Agribusiness Traders in Mt Kenya Set to Benefit from Expanded Financing Initiative

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The agribusiness finance solutions provider has intensified its operations across key agricultural counties including Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi and Laikipia, targeting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) that play a crucial role in supporting local economies and Kenya's food production systems.

Despite the region being one of the country's most productive agricultural zones, many agribusinesses continue to face cash-flow challenges that hinder their growth and limit their ability to increase inventory, meet customer demand and maintain strong supplier relationships.

The affected businesses include agrovets, suppliers, manufacturers, processors, aggregators and distributors who rely on adequate working capital to sustain and expand their operations.

To bridge the financing gap, Avenews is rolling out trade-based financing solutions designed to improve liquidity and enable businesses to access stock financing when needed.

Speaking during stakeholder engagements in Nyeri, Avenews Business Development Director Emanuel Murai said timely access to financing is critical in driving the growth of agricultural SMEs. "Agri-SMEs in this region have strong demand and established markets, but liquidity often holds them back. By enabling them to finance stock purchases seamlessly, we are helping businesses grow, strengthen supplier relationships and operate with greater confidence," said Murai.

Under the financing model, businesses can access credit at the point of purchasing stock, allowing them to increase inventory and respond quickly to market opportunities. Once repayments are made, they regain access to credit and can continue borrowing as new opportunities arise.

According to the company, the approach enables distributors, traders and other agribusiness players to secure additional stock during peak seasons without straining their cash flow.

Avenews has also intensified engagements with agribusiness operators in Nyeri, Embu and Meru counties to better understand market needs and raise awareness about financing solutions tailored to agricultural value chains.

The company noted that the Mt Kenya region is serving as a key learning and data hub for refining its embedded trade-based financing model ahead of a wider national rollout.

Insights gathered from the region will help shape Avenews' expansion strategy aimed at scaling working capital solutions across Kenya's major agricultural corridors, strengthening trade systems and supporting sustainable growth among agribusinesses.

The firm expressed confidence that improved access to financing will enable more agricultural enterprises to expand operations, enhance supply chain efficiency and contribute to food security and economic growth across the country.