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KDC and World Bank’s SAFER Programme Powers Over 55,000 MSMEs, Strengthening Kenya’s Economic Foundation.

 

GDC CEO Dr. Charles Kioko in conversation with KDC Director General Norah Ratemo at the World Bank-KDC visit at GDC Sacco Headquarters

GITHUNGURI, Kenya By George Mutua.

 In a major boost for Kenya’s economic recovery and inclusive growth, the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC), in partnership with the World Bank and the National Treasury, is making significant strides in expanding affordable credit to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the Supporting Access to Finance and Enterprise Recovery (SAFER) Programme.

Since its inception, the initiative has supported over 55,000 MSMEs across 38 counties, sustaining more than 30,000 jobs. The programme has placed a deliberate focus on inclusivity, with women-owned enterprises accounting for 36% of beneficiaries and youth-led businesses making up 35%, underscoring a strong commitment to broadening economic participation.

The impact of the programme was recently on display during a high-level field visit to the Githunguri Dairy Cooperative (GDC) Sacco Society Limited in Kiambu County. The delegation, which included World Bank Vice President Ms Anke D’Angelo, KDC Chairman Hon. Dr Sakwa Bunyasi, and KDC Director General Ms Norah Ratemo, gathered to assess firsthand the impact of targeted development finance on grassroots enterprises.

“At KDC, our focus is to ensure that development finance translates into real impact by supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening key sectors of the economy, reinforcing agricultural value chains, and expanding economic opportunities across counties,” said Ms. Norah Ratemo, KDC Director General.

A key highlight of the visit was a KES 500 million facility extended by KDC to GDC Sacco under the SAFER Programme. The funds, deployed through the SACCO’s digital and conventional lending platforms, have enabled over 15,000 MSME members to access financing, many for the first time. Beneficiaries include 24% women entrepreneurs and 28% youth, further demonstrating the programme’s focus on empowering underrepresented groups.

GDC Sacco, a Tier I deposit-taking SACCO regulated by SASRA, has emerged as a critical intermediary in delivering this support. Headquartered in Githunguri, the SACCO operates 11 branches across Kiambu, Nairobi, and Nakuru, serving thousands of members primarily in dairy, tea, and coffee value chains.

“GDC Sacco started 22 years ago in 2003 as a dairy farmers' Sacco before expanding its membership to the wider community,” noted Dr. Charles Kioko, CEO of GDC Sacco. “Today, we serve approximately 79,000 customers and continue to support farmers through innovative financing solutions such as allowing insured dairy cows to be used as collateral.”

The SACCO has also invested heavily in digital lending solutions, including Kwamua Digital and Bonyeza loan products, allowing members to access quick and affordable credit via mobile platforms.

The delegation toured the Githunguri Dairy Cooperative processing facility, observing the integrated dairy value chain from milk collection to packaging. They also engaged with MSME beneficiaries who shared how improved access to finance has enabled them to expand their businesses and improve household incomes.

The SAFER Programme aligns with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which recognises that MSMEs, which contribute 40% of Kenya’s GDP and over 80% of employment, are vital pillars for job creation and sustainable growth.

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