$2 million for digital MSMEs. DigiKen, how to benefit?

🔑 1. Understand the mechanism: a "deal room" that reduces risk

DigiKen isn't a grant. It's a loan guarantee facility. UNCDF (UN Capital Development Fund) shares the risk with the bank . Result: Co-op Bank can lend to businesses it would have previously rejected, without taking on excessive risk . The total guarantee is $900,000 (about Sh233 million), but it can unlock up to $2 million in private sector financing immediately .

💻 2. Check your eligibility (the profile DigiKen targets)

The programme targets "digital MSMEs": businesses using digital platforms or technology-enabled . Priority goes to youth entrepreneurs, women, and businesses in arid and semi-arid regions . If you sell online, use WhatsApp Business for orders, or develop a local digital platform, you're in their sights.

🏦 3. Go through Co-operative Bank (the exclusive channel)

Co-operative Bank is the only banking partner for this facility so far . The guarantee agreement allows the bank to extend credit to "more businesses while upholding the strong governance and credit discipline that define our institution" . If you're already a Co-op Bank customer or willing to become one, you have privileged access.

📚 4. Prepare through the Digital Innovation Hubs

DigiKen selected 15 innovation hubs across Kenya to train entrepreneurs . Hubs in Busia, Garissa, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nairobi, and many more . These hubs offer training in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and sustainable AI . Goal: create a "pipeline of investment-ready enterprises" of 150 businesses by 2027 .

🌾 5. An extra opportunity: the solar cold chain

The same risk-sharing agreement also funds the Kenya Post-Harvest Solar Cooling Programme . If you're in agriculture, processing, or logistics, you can access financing for solar-powered storage infrastructure . Combined, the two programmes support a total lending portfolio of Sh756 million .

Tip: Take advantage of DigiKen training. Even if you're not immediately eligible for the loan, the innovation hubs prepare you to become eligible. The programme plans to train over 20,000 civil servants and entrepreneurs , and aims to create 4,500 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs by 2027 .

Do it now: Find the DigiKen Innovation Hub nearest to you. Contact them. Sign up for training. And if you're a Co-op Bank customer, ask your relationship manager about DigiKen loan conditions this week.

Sources: UNCDF – DigiKen Financing Mechanism (March 2026) ; Ministry of ICT – DigiKen Launch ; The Standard – Co-op Bank DigiKen Deal ; The Star – Co-op Bank and UNCDF Partnership ; UNESCO – DigiKen Programme Overview .

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