Equity Bank Business Loan – review 2026
Pros
- Wide range of facilities from working capital to asset finance and term loans
- Loan ceiling of up to KES 50,000,000 suits larger SME financing needs
- Extensive branch and relationship-manager network for business clients
- Full CBK prudential regulation and disclosure requirements
Cons
- Larger facilities require robust financial statements and collateral
- Approval process is more document-intensive than for personal loans
- Pricing for smaller or newer businesses can be less favourable
Equity Bank Kenya, a commercial bank licensed and supervised by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), operates one of the most extensive SME lending programmes in the country. Its business loan portfolio covers working capital facilities, asset finance and longer-tenor term loans, with amounts reaching up to KES 50,000,000 for qualifying enterprises.
The product targets micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across sectors, and pricing is risk-based, taking into account the business's financial statements, banking turnover, collateral offered and credit history. Equity has historically positioned itself as an MSME-focused lender, supported by business advisory and training initiatives alongside its core credit products.
Fees and Eligibility
As a CBK-regulated bank, Equity must disclose the full cost of business credit, including processing fees, insurance and any asset-finance arrangement fees, before the facility is drawn down. Businesses are generally expected to provide audited or management accounts, proof of registration, and collateral or security appropriate to the loan size requested.
Requirements
- Certificate of business registration/incorporation
- KRA PIN certificate (business and owner)
- Business bank statements (6-12 months)
- Audited or management accounts for larger facilities
- Collateral or security documents where required
- Minimum age 18 years for the business owner/director
Provider contacts
- Name
- Equity Bank (Kenya) Limited
- Address
- Equity Centre, Upper Hill, P.O. Box 75104-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
- Reg. number
- CBK/BL/0001
- Website
- https://www.equitybank.co.ke
- Online application
- Apply now →
- Regulator
- Central Bank of Kenya (CBK)
Information in this review is based on publicly available sources and is for informational purposes only. Finatino.com is not a financial product broker. Before signing any contract, we recommend reading the provider's terms and conditions.