CBK survey shows farmers shifting credit to banks and Saccos
AnalysisMonday 26 October 2026
A Central Bank of Kenya survey found the share of farmers borrowing for agricultural activities rose between July and September 2026. More farmers are now using Saccos and commercial banks rather than family networks for credit.
The shift shows growing bank and Sacco reach into agricultural lending, a segment investors watch for credit growth.
The Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority's latest industry report shows Sacco mortgage lending dropped by about $21 million (KSh2.7bn) in 2025. The regulator says Saccos still struggle to make mortgages a key product despite rising housing finance demand.
Absa Bank Kenya says it has channeled more than about $1.5 billion (KSh200bn) into green and inclusive projects over five years. It disbursed about $430 million (KSh55.3bn) in sustainable lending in the latest period.
Sacco mortgage lending fell by about $21 million (KSh2.7bn) in 2025 even as demand for housing finance rose. Saccos still struggle to make mortgages a key product despite land and housing taking the largest share of their lending.
The Kenya Bankers Association 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey shows mobile money subscriptions grew 22 percent to 51.4 million. Active mobile money agents rose 24 percent to 473,536, and Co-op Bank ranked highly among younger customers.
The Kenya Bankers Association's 2025 Total Tax Contribution Report shows member banks paid a record Sh205.58 billion in taxes. Banks distributed Sh402.26 billion in total, with the government taking 51.11 per cent.
