Trade Finance Services for SMEs in Kenya
Trade Finance Services for SMEs in Kenya
- * Importers of FMCG, machinery, fertilizer, fuel
- * Exporters of tea, flowers, avocados, apparel
- * Contractors bidding or executing public works
- * Distributors selling to blue-chip buyers
- * Need an LC now with payment 90–180 days later
- * Need bid/performance/advance guarantees fast
- * Need cash against clean invoices today
- * Need customs or transit bonds for the corridor
- * Import LCs, UPAS 90–180 days, LC refinancing
- * LC confirmation and discounting for exporters
- * Invoice discounting and supply-chain finance
- * Bid, performance, and advance-payment guarantees
- * Customs and transit bonds, incl. COMESA RCTG
- * FX forwards and risk cover via partner banks
Trade instruments at a glance
| Instrument | What it solves | Typical tenor | Controls / collateral |
|---|---|---|---|
| Import LC (sight/usance/UPAS) | Secures supply and pushes cash outflow to shipment or later | 30 to 180 days | Title over goods, bills of lading, insured routing, account control |
| LC confirmation & discounting | Exporter gets cash on presentation instead of waiting | At presentation to 120 days | Confirmed bank risk, assignment of proceeds |
| Invoice discounting / SCF | Cash against approved invoices to strong buyers | 30 to 120 days | Assignment of receivables, buyer acknowledgement, sweeps |
| Bid / Performance / APG | Meets tender and contract security requirements | Tender period or contract tenor | Counter-indemnity, cash margin or backed LC, ATI cover if needed |
| Customs & transit bonds | Clears cargo and moves it on the corridor without cash lock | Journey-linked | Bonding line, RCTG carnet for regional moves |
Security package that clears credit
- * Title over goods and insurance assignment
- * Bills of lading under control and named consignees
- * Warehouse or tank receipts with access terms
- * Collection accounts with sweeps to the facility
- * Confirmed LC proceeds assigned to lender
- * Receivable assignment with buyer notice
- * Trade credit insurance where open account is used
- * Counter-indemnity and cash margin if required
- * Parent support or standby LC for part of exposure
- * Political or performance cover for sensitive counterparties
Typical terms in market
Imports sized to cargo value and duty costs. Receivables lines sized to approved buyer limits. Tenors 30 to 180 days based on cycle and route. Extensions priced upfront.
Floating base plus spread that reflects goods, counterparty, and controls. Upfront and exit fees transparent. Interest charged on drawn amounts only for revolving usage.
- * Use of proceeds limited to eligible trade costs
- * Minimum equity in first loss and evidence of VAT/duty budgeting
- * Reporting on shipments, invoices, and hedging where price is open
Operator checklists that move approvals
- * Proforma, Incoterms, shipping plan, insurance
- * Supplier and route compliance checks
- * Cash flow with duty, port and handling costs
- * Tender documents and award letter if available
- * Contract sum, form of bond, expiry and claim terms
- * Counter-indemnity and any cash margin plan
- * Buyer list with limits and payment history
- * Invoices, delivery proofs, acceptance status
- * Assignment notices and collection workflow
Use-case playbooks for Kenya
Supplier ships against LC today. Payment to supplier at sight. Your repayment 120–180 days later. Security over goods and receivables once installed or sold.
EU buyer issues LC. We add confirmation and discount on presentation. You get cash now, not in 60–90 days. FX hedged to the expected value date.
Public tender needs 2% bid bond and 10% performance security. We set a bonding line, issue on demand, and ring-fence cash flows so claims risk stays controlled.
Process to term sheet and first draw
Map goods, buyers, and routes. Choose LC, receivables line, or guarantees. Set controls and takeout sources clearly.
Send an operator-grade file to target lenders. Compare advance rates, covenants, reserves, and timing to close.
Facility, security, assignments, account control, and insurance signed off. Conditions precedent ticked clearly.
First draw, shipment checks, invoice sweeps, and bond tracking. Keep takeout timing on schedule.
Ready to arrange trade finance that matches your cycle
Share your shipment plan or buyer list and timing. We will respond with structure options, advance rates, and a checklist to get you to first draw.
Request Trade Finance TermsWe act as an arranger on a best efforts basis through regulated partners. Eligibility depends on KYC and AML, sanctions screening, technical and legal diligence, and approval by capital partners. Nothing here is a commitment to lend.
Get Started With Us
Submit Your Deal & Receive a Proposal Within 1-3 Working Days
Submit your deal using our secure intake form, and receive a quote within 1-3 business days. Existing clients can connect with their relationship manager through our secure web portal.
All submissions are
promptly reviewed, and all communications are conducted through the intake form or the client portal for a seamless and secure process.
Thank you for considering working with us. A nominal fee of US$500 is required upon completion of each form. This fee covers the time and effort we invest in reviewing your submission and crafting a thorough proposal. We receive numerous inquiries and prioritize those that carry this fee, ensuring serious applicants receive prompt attention.
Trade Finance
Tap into solutions like letters of credit, bank guarantees, and payment facilitation. We address the challenge of global transaction risk through structured strategies that foster cross-border growth. Complete the form to unlock streamlined funding aligned with your commercial objectives.
Submit a RequestProject Finance
Access non-recourse funding for infrastructure, renewable energy, or other capital-intensive ventures. We mitigate capital constraints by isolating project assets and focusing on risk management. Provide your details to receive a structure that drives growth and maximizes returns.
Submit a RequestAcquisitions
Secure financing for business or real estate acquisitions. We ease transaction hurdles by reviewing cash flow, synergy opportunities, and exit plans. Complete the form for a customized proposal that supports your strategic investment objectives.
Submit a RequestFor Banks
Financely assists banks facing Basel III pressures by distributing trade finance deals and providing collateral for letters of credit. We reduce capital burdens while preserving client relationships and fostering service expansion. Submit your request to optimize your trade finance offerings.
Submit a RequestOnce we receive your submission, our team will review your information to determine feasibility. If eligible, you will receive a proposal or term sheet within 1–3 business days. Visit our FAQ and Procedure pages for more information.
Disclaimer: Financely provides financing based on due diligence and feasibility. Approval is not guaranteed, and past performance does not predict future outcomes. All terms are subject to review. Financely primarily assists with structuring and distribution. Qualified parties carry out the project if the client approves the proposal.
