Is your business ready for finance?
Use this guide to understand what lenders look for, prepare your documents and boost your chances of a successful finance application.
Finance readiness checklist
Document guidance
BRS Certificate / Business Name Certificate
Why you need it
Proves your business is legally registered in Kenya. Most lenders require this as a minimum eligibility requirement.
Where to get it
Business Registration Service (ecitizen.go.ke)
Typical time
1–5 days (online)
KRA PIN Certificate
Why you need it
Required for tax compliance and by lenders to verify business legitimacy. Both the business and each director/owner must have one.
Where to get it
Kenya Revenue Authority (kra.go.ke)
Typical time
Same day (online)
Audited or Management Accounts
Why you need it
Shows lenders your business's financial performance, profitability and ability to service debt.
Where to get it
Prepared by a certified accountant (CPA-K)
Typical time
1–4 weeks depending on accountant
6-Month Bank Statement
Why you need it
Demonstrates cash flow patterns and transaction volumes, helping lenders assess your repayment capacity.
Where to get it
Request from your bank branch or online banking portal
Typical time
1–3 days
Business Plan
Why you need it
Explains how the finance will be used, your market strategy and financial projections. Required by most lenders and all grant programmes.
Where to get it
Prepared by you with support from an Enterprise Kenya advisor
Typical time
Varies, we can help you structure it
Company CR12
Why you need it
For limited companies, confirms the current shareholders and directors on record. Required by banks and DFIs.
Where to get it
Business Registration Service (ecitizen.go.ke)
Typical time
1–3 days (online)
Asset Register
Why you need it
Lists physical assets the business owns, which may serve as collateral for secured lending.
Where to get it
Prepared internally or with support from your accountant
Typical time
1–2 days
Trading Licence (County Business Permit)
Why you need it
Confirms your right to operate in your county. Some lenders and all government procurement programmes require it.
Where to get it
County government office or e-citizen portal
Typical time
1–5 days
Finance literacy: key concepts
Understanding these terms will help you navigate lender conversations and application forms with confidence.
Credit score
A numerical indicator of your creditworthiness based on your history of borrowing and repaying. A good credit score improves your chances of loan approval and better interest rates. In Kenya, credit data is held by credit reference bureaus (CRBs).
Collateral
An asset (land, property, equipment) pledged as security for a loan. If you cannot repay, the lender can claim the asset. Some lenders offer unsecured loans without requiring collateral, typically at higher interest rates or lower amounts.
Cash flow
The movement of money into and out of your business. Positive cash flow means more money is coming in than going out. Lenders assess cash flow to determine whether you can afford regular loan repayments.
Debt service ratio
The proportion of your business income used to make loan repayments. Most lenders require this to be below 40–50%. A high ratio suggests you are already heavily indebted and may struggle to take on additional borrowing.
Working capital
The funds needed for day-to-day business operations, paying suppliers, covering wages, managing stock. Many SME loans are designed specifically to boost working capital during slow periods or periods of growth.
Ready to apply?
Use the Finance Finder to match your business with the right funding product from our lender network.
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Book a free session with a finance advisor who can assess your readiness, identify gaps and recommend the most suitable products.
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