Who we Are

The Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a critical role in the economy with the sector employing an estimated 14.9 million Kenyans and contributing to 34 % of the countries’ GDP. However, despite this enormous contribution to the economy, the MSMEs faces many challenges majorly being access to affordable credit.  Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic added to these challenges hence affecting cash flow, creating losses and disrupted operations.

As a Rapid Response Initiative, the Government of Kenya (GoK) mobilized resources of up to Kshs 3 billion through the establishment of a Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) under the National Treasury. Thereafter, the World Bank through the International Development Association (IDA) mobilized and additional US$ 100m to support the Government of Kenya (GoK) under the project in addition to providing lines of credit for the MSMEs.

The Project aims to increase access to credit for MSMEs, enhance their capabilities, and support their recovery from the COVID-19 recovery. The SAFER project became effective on 9th May 2022.