Best Business Loans in Kenya (2025)
We analyzed 8 business loans from Kenya's top banks. Here are our expert rankings based on rates, loan amounts, approval speed, and flexibility.
KCB Business Loan
Top 8 Business Loans in Kenya (2025 Rankings)
KCB Business Loan
Kenya Commercial Bank
✓ Strengths
- • Lowest starting interest rate (12%)
- • Highest loan amount (up to KES 50M)
- • Fast 48-hour approval
- • Flexible repayment up to 10 years
- • No collateral for loans under KES 5M
✗ Weaknesses
- • Requires 2 years business history
- • Strict financial documentation
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rank | Bank | Starting Rate | Max Amount | Approval Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 1 | KCB Bank | 12% | KES 50M | 48h | 96/100 |
| 2 | Equity Bank | 12.5% | KES 30M | 48h | 94/100 |
| 3 | Co-op Bank | 13% | KES 25M | 72h | 91/100 |
| 4 | Stanbic Bank | 12% | KES 40M | 72h | 89/100 |
Our Ranking Methodology
We evaluated each business loan across 5 key criteria to determine our rankings:
Interest Rates
Starting rate, rate ranges, and competitiveness against market average
Loan Amounts & Terms
Maximum loan size, repayment periods, and flexibility
Approval Speed
Time from application to disbursement
Fees & Charges
Processing fees, early repayment penalties, and hidden costs
Customer Support
Branch network, online support, and relationship managers
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bank has the best business loan in Kenya?
KCB Bank ranks #1 in our 2025 analysis with the lowest starting rate (12%), highest loan amount (KES 50M), and fast 48-hour approval. However, the best loan for YOU depends on your business size, industry, and specific needs.
What is the lowest interest rate for business loans in Kenya?
The lowest starting rate is 12% from KCB Bank and Stanbic Bank. However, actual rates depend on your business credit history, revenue, and collateral. Most businesses get rates between 13-16%.
How much can I borrow for my business in Kenya?
Business loan amounts range from KES 100,000 to KES 50 million depending on the bank. KCB offers the highest maximum (KES 50M), while smaller banks typically cap at KES 10-20M. Your eligible amount depends on your revenue and business financials.
Do I need collateral for a business loan?
It depends on the amount. Most banks offer unsecured loans up to KES 5 million for established businesses with good cash flow. For larger amounts, you'll typically need collateral like property, equipment, or business assets.
How long does business loan approval take?
Approval times range from 48 hours to 2 weeks. KCB and DTB are fastest at 48-72 hours for SME loans. Larger loan amounts (above KES 10M) typically take 1-2 weeks due to more thorough due diligence.
What documents do I need for a business loan?
Typical requirements: Business registration certificate, KRA PIN, 12 months bank statements, financial statements (audited if applicable), business plan, ID copies of directors, and proof of business premises. Requirements vary by loan size.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Business Loan?
Compare all 8 options and find the best fit for your business needs.