Rebecca Miano calls on digital lenders to support small businesses

Business
By David Njaaga | Jun 20, 2024

Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano.[Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, has called on digital lending firms to address the challenge of limited access to affordable credit for small businesses.

Speaking during celebrations to mark Tala Kenya's 10th anniversary in Nairobi, Miano emphasised the crucial role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the economy and their struggles with financial accessibility.

"The Government has, over the years, prioritised financial inclusion through policy frameworks that have enabled transformative banking options to thrive," she said.

She urged Tala to collaborate with the newly launched Karibu Business Support Centre (KBSC), which aims to streamline processes for investors and manufacturers.

"As we celebrate Tala's 10th anniversary, I urge new partnerships. I invite Tala to explore collaboration with my Ministry's newly launched KBSC, a one-stop shop providing information and guidance to investors, traders, and manufacturers," she added.

Tala CEO Kenya, Annstella Mumbi, said the company continues working with regulators and governments to shape policy around responsible lending and financial inclusion in the region.

"Moving into the next decade, we believe that we will be moving to a second phase of the industry, thinking beyond access and into the ability of the industry and Tala to offer more customer-centric solutions - personalised," she said.

Since opening its doors in Kenya in 2014, Tala has served over 3.5 million Kenyans and disbursed more than Sh300 billion with a customer base of 9 million customers, including in the Philippines, Mexico, and India.

Share this story
AG Dorcas Oduor defends JKIA renovation contract amid transparency concerns
 Attorney General Dorcas Oduor has defended the Sh154 billion JKIA modernisation contract.
Plan underway to reopen Wilson runway
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has announced plans to reopen a runway that has been under rehabilitation at Wilson Airport.
Rwanda tea earns higher auction prices as Kenya lags
Tea from Rwanda has continued to dominate the Mombasa tea auction
Aviation policies limit Kenya tourism numbers
“Hoteliers ascribe the low number to the current aviation policy that limits the number of airlines allowed into the country and the number of weekly flights for others.”
Parliament seeks bigger say in control of Kenya's Sovereign Wealth Fund
MPs are pushing for stricter oversight of the proposed Kenya Sovereign Wealth Fund to prevent unconstitutional withdrawals.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS