The Co-operative Bank of Kenya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CARE Kenya International to improve access to affordable financing for women farmer groups through a new de-risking guarantee fund.
The partnership is designed to ease collateral requirements that often limit women’s access to credit, enabling more farmer groups to secure financing for agricultural production, agribusiness expansion and other income-generating activities.
The initiative seeks to strengthen financial inclusion by providing women farmers with greater access to capital while supporting sustainable livelihoods and increased agricultural productivity.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, representatives from both organisations said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering women through innovative financial solutions and strategic partnerships.
The agreement was signed in the presence of CARE Kenya Country Director Gertrude Misango, CARE Kenya Regional Director for East and Southern Africa Walter Mwasaa, Co-operative Bank Head of Business Banking David Akumu and the Bank’s Western Regional Manager Paul Cianda, among other officials.
The partnership is expected to unlock more financing opportunities for women-led farmer groups by reducing lending risks and encouraging greater investment in the agricultural sector.
Through the collaboration, Co-operative Bank and CARE Kenya aim to strengthen women’s economic empowerment, promote inclusive finance and contribute to Kenya’s broader food security and rural development agenda.
