance premium financing, medical insurance for staff, fixed deposits, salary processing, supplier payments and trade finance facilities.

On Friday, Xana opened its newest branch in Ruiru, Kiambu County, marking another step in its expansion plans.

“Credit Bank has been part of our journey from the beginning. As we have grown, the Bank has continued to support us with solutions that help us run our business efficiently and plan for the future. From managing cash flow during expansion to supporting payments and day-to-day operations, they have understood what we are building and supported that vision,” said James Macharia, Chief Executive Officer of Xana Kenya.

Macharia said flexible financial solutions have helped the company maintain smooth operations during periods of rapid growth, including meeting obligations to contractors, suppliers and employees as new branches are opened.

Xana plans to grow to 12 outlets by the end of 2026, expand to 52 branches in 2027 and eventually establish more than 400 outlets nationwide. The expansion is expected to create jobs while improving access to affordable healthcare and retail services in communities across Kenya.

According to the Economic Survey 2026, Kenya’s informal sector supports more than 18 million jobs, while formal employment rose to 3.3 million workers in 2025, highlighting the important role growing businesses play in creating employment and supporting economic activity across the country.

Through its KES 1 billion SME programme, Credit Bank aims to help more businesses access the financial solutions they need to grow, strengthen operations and create employment opportunities across Kenya.

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