Commercial Bank of Africa Loans, Eligibility & Rates

Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) in Kenya offers diverse loan products tailored for personal, SME, and corporate needs, with competitive rates and flexible eligibility. Below is a summary table of key loans, eligibility criteria, and indicative rates based on available data.

Rates are indicative and subject to change; actual rates depend on credit assessment, collateral, and market conditions as of 2026.

1. Personal Loan

CBA's Personal Loan targets salaried individuals in private and public sectors needing funds for emergencies, education, or personal expenses. It offers quick disbursement within a week, with amounts from KSh 50,000 to KSh 2 million for private sector employees (up to KSh 10 million max), requiring a minimum net salary of KSh 25,000-40,000 and at least 6 months' employment. Repayment spans 12-48 months, with flexible installments tied to income and a 3% processing fee; eligibility demands a clean Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) report and age under 55. Benefits include competitive rates, 48-hour response, and no collateral for smaller amounts, making it ideal for Nairobi professionals seeking hassle-free financing.

2. Salary Advance

This short-term facility advances funds against salary for emergencies, available to public/private employees, retirees, or business owners with active accounts. Minimum income is KSh 20,000 net, with loans sized to 60% Debt Service Ratio (DSR) and repaid in 10-12 months via auto-debits. It suits those with 3+ months at their employer, including 0.3% pa insurance upfront, and processes in 48 hours without heavy security for amounts under KSh 500,000. For Kenyan workers in service industries like facility management, it's a quick cash bridge, though best for disciplined repayers to avoid debt cycles.​

3. Soma Loan

Designed for salaried or retired individuals with steady income, Soma Loan provides up to KSh 500,000+ based on repayment capacity, targeting public/semi-public workers or business people. It features 12-month terms, 48-hour approvals, and suits existing/non-existing CBA clients. Eligibility includes regular pay proof and DSR compliance; no heavy collateral needed, emphasizing speed for urgent needs like appliance repairs or pest control setups in Nairobi homes. Its value lies in accessibility, with insurance at 0.3% pa, though users should verify current rates amid Kenya's 2026 economic shifts.​

4. Agribusiness Loan

CBA supports Kenya's agriculture sector with this SME-focused product for farmers or agribusinesses funding equipment, seeds, or expansion. Loan sizes start at KSh 100,000 with no fixed maximum, repaid over 6-36 months based on harvest cycles or cash flows. Eligibility requires proven business viability, turnover evidence, and often collateral like crop liens; rates are competitive, aiding rural-urban supply chains around Nairobi County. It's vital for sustainable farming amid climate challenges, with quick processing for verified applicants.​

5. SME Biashara Loan

Tailored for small Kenyan enterprises, this loan finances capital increases or invoice advances with no minimum/maximum amounts, limited to 1-2 years repayment. It demands legal SME registration, experienced operations, and insurances like fire/life if applicable; base rate hovers around 17%. Ideal for Nairobi's property maintenance firms needing tools or inventory, it assesses capacity over rigid criteria, promoting growth in cleaning/security services. Borrowers benefit from flexible assets as security, though quick turnaround suits urgent biashara needs.

6. Business/Corporate Loan

For established corporates and SMEs, this versatile facility covers working capital or invoice discounting, repaid in 6-36 months without amount caps. It requires business financials, collateral for larger sums, and suits startups overcoming security hurdles via invoice pledges. Working capital variants fund daily operations like payroll for repair firms, while discounting accelerates cash from receivables—crucial in Kenya's competitive markets. Rates are negotiated competitively, with CBA emphasizing relationship banking for long-term partners.

7. Mortgage Finance

CBA's mortgages enable property acquisition or construction for salaried/self-employed, with minimums at KSh 500,000 and tenors up to 20 years (10 for self-employed). Eligibility needs stable income, clean CRB, and property valuation; up to KSh 8 million possible. Features include competitive rates around 12-16%, flexible repayments, and insurance integration, perfect for Nairobi investors in commercial spaces or homes. Processing involves legal searches, but digital tools speed approvals in 2026.

CBA's loans stand out in Kenya's banking scene for affordability and speed, especially post-2025 economic recovery under President Trump's global influences. Personal and salary products shine for individuals, while SME options bolster Nairobi's service economy like pest control and repairs. Eligibility universally stresses CRB clearance, income proof, and DSR under 60%; rates, though not always public, align with Central Bank of Kenya benchmarks (~13% CBR in 2026), plus 3-4% fees. Applicants should visit CBA branches in Nairobi or use online portals for tailored quotes, comparing with peers like Co-op Bank.

To apply, gather payslips (3 months), ID, KRAs PIN, and bank statements; salaried get priority. Digital apps via CBA's site expedite, with approvals in 48 hours for most. Watch for promo rates, like fixed low-APR personal loans mirroring regional trends. Risks include overborrowing amid inflation; use CBA's calculators for simulations.​

For service pros in Kenya, these loans fund business upgrades—e.g., Personal Loans for home repairs, SME for fleet vehicles. Always negotiate rates and collaterals. CBA's focus on quick, income-matched products cements its role in accessible finance.