The Central Bank of Kenya has launched a loan facility named ‘Stawi’ for small and medium enterprises so as curb the current challenge of securing loans. This will also come as a relief from many loaning facilities charging exorbitant interests.
SMEs will be able to access unsecured loans ranging between Sh30,000 and Sh250,000 from five commercial banks: CBA, KCB, Co-operative Bank, Nic Bank, Diamond Trust Bank with a repayment period of between one and 12 months.
Since 2016, small businesses have been disadvantaged in their quest to secure interest free financing when the country introduced interest rate controls.
How to get Stawi Loan
To apply and get a Stawi Loan, you have to download the Stawi Mobile application. The application will be launched in June for Android and iOS.
When you download the mobile app, register with an agent (One of the 5 aforementioned banks) and create your wallet and request for a loan. Your loan will be issued via your wallet.
A pilot test will be run in June 2019, where 3500 businesses will be selected to participate. To be among the pioneers, register with an agent through any of the 5 listed banks.