Bank of China (Kenya) focuses primarily on trade finance, corporate lending, and infrastructure support rather than broad retail personal loans, reflecting its role in Belt and Road Initiative projects across East Africa. Limited public data exists on standard consumer products as of February 2026, with emphasis on business and government-backed facilities amid Kenya's tightened lending environment. Below is a table summarizing key loan types, eligibility, and indicative rates drawn from available commercial banking practices.
| Loan Name | Eligibility | Interest Rate (p.a.) |
|---|---|---|
| SME Biashara Loan | Registered Kenyan SME; 6 months' cash flow proof; tangible collateral (title deeds, logbooks) | CBK-regulated (14-18%) |
| Trade Finance Loan | Importers/exporters; LPO/contract proof; business registration | 13-17%; flat or reducing |
| Corporate Term Loan | Established firms; audited accounts; project viability | 12-16%; up to 5 years |
| Asset Finance | Equipment/vehicle buyers; 20% deposit; income verification | 14-18%; max 60 months |
| Overdraft Facility | Business account holders; turnover statements | 15-20%; 12 months renewable |
| Invoice Discounting | Verified invoices/LPOs; creditworthy clients | 13-16%; short-term |
| Construction Loan | Developers; government contracts; securities | 14-17%; project-tied |
| Foreign Currency Loan | Exporters; forex earnings proof | LIBOR/SOFR + 3-5% |
1. SME Biashara Loan
Designed for small and medium enterprises in Nairobi's bustling markets like Westlands or Industrial Area, this secured loan funds working capital or expansion up to KSh 50 million. Eligibility requires Kenyan business registration (BN/BR), six months' bank statements showing positive cash flow, and collateral such as title deeds, vehicle logbooks, or listed shares. Repayment follows EMI or cash flow matching, with loans available in KSh or foreign currency. Interest aligns with CBK's KESONIA benchmark at 14-18% p.a. on reducing balance, ideal for traders importing goods amid China's paused sovereign lending.
2. Trade Finance Loan
Supporting importers and exporters linked to Chinese supply chains, this covers invoice discounting, LPO financing, or letters of credit up to one year. Businesses must provide verified contracts, six months' trading history, and security like cash cover. Nairobi wholesalers benefit from quick turnaround for electronics or machinery from China. Rates range 13-17% p.a., calculated flat or reducing, with overdraft options renewable annually to bridge payment gaps in volatile forex markets.
3. Corporate Term Loan
Larger firms access KSh 100 million+ for projects, repayable over 36-60 months. Eligibility demands audited financials for two years, board resolution, and viable business plan—often tied to infrastructure like roads or data centers. Chinese-Kenyan joint ventures qualify easily, with rates 12-16% p.a. reflecting lower risk for policy-aligned borrowers. This mirrors Bank of China's shift from mega government loans (e.g., SGR) to sustainable corporate finance post-2025 yuan swaps.
4. Asset Finance
Finance vehicles, machinery, or equipment up to 80% of invoice value (max KSh 200 million), with 20% customer equity. Applicants need quotation, proof of income, and charge over assets. Popular for Nairobi logistics firms buying trucks for China-Africa trade routes. Terms up to 60 months at 14-18% p.a., with Bank of China handling valuation and perfection for seamless ownership transfer upon repayment.
5. Overdraft Facility
Revolving credit up to KSh 100 million against business turnover, renewable yearly. Requires active current account for 6+ months, statements, and securities like debentures. Essential for Upper Hill corporates managing seasonal cash flows. Interest at 15-20% p.a. on utilized amount, helping avoid defaults in Kenya's high-interest environment (CBR 15%+).
6. Invoice Discounting
Short-term advance (70-90%) against verified invoices or LPOs from creditworthy buyers like government entities. Eligibility: genuine receivables, debtor solvency proof, no overdue arrears. Ideal for Kilimani SMEs awaiting payments on Chinese-sourced goods. Rates 13-16% p.a. for 90-180 days, providing liquidity without diluting equity.
7. Construction Loan
Project-specific funding for developers, often PPPs like expressways, up to project cost with government backing. Needs detailed bills of quantities, permits, and collateral. Rates 14-17% p.a., tied to milestones, echoing Bank of China's Rironi-Mau Summit Highway involvement—shifting from pure debt to hybrid models post-China's lending freeze.
8. Foreign Currency Loan
For exporters earning USD/EUR/CNY, covering up to 100% of forex needs. Eligibility: export contracts, remittance history, hedging agreement. Rates LIBOR/SOFR + 3-5% margin, crucial as Kenya converts dollar debts to yuan (saving $215M annually per 2025 deals). Nairobi exporters to China favor this for cost stability.
Bank of China Kenya prioritizes B2B over retail, unlike Co-operative Bank's personal loans (13-18% unsecured up to KSh 9M). No standard personal or mortgage products publicly listed; focus remains trade/SME amid Beijing's pivot to SMEs/green projects post-FOCAC 2021. Eligibility universally demands clean CRB, debt service <50% income, age 21-65, Kenyan residency. Apply via boakenya.com branches (e.g., Nairobi CBD) with docs: ID, PIN, statements, business papers. Rates follow CBK caps, adjustable via KESONIA. For retail needs, consider local banks; BoC suits China-linked businesses.
Nairobi entrepreneurs leverage these for Belt and Road synergies, but verify current terms at branches as sovereign lending slows (8-year low 2025). Pre-qualify online; approvals in 7-14 days for secured facilities.
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