MESPT targets Ksh7.2B credit plan to finance 250,000 farmers

The Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT) is seeking to unlock Ksh.7.2 billion in agricultural financing under its 2026–2030 strategic plan, targeting 250,000 smallholder farmers across the country.

The financing will be channelled through more than 100 last-mile financial institutions, including SACCOs and microfinance lenders, in a move aimed at easing limited access to affordable credit—one of the biggest constraints facing farmers.

The funds are expected to support investments in productivity, value addition, and climate-smart agriculture.

Speaking during the launch of the plan in Nairobi, MESPT Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Amukhoye said financial inclusion will be central to unlocking agricultural transformation.

“Access to finance is critical in enabling farmers to move from subsistence to commercial agriculture. This plan is about unlocking that potential at scale,” she said.

Under the strategy, at least 250,000 farmers will directly benefit from affordable agricultural and green financing, while more than 375,000 will be linked to structured markets to improve returns and sustainability.

The programme will also support 500 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperatives to strengthen value chains.

The government welcomed the plan, terming it aligned with national priorities. Henry Rithaa, Director-General of the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA), said the initiative complements efforts to formalise farmers into cooperatives and expand access to sustainable financing.

“Unlocking capital through grassroots financial institutions is key to empowering farmers and supporting agripreneurship,” he said.

Rithaa cited ongoing government-backed programmes such as the NYOTA Project, supported by the World Bank, which has trained over 120,000 youth and disbursed more than Ksh.3 billion.

He also pointed to the Kenya Jobs Economic Transformation Project, which is supporting farmer clusters with equipment to boost value addition and reduce post-harvest losses.

MESPT Board Chairman Noah Meely Musunku said the plan addresses structural barriers hindering farmer growth.

“Affordable credit, combined with market access and skills development, is what will enable farmers to thrive,” he noted.

The financing push is expected to create up to 100,000 jobs while strengthening climate resilience through sustainable farming practices, positioning smallholder agriculture as a key driver of Kenya’s economic growth.