Complete guide to accessing government funding in Kenya. Learn about Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Women Enterprise Fund, and Uwezo Fund with application tips.
The Kenyan government provides several funding programs designed to empower youth, women, and disadvantaged groups through entrepreneurship. These funds offer low-interest loans, grants, and business support to help Kenyans start and grow their businesses. Unlike traditional bank loans, government funds typically don't require collateral and feature significantly lower interest rates of 6-9% per annum.
KES 50K - 500K
Ages 18-35 years
KES 50K - 1M
For women entrepreneurs
KES 50K - 500K
Youth, women & persons with disabilities
The Youth Enterprise Development Fund was established in 2006 to provide affordable credit to youth-owned enterprises. It aims to reduce unemployment by supporting young entrepreneurs through financial and business development services.
Group-based lending where youth form groups of 10-15 members. Loans range from KES 50,000 to 500,000 per group.
Individual loans for established youth businesses. Amounts from KES 100,000 to 500,000.
Loans channeled through partner financial institutions with amounts up to KES 2 million.
For C-YES, form a group of 10-15 youth. For EAYEG, register your business.
Each constituency has a YEDF office. Visit to get application forms and guidance.
Complete forms and attach all required documents including business plan.
Successful applicants attend mandatory business training before loan disbursement.
Funds are disbursed to group or individual account within 4-6 weeks.
The Women Enterprise Fund was established in 2007 to provide accessible and affordable credit to women entrepreneurs. It promotes women's economic empowerment by supporting women-owned businesses across all sectors.
Group-based lending for women groups. Loans from KES 50,000 to 500,000 per group.
For established businesses. Amounts from KES 100,000 to 1,000,000.
Through partner financial institutions with competitive rates.
Priority funding for women in marginalized areas and those with disabilities.
Apply online at wef.co.ke or visit your constituency WEF office.
Upload or submit all required documents with your application form.
Applications are reviewed by constituency committees. Approval takes 2-4 weeks.
Attend free business management training provided by WEF.
Funds disbursed to M-Pesa or bank account after training completion.
Uwezo Fund was established in 2013 to enable youth, women, and persons with disabilities to access funds for business ventures. It operates at the constituency level with special focus on marginalized groups and aims to expand economic opportunities for all Kenyans.
Group-based lending where members contribute and access revolving funds. Initial loan of KES 50,000-200,000 per group.
For established businesses. Loans from KES 100,000 to 500,000 based on business viability.
Priority consideration for persons with disabilities and youth in marginalized areas.
Each constituency has an Uwezo Fund office located at the CDF offices.
Collect application forms and get guidance on requirements from fund officers.
Fill forms accurately and attach all required documents.
Applications reviewed by constituency fund committee within 3-4 weeks.
Successful applicants receive funds via M-Pesa or bank transfer.
Your business plan is crucial. Include clear objectives, market analysis, financial projections, and how the loan will be used. Show that you understand your business and market.
Example: A youth planning to start a poultry business should include details on number of birds, feed costs, market outlets, expected income, and break-even timeline.
Group loans are easier to access for first-time borrowers. They require less documentation and provide mutual support. Success with group loans makes you eligible for larger individual loans later.
Government funds track repayment history. Timely repayments qualify you for:
All three funds offer free business training. These programs are valuable even beyond loan access:
Incomplete applications cause most rejections. Checklist:
Choose YEDF if:
Choose WEF if:
Choose Uwezo Fund if:
Take advantage of online platforms:
Government loan processes take time. Application to disbursement typically takes 4-8 weeks. If rejected:
| Feature | YEDF | WEF | Uwezo Fund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate | 6% | 7% | 6% |
| Max Amount | KES 500K | KES 1M | KES 500K |
| Repayment Period | 3 years | 5 years | 3 years |
| Target Group | Youth 18-35 | All women | Youth, women, PWDs |
| Application Method | Physical offices | Online & physical | Physical offices |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks | 2-4 weeks | 3-4 weeks |
| Collateral Required | No | No | No |
Website: yedf.go.ke
Hotline: 0709 888 000
Website: wef.co.ke
Hotline: 020 2211321
Visit constituency CDF offices
Hotline: 0709 777 000
Compare personal and business loans from banks if you need faster access or larger amounts.
Compare Bank LoansYes, you can apply to different funds if you meet their eligibility criteria. However, you cannot have active loans from multiple funds simultaneously. Complete repayment of one before accessing another.
Defaulting disqualifies you from future government funding. You may also be listed with Credit Reference Bureaus, affecting your ability to get bank loans. The fund will pursue recovery through legal means if necessary.
YEDF takes 4-6 weeks, WEF takes 2-4 weeks, and Uwezo Fund takes 3-4 weeks from application to disbursement. Complete documentation speeds up the process.
For group loans, you need a business idea and plan. For individual loans, most funds require an existing registered business that has been operating for at least 6 months.
Yes. Successful repayment of your first loan qualifies you for larger amounts on subsequent applications. Many beneficiaries have received 3-4 loans over time with increasing amounts.
Government loans have lower interest rates (6-7% vs 13-18% for banks) and no collateral requirements. However, they offer smaller amounts and take longer to process. Choose based on your needs and urgency.
Explore all business loan options from banks and financial institutions.
Decision-making framework for selecting the best loan for your needs.
Complete guide to unsecured loan options in Kenya.
Compare all your financing options including government funds and bank loans.