Trade Finance Services for SMEs in Kenya
Import-heavy market, tight cash cycles, real delivery deadlines. We arrange letters of credit, guarantees, and receivables funding that actually close in Kenya. For importers this means cargo, duty and port costs covered with clear takeout. For exporters this means cash at presentation and confirmed payment. For contractors this means bid, performance, and advance guarantees on time.
Who we serve
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Importers of FMCG, machinery, fertilizer, fuel
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Exporters of tea, flowers, avocados, apparel
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Contractors bidding or executing public works
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Distributors selling to blue-chip buyers
When it fits
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Need an LC now with payment 90–180 days later
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Need bid/performance/advance guarantees fast
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Need cash against clean invoices today
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Need customs or transit bonds for the corridor
What we arrange
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Import LCs, UPAS 90–180 days, LC refinancing
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LC confirmation and discounting for exporters
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Invoice discounting and supply-chain finance
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Bid, performance, and advance-payment guarantees
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Customs and transit bonds, incl. COMESA RCTG
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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
Imports
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Title over goods and insurance assignment
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Bills of lading under control and named consignees
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Warehouse or tank receipts with access terms
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Collection accounts with sweeps to the facility
Exports
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Confirmed LC proceeds assigned to lender
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Receivable assignment with buyer notice
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Trade credit insurance where open account is used
Guarantees & bonds
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Counter-indemnity and cash margin if required
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Parent support or standby LC for part of exposure
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Political or performance cover for sensitive counterparties
Typical terms in market
Sizing and tenor
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.
Pricing and fees
Floating base plus spread that reflects goods, counterparty, and controls. Upfront and exit fees transparent. Interest charged on drawn amounts only for revolving usage.
Key covenants
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Use of proceeds limited to eligible trade costs
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Minimum equity in first loss and evidence of VAT/duty budgeting
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Reporting on shipments, invoices, and hedging where price is open
Operator checklists that move approvals
Import LC file
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Proforma, Incoterms, shipping plan, insurance
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Supplier and route compliance checks
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Cash flow with duty, port and handling costs
Bonds & guarantees
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Tender documents and award letter if available
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Contract sum, form of bond, expiry and claim terms
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Counter-indemnity and any cash margin plan
Receivables finance
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Buyer list with limits and payment history
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Invoices, delivery proofs, acceptance status
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Assignment notices and collection workflow
Use-case playbooks for Kenya
UPAS LC for machinery import
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.
Flower exporter confirmation
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.
Bid, performance, and APG pack
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
1
Scope and structure
Map goods, buyers, and routes. Choose LC, receivables line, or guarantees. Set controls and takeout sources clearly.
2
Credit pack and market check
Send an operator-grade file to target lenders. Compare advance rates, covenants, reserves, and timing to close.
3
Documentation and CPs
Facility, security, assignments, account control, and insurance signed off. Conditions precedent ticked clearly.
4
Funding and monitoring
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 Terms
We 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.