NCBA has partnered with Water.Org to introduce a new loan product under Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) aimed at financing Water Service Providers (WSPs) and SMEs within the WASH value chain, with the goal of enhancing water supply and expanding access to sanitation services. 

The Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Loan Product is designed to support Water Service Providers (WSPs) in financing equipment and infrastructure projects. The loan is offered in Kenya Shillings (KES), with amounts ranging from KES 300,000 up to KES 500 million. Eligible borrowers must meet standard SME risk acceptance criteria. Repayment tenure is aligned to the nature of the financing, with equipment financing available for up to 60 months and capital expenditure or project financing extending up to 120 months. Pricing is based on the prevailing bank interest rate and is risk-based. 

Security requirements vary depending on the loan size and structure. Borrowings of up to KES 6 million may be unsecured, provided they are supported by receivables or contracts. Additional security structures may include credit risk guarantees from approved partners, a floating debenture over receivables up to the loan amount, or any other acceptable security in line with the Group Credit Risk Policy. These structures ensure flexibility while maintaining prudent risk management. 

To qualify, the borrowing entity must have been in operation for at least two years, be registered under relevant laws, and hold a valid business permit or trade license where applicable. The entity is also required to open and operate an account with NCBA, targeting at least 80% share of wallet within 12 months. Required documentation includes service provision agreements, approved tariffs, board approvals, engineering and project documentation, environmental and regulatory licenses, and all relevant compliance reports necessary to support project viability and execution.