Family Bank Programme Trains 30 Women-Led Agri-SMEs, Unlocks KES70.5m in Financing

30 women-led Agri-SMEs have completed a six-month programme designed to strengthen their business management capabilities, enhance financial literacy, and build their readiness to access capital.

Under the 2nd cohort of the 2026 Access to Finance Programme, implemented by Aceli Africa, Ronalds LLP and Family Bank’s Queen Banking and Agribusiness units, the women participated in four coaching sessions covering financial management, financing readiness, governance and strategic planning, marketing, and customer relationship management, tailored to each SME’s financing needs.

“Three years since we unveiled Queen Banking, we remain deeply committed to walking this journey alongside women entrepreneurs. This cohort demonstrates what is possible when business training, mentorship and access to finance come together with clear purpose. Our commitment goes beyond providing financial products; it is about creating lasting impact for women, their businesses and the communities around them,” said Family Bank Chief Retail Officer Phyllis Kimani.

Six participating SMEs have secured financing facilities totalling KES 70.5 million, while a further financing pipeline of more than KES 243 million is currently under review.

“In 2026 alone, we have onboarded more than 50,000 women customers, with over KES 11 billion accessed by women to strengthen their financial resilience and grow sustainable businesses. We believe that when women have the financial tools, knowledge and support to grow, the benefits extend beyond individual businesses to families, communities and the wider economy,” she added.

The technical assistance has also strengthened the quality and readiness of financing proposals presented to the Bank, supporting a more structured and efficient credit assessment process.

“Through Queen Banking, Family Bank has taken the initiative to go beyond lending transactions by investing in strengthening the businesses behind the financing. This cohort has shown what is possible when access to capital is accompanied by deliberate investment in the enterprise itself. So what we celebrate today goes beyond graduation. It is women entrepreneurs building stronger businesses, making better decisions and creating the foundations for their next stage of growth.” said Ronalds LLP Designated Partner Advisory Services Charity Wamithi.

The programme builds on the inaugural 2025 cohort of 25 women-led Agri-SMEs, five of which subsequently accessed KES 38 million in financing facilities.

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