CBK calls for speedy SMEs credit guarantee scheme
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) is proposing a credit guarantee scheme to protect lenders and small businesses from the adverse economic effects of the pandemic.
Last year, the Treasury under the proposed scheme said it would offer a third-party credit risk reduction plan to lenders by doing away with a portion for losses on small medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) loans in the time default.
“Given the critical role of micro small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the economy, there is an urgent need for more interventions to support the sector, such as by a credit guarantee scheme to de-risk lending by banks and increase credit uptake in the sector,” said CBK governor Patrick Njoroge on Wednesday on a monetary policy committee meeting.
According to CBK, credit to the private sector has grown by 8.9 percent in the year to March and 7.7 percent in the year to February. The two growths are still below the ideal level of 12-15 percent to be able to support a stable economic development.
Borrowers facing challenges during this pandemic period and had active loans on March 2 have been advised by CBK to discuss with their Banks on ways of restructuring options on payment.
However, most banks require borrowers to provide letters from their employers showing salary cuts or layoffs as proof to be considered for the relief.
“You may visit any nearest branch to request for a loan relief through our loan officers. You will require a letter from your employer indicating a salary cut or job termination,” stated a notice from Co-operative.