gDIH Funding Directory
Youth Enterprise Fund
The Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) was established through the Public Financial Management Act (The Youth Enterprise Development Fund) Regulations (2006), Legal Notice No. 167/2006, to champion the creation of employment for youth through enterprise development. In 2007, the Fund was transformed into a State Corporation under the then Ministry of State for Youth Affairs, vide Youth Enterprise Development Fund Legal Order No. 63 of 2007. The Fund is currently domiciled at the State Department for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy. The Fund is one of the measures the government has put in place to promote employment creation for the youth. It is a flagship project of the Kenya Vision 2030 under the Social Pillar. The Youth Fund is tasked with promoting enterprise development as a critical strategy for increasing economic opportunities and youth participation in nation-building.
Products
Stawi Loan (group loan)
The maximum amount available is Kshs.1,000,000, the maximum amount available for Special Business Projects is Kshs.500,000
For the first time borrowers:
- The maximum loan amount for group-owned start- ups is Kshs.100,000
- The maximum amount for groups with running projects is Kshs.200, 000
Subsequent loans are graduated as follows:
- Newly formed groups – Kshs.100,000
- Groups with existing projects – Kshs.200,000
- 2nd Loan – Kshs.500,000
- 3rd Loan – Kshs.1,000,000
Requirements
- Copy of Valid group registration certificate
- Certified Membership List
- Certified Copies of IDs/Passports for ALL the members
- Copy of group constitution
- Signed collective Undertaking by the group members to repay the Loan
- Group minutes authorizing the application for a loan
- Duly completed YEDF loan application form endorsed by the area chief/sub-chief
- Group/Business/Residence Site visit report
- Copy of current business License or justification of business existence
- Certified bank statement for start-up and three-month certified bank statement for existing/ running businesses
- An extract of recent business records for existing businesses
- Bank details form signed by all account signatories
- Coloured passport-size photos for group officials
- Evidence of payment of training fees for the group
Smart Loan
For start-ups and Existing businesses
- 1st Loan – Maximum of Kshs. 25,000
- 2nd Loan – Maximum of Kshs. 50,000
- 3rd Loan – Maximum of Kshs. 100,000
- 4th Loan – Maximum Kshs. 200 000
Requirements
- Available to individuals belonging to a group that has benefited from the YEDF.
- The Borrower could be a start- up, expansion or acquisition of assets.
- The group members shall guarantee individuals borrowing under this product.
- Copy of certified valid group registration certificate
- Certified list of Membership Certified by District Social Development Officer
- Copies of IDs/passports for ALL the members
- A signed undertaking by the group to pay loans guaranteed to its members
- Group minutes nominating/authorizing an applicant to a particular round of the Loan
- A sound business proposal for new applicants
- Duly completed YEDF loan application form endorsed by area chief/sub-chief
- Copy of current business license or proof of its existence
- Certified three (3) months’ bank statements for the applicants who want to borrow from
- Kshs.50,000 for the first borrowing. Those without three (3) months’ bank statements MUST provide evidence of an existing business. Subsequent borrowing MUST include three months of bank/Sacco statements
- Bank account details form
- Copy of current business records
- Business/site/residence visit report
Evidence of payment of training fees for all members
Vuka Loan
Kshs. 100,000 to Kshs. 5,000,000
Requirements
Available to youth who wish to start or expand businesses
In the case of partnerships, 70% of the partners should be between 18-34 years
The Borrower will bear all costs such as insurance, security perfection, valuation, registration of charge/chattel and legal fees
Salaried Loans
Kshs. 50,000 up to Kshs. 1,000,000
Requirements
This is a check-off loan to youth working in institutions that have signed a contractual agreement with the YEDF. These institutions include Government ministries, parastatals, agencies, county governments, and constitutional commissions. Companies listed at the NSE, NGOs (in consultation with NGO Council), and international development organizations and reputable private institutions
Savings Based Loans
Up to three times their savings up to Kshs. 1,000,000
Requirements
The loan is available to individual youth who have a savings account with established and registered financial institutions and have saved regularly for at least three months
Agri-Biz Loan
- Youth can access up to Kshs.5,000,000
- Kshs. 100,000 for applicants without alternative income and
- Kshs. 200,000 for applicants with verifiable alternative income
Requirements
The Loan is available to individuals, registered groups, partnerships and companies owned and run by the youth.
Go Green Finance Loan
Kshs.20,000 – Kshs. 2,000,000
Requirements
For youth entrepreneurs in the green economy. It finances projects in renewable energy, eco-tourism, waste management, organic farming, afforestation, carbon credits among others
Mobi Loan
Kshs.5,000 – Kshs. 100,000
Requirements
For youth who wish to start or expand businesses in specific business segments, sectors, and niches
Asset Finance Loan
Up to a maximum of Kshs. 5 million
Requirements
For youth entrepreneurs, with already existing businesses, who wish to purchase business assets. The Fund will finance up to 75% value of the equipment/asset being purchased, excluding landed property.
Migration Loan
For individuals: Kshs. 10,000 – Kshs. 300,000
For recruitment agents: Upto Kshs. 5,000,000
Requirements
Available to youth who have secured employment opportunities abroad, as well as to registered private recruitment agencies (on behalf of youth with employment contracts)
Local Purchase Orders (LPO)/ Local Service Orders (LSO) financing loan
70% of the LPO amounts up to Kshs. 5 million
Requirements
- The Loan is available to individuals, registered groups, partnerships and companies owned and run by the youth.
- A valid LPO from a qualifying agency
- Undertaking by the procuring entity to pay the tender proceeds in favor of Youth Enterprise Development Fund Board
- Customer account details
V-Talanta Loan
Up to Kshs. 2 Million
Requirements
- Available to youth in the Creative/Performing Arts.
- The applicant may be an individual, registered group, partnership or companies owned and run by youth.
- Must be registered with the relevant authorities.
- Must have a valid contract where applicable.
- For music, must have evidence of recorded audio or video or evidence of work in progress.
- Must have a budget accompanied by invoices or quotations, where applicable.
- Undertaking by the contracting entity to pay the proceeds to Youth Enterprise Development Fund
Vibe Loan
Kshs.50,000 – Kshs. 1,000,000
Requirements
For youth who wish to start or grow business ventures in the blue-economy ecosystem. It can be used for working capital or to purchase assets for both startups and expansions in fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, marine biotechnology, maritime transport, coastal conservation.
Vijana Baharia Loan
Up to Kshs. 200,000
Requirements
- The loan facilitates eligible youth who have accessed employment in cruise ships as seafarers to meet the costs of Pre-Embarkation and Embarkation including certification and training.
- Must have been recommended by the Kenya Maritime Authority for funding.
- Must be a member of the Seafarers Union of Kenya.
- Must have a Letter of Intent for employment or offer letter to work as a seafarer.