Empowering MSMEs

Women’s World Banking partnered with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) from 2016 to 2019 to optimize financial and business support services for women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya. An accompanying research effort evaluated the effectiveness of program implementation and the resulting outcomes for KCB’s MSME customers, especially women.

The research found that a combination of financial and business support services for MSMEs provides opportunities for both customers and the institution. In the short-term, this program expands access to a range of services for MSMEs, particularly women-led MSMEs. It increases customer satisfaction with the institution and drives profit. In the long-term, this program contributes to the business growth of MSMEs, supports the economic empowerment of women business owners, and provides a roadmap for financial institutions in Kenya and other regional markets to better serve the MSME segment.