By Ellys Mugunda
The World Bank has pledged KSh 5.55 billion to support Kenya’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting climate-friendly technologies and promoting green growth.
The funding will be channeled through the Kenya Development Corporation’s (KDC) Green Investment Fund, which is part of Component 3 of the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project.
Priority sectors identified for support include electric mobility and transport, energy-efficient and green buildings, sustainable agriculture, and waste management solutions, areas seen as both commercially viable and critical to Kenya’s transition to a low-carbon, resilient economy.
According to KDC, the programme employs a blended finance approach designed to mitigate risk for private investors by combining public resources, technical support, and private capital, thereby attracting long-term financing for climate-aligned enterprises.
KDC Director-General Norah Ratemo said the Green Investment Fund marks a significant step towards scaling climate-smart investments that not only strengthen enterprise resilience but also create jobs and support sustainable growth across Kenya.
Officials said the partnership between the Government of Kenya, KDC, and the World Bank is poised to deepen financial inclusion, bolster SME resilience, and accelerate Kenya’s green growth and climate adaptation agenda.
