On September 16th, Star reported that even though local commercial banks have exceeded their annual credit commitments to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, small vendors engaged in environmental support business still have the opportunity to obtain credit from these banks. The Natural Positive Financing Assessment Report released by the Kenyan Bankers Association (KBA) on Friday showed that local banks ignored the risks faced by small businesses in a challenging economic situation and issued loans worth 153 billion shillings, which is 2% higher than the annual commitment of 150 billion shillings signed in October last year. During the release of the report, Raymond Molenje, CEO of the Kenyan Bankers Association (KBA), reiterated that banks are committed to providing funding to nature related businesses in an effort to build a resilient green economy. This may provide a rare perspective for the outside world to understand the considerations of lobbying members when approving or rejecting small business credit applications. The report reveals that the total value of investment and financing opportunities related to nature in Kenya's manufacturing, water resource management, environmental services, and agriculture sectors will reach 19.4 trillion shillings (approximately $100 to $150 billion) in the next 5 to 10 years.
