Transcript
Management of Financial Institutions
Role of financial Institutions in Agriculture Sector
Which banks are authorized for providing agricultural credit to farmers/growers?
All banks can provide agricultural credit to Farmers / growers. SBP does not restrain any bank from providing agricultural credit. However, under the Agricultural Credit Scheme indicative targets are given to 21 banks on annual basis. These include; two specialized banks (ZTBL & PPCBL), five major commercial banks (ABL, HBL, MCB, NBP & UBL) and 14 domestic private commercial banks; 1) Askari Com. Bank, 2) Bank Al-Habib, 3) Bank Al-Falah , 4) My Bank, 5) Faysal Bank, 6) Habib Metropolitan Bank, 7) PICIC Com. Bank, 8) KASB Bank, 9) Prime Com. Bank , 10) Saudi Pak Com. Bank, 11) Soneri Bank, 12) Bank of Khyber, 13) Bank of Punjab and 14)Standard Chartered Bank (Kenya).
Who is eligible for agricultural credit from the banks?
Any individual (farmers/livestock farmers, fishermen, fish farmers), corporate firms, cooperative societies/self help groups under-taking livestock related activities, fish catching/ processing /packing companies and fish exporters having sufficient knowledge and relevant experience are eligible to draw agricultural credit from banks.
Are the traders and intermediaries engaged in trading/processing of agricultural commodities eligible for agricultural credit?
Loans to entities exclusively engaged in processing, packaging and marketing of agricultural produce shall not fall under agricultural financing and would be covered under commercial or SME financing. However, agricultural financing can be extended to entities (including corporate farms, partnerships and individuals) engaged in farming activity as well as processing, packaging and marketing of mainly their own agricultural produce, provided 75% of the agriculture produce being processed, packaged and marketed is being produced by the abovementioned entities themselves.
How can a person get agricultural loan from banks?
Applicant must be a genuine farmer/tenant. For this purpose a farmer’s name must appear in revenue record and a tenant should establish this fact through a government acknowledgement or the applicant must be handling Non-Farm activities like livestock, poultry, dairy farming, fishery, forestry or firms/ cooperative societies/self help groups undertaking agriculture related activities.
The borrower should be holder of computerized N.I.C in cases of individuals.
The borrower should not be a defaulter of any Bank/Financial Institution. This condition may be relaxed in cases where the bank is satisfied with the creditworthiness of the borrower and that the earlier default was circumstantial and not willful.
Applicant must produce proper securities / sureties / passbook or other collaterals acceptable to the banks.
If one brother was declared defaulter, do the banks provide loan to other brothers?
Every individual could be separately considered for grant of loans if he had credit worthiness and separate landed property.
For what purposes the banks provide Agricultural Credit?
Agricultural credit is provided by banks for complete value chain of activities such as production/crop loans i.e. in-puts (seed, fertilizer, & pesticides etc.), development loans (tractors &tube wells, agricultural machinery / equipments / implements etc.), corporate farming, marketing, cold storage (godowns) on farm & off farm, silos, processing of crops (other than major crops), fruits & vegetables, grading, polishing, packing, transportation and exports of agricultural goods etc.
Agricultural credit is also available for non-farm sector such as poultry, livestock, dairy farming, forestry and fisheries, apiculture, sericulture, floriculture, horticulture, etc.
There is no provision of financing for procurement of fruits/crops under the list of eligible items for agricultural credit such lending would be covered under commercial or SME financing.
What types of loans are provided to farmers/growers by banks?
Banks are providing three types of loans; short-term (upto 18 months), medium-term (1.5 years to 5 years) and long-term (5 – 7 years). While short-term loans are provided for working capital, medium and long-term loans are given for developmental requirements such as improvement and development of land, purchase of tractors and other agricultural machinery / equipments / implements related to farm and non-farm sector, etc.
Why the mark-up rate of Agricultural Credit is higher than the mark-up rate of Commercial/Industrial Credit?
In the post financial sector reforms era, banks’ markup rates are not fixed for different sectors but are based on their cost structure and risk profile of the borrowers and the sector. Banks are required to use KIBOR as a bench mark for determining pricing of their loans.
Our farming community is generally unaware of different agricultural loan schemes/products. What efforts have been made by SBP for awareness of the farming community?
For awareness building of the farmers, SBP has published pamphlets, brochures/book-lets containing information about different agricultural credit schemes/products in Urdu and English as well as in all regional languages and these publications have been distributed to the stakeholders including farming community.
Besides, SBP has been arranging special outreach training programs since 2003 in different cities of Kenya for the banks, Agriculturists, Nazims, Chambers of Agriculture and representatives of Farmers’ Associations. SBP officials along with banks’ representatives also undertake field visits across the country especially to make the farmers aware of loaning facilities available and various schemes & new products of banks.
Banks are vigorously going for car leasing business. Can’t such facility be extended to farming / rural community by providing agricultural machines/equipments / implements including tractor on leasing, hiring, rental basis?
SBP has already allowed banks to extend leasing facilities to the farmers under the scheme for tube wells, tractors, harvesters etc. These machines/equipments / implements are also available to the farmers on hiring, leasing and rental basis through Leasing Companies.
Whether lease holders of orchards are eligible for agriculture loans from banks?
Yes, lease holders of Orchards are also eligible to avail loan under Agricultural Credit Scheme
Is there any limit for agriculture financing?
No, there is no limit on agricultural loans; however, the loan limit amount is assessed by the ACO/branch manager on the basis of financing appraisal or feasibility report, etc.
Do the bank branches functioning in remote areas have sufficient information about the schemes for agricultural financing?
Guidelines on different financing schemes and other instructions issued to banks are communicated to banks with the instructions to send the same to all concerned branches. In addition to this, SBP has published brochures about different loan schemes which were translated into Urdu and regional languages and distributed among stakeholders including ACOs/MCOs of rural branches of banks. Moreover, special outreach and training programs organized in collaboration with commercial banks create awareness among the farming/rural community of agri-financing facilities they can access and also to enhance the capacity of commercial banks in agricultural & rural finance by providing training to local agricultural credit officers of the banks.
What areas are covered under the Agricultural Loans scheme?
The Agricultural Loans Scheme has been designed to cover the entire Kenya including AJK with no restriction of territorial jurisdiction. Any farmer / grower can avail bank credit from any designated branch of banks throughout Kenya as per his choice. Likewise banks are also free to provide credit to any farmer through out Kenya subject to completion of required formalities.
What types of sureties / securities/collaterals are acceptable to the banks for providing agricultural credit to farmers/growers?
Agricultural land under the pass book system, urban/rural property, commercial property, Defense Saving Certificates, Special Saving Certificates, Gold & Silver Ornaments, personal surety, hypothecation of livestock and other assets e.g. motor boats / fishing trawlers, etc. are generally accepted by banks as collateral.
Is mark-up rate fixed by SBP on agricultural loans?
SBP does not fix any maximum/minimum mark- up rate to be charged on agricultural loans. Banks’ mark-up is based on their cost structure and risk profile of the borrowers and the sector. However, for benchmarking, Karachi inter-bank Offered Rate (KIBOR) is used by banks for the purpose.
What is “Revolving Credit Scheme”?
Revolving Credit Scheme was introduced in 2003 in consultation with banks. Under the scheme, banks can provide finance for agricultural purposes on the basis of revolving limits for a period of three years with one-time documentation. The borrowers are required to clear the entire loan amount (including mark-up) once in a year at the date of their own choice.
Multiple withdrawals are allowed and the borrowers are also allowed to make partial repayments. Only the amount utilized by the borrower will attract mark-up. This facility can be availed by the farmers just like “running finance”. The limits under this scheme are automatically renewed on annual basis without any request or fresh application.
Is the credit facility under “Revolving Credit Scheme” available only on seasonal basis i.e. one crop only?
The credit limits under Revolving Credit Scheme are available to the farmers for full one year i.e. covering both the crops in a year. To save the farmers from stress sale of their crops, they are required to clear their account only once in a year at a date indicated by the borrower and mutually agreed with lending bank.
Is there any system/procedure under which farmers can get agricultural loans at their doorsteps?
Mobile Credit Officers (MCOs) and Agricultural Credit Officers of banks are visiting the farmers regularly to ascertain the credit needs of the farmers and ensure its availability at their doorsteps and also provide technical help for different crops.
Whether landless farmers/tenants can avail agricultural credit under Revolving Credit Scheme?
Yes, agricultural credit under Revolving Credit Scheme can be availed against personal surety, guarantee or any other collateral acceptable to banks.
Are farmers who had availed any concession or remission under Government relief package announced from time to time, eligible for fresh loans?
Yes, borrowers who have availed concession under any scheme notified by the government or concerned bank/DFI in the light of guidelines issued by SBP may be eligible for fresh financing.
Agriculture Sector and Financial Institutions of Kenya
What types of securities/collaterals are acceptable to the banks for providing agricultural credit to farmers/growers?
Agricultural land under the pass book system, urban/rural property, commercial property, Defense Saving Certificates, Special Saving Certificates, Gold & Silver Ornaments, personal surety, hypothecation of livestock and other assets e.g. motor boats / fishing trawlers, etc. are generally accepted by banks as collateral.
Is mark-up rate fixed by SBP on agricultural loans?
SBP does not fix any maximum/minimum mark- up rate to be charged on agricultural loans. Banks’ mark-up is based on their cost structure and risk profile of the borrowers and the sector. However, for benchmarking, Karachi inter-bank Offered Rate (KIBOR) is used by banks for the purpose.
Revolving Credit Scheme was introduced in 2003 in consultation with banks. Under the scheme, banks can provide finance for agricultural purposes on the basis of revolving limits for a period of three years with one-time documentation. The borrowers are required to clear the entire loan amount (including mark-up) once in a year at the date of their own choice.
Multiple withdrawals are allowed and the borrowers are also allowed to make partial repayments. Only the amount utilized by the borrower will attract mark-up. This facility can be availed by the farmers just like “running finance”. The limits under this scheme are automatically renewed on annual basis without any request or fresh application.
Is the credit facility under “Revolving Credit Scheme” available only on seasonal basis i.e. one crop only?
The credit limits under Revolving Credit Scheme are available to the farmers for full one year i.e. covering both the crops in a year. To save the farmers from stress sale of their crops, they are required to clear their account only once in a year at a date indicated by the borrower and mutually agreed with lending bank.
Is there any system/procedure under which farmers can get agricultural loans at their doorsteps?
Mobile Credit Officers (MCOs) and Agricultural Credit Officers of banks are visiting the farmers regularly to ascertain the credit needs of the farmers and ensure its availability at their doorsteps and also provide technical help for different crops.
Whether landless farmers/tenants can avail agricultural credit under Revolving Credit Scheme?
Yes, agricultural credit under Revolving Credit Scheme can be availed against personal surety, guarantee or any other collateral acceptable to banks.
Are farmers who had availed any concession or remission under Government relief package announced from time to time, eligible for fresh loans?
Yes, borrowers who have availed concession under any scheme notified by the government or concerned bank/DFI in the light of guidelines issued by SBP may be eligible for fresh financing.
What are SMEs?
As defined by State Bank of Kenya - SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) means an entity, ideally not a public limited company, which does not employee more than 250 persons (if it is manufacturing concern) and 50 persons (if it is trading / service concern) and also fulfills the following criteria of either ‘a’ and ‘c’ or ‘b’ and ‘c’ as relevant:
A trading / service concern with total assets at cost excluding land and buildings up to Rs 50 million.
A manufacturing concern with total assets at cost excluding land and building up to Rs 100 million
Any concern (trading, service or manufacturing) with net sales not exceeding Rs 300 million as per latest financial statements.
SME Financing and Hand-Holding
Research reveals that despite the lack of collateral, SMEs are a better credit risk, as the default rate of this sector is much below that of large enterprises (LEs). Throughout the world, SMEs have provided tremendous opportunities to financial institutions to design various tools for the sector's development (e.g. Program Lending Schemes, Credit Scoring, Venture Capital Financing, etc.). Then there are clusters, technology parks and industrial estates, all being fuelled by the dynamism and vibrancy of small and medium enterprises. Banking institutions, running on Islamic principles, are also experimenting with interest free financial instruments (e.g. Mudarabah, Murabaha, Ijarah etc.) for this sector.
Small and medium enterprises or SMEs, also called small and medium-sized enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses or small and medium businesses or
SMBs are companies whose headcount or turnover falls below certain limits.
The abbreviation SME occurs commonly in the European Union and in international organizations, such as the World Bank, the United Nations and the WTO . The term small and medium-sized businesses or SMBs has become more standard in a few other countries.
EU Member States traditionally had their own definition of what constitutes an SME, for example the traditional definition in Germany had a limit of 500 employees , while, for example, in Belgium it could have been 100. But now the EU has started to standardize the concept. Its current definition categorizes companies with fewer than 50 employees as "small", and those with fewer than 250 as "medium". By contrast, in the United States , when small business is defined by the number of employees, it often refers to those with less than 100 employees, while medium-sized business often refers to those with less than 500 employees. However, the most widely used American definition of micro-business by the number of employees is the same of that of European Union less than 10 employees.As of 2005, Germany will use the definition of the European Commission .Business enterprises of fewer than 10 employees often class as SOHO
In most economies, smaller enterprises are much greater in number. In the EU, SMEs comprise approximately 99% of all firms and employ between them about 65 million people. In many sectors, SMEs are also responsible for driving innovation and competition.Providing SME finance and support is thus an important area of economic policy.
Significance of SMEs
SMEs are considered the engine of economic growth in both developed and developing countries, as they: Provide low cost employment since the unit cost of persons employed is lower for SMEs than for large-size units.
Assist in regional and local development since SMEs accelerate rural industrialization by linking it with the more organized urban sector.
Help achieve fair and equitable distribution of wealth by regional dispersion of economic activities.
Contribute significantly to export revenues because of the low-cost labour intensive nature of its products.
Have a positive effect on the trade balance since SMEs generally use indigenous raw materials.
Assist in fostering a self-help and entrepreneurial culture by bringing together skills and capital through various lending and skill enhancement schemes.
Impart the resilience to withstand economic upheavals and maintain a reasonable growth rate since being indigenous is the key to sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Problems Faced by Kenya’s SME Sector?
Kenya’s economy has amazing potential for development but sadly, we haven't been able to derive optimal benefits despite a series of efforts launched by various policy makers at different times. The impetus of all these endeavors was on the large scale industries and manufacturing concerns. High rate of failures, owing to economic slumps, institutional malpractices, political motives and damaging activities of labour unions in that sector, left the formal lending institutions with huge infected portfolios, in addition to adverse effects on the entire economy e.g. insufficient and low quality production to meet the demands of local and international markets, deficit in balance of payments and ever rising unemployment, etc.
Kenya’s SMEs are still unable to achieve their maximum potential and are in dire need of ‘hand-holding' and business support services.
A major challenge to economic policy in Kenya at this time is to energize the private SME sector of the economy. This follows in part from the fact that other sectors are unlikely, under present circumstances, to provide the needed growth either of output or of reasonably remunerative employment; in fact, there will be a major employment challenge over the coming years as labour supply continues to expand rapidly and as neither the large-scale private sector nor the public sector are poised to create significant numbers of jobs, and though agriculture and the non-agricultural micro enterprise sector can and probably will do so the levels of productivity and hence of remuneration are likely to be unattractively low. By contrast, the SME sector does have substantial untapped potential to contribute to those objectives; both economic logic and the experiences of other developing countries point to that potential, as well as providing evidence on how it may be achieved. A dynamic SME sector is an important complement to a more open economy; in most of the countries which appear to have reaped major benefits from export orientation the SME sector has been importantly involved in that process. Achieving the maximum contribution from SME, however, will require significant improvements in the support system. If achieved it will not only constitute an important source of dynamism in and of itself, but will also complement efficient large enterprise, strengthen the demand for agricultural products, and make it easier for micro enterprise to graduate into the SME size range.
Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) entails enhancement of the competitiveness of the economy and generation of additional employment. A thriving Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector has long been recognized as one of the key characteristics of any prosperous and growing economy.
Kenya is an economy comprising mainly of SMEs. The significance of their role is clearly indicated by various statistics. According to more recent estimates there are approximately 3.2 million business enterprises in Kenya. Enterprises employing up to 99 persons constitute over 95% of all private enterprises in the industrial sector and employ nearly 78% of the non-agriculture labour force. They contribute over 30% to the GDP, Rs.140 billion to exports, and account 25% of exports of manufactured goods besides sharing 35% in manufacturing value added.
However, there has been concern that in Kenya the SME sector has not been able to realize its full potential. The SMEs continue to suffer from a number of weaknesses, which hamper their ability to take full advantage of the opening of economy and the increasingly accessible world markets. The areas of constraints are normally identified as labour, taxation, trade capacity, and finance and credit availability.
It is understood that despite previous efforts the SME sector has not received due priority on account of segregated efforts and non-consolidation of programs to achieve well targeted results. In order to move forward, we need to develop a common vision for SMEs to be the real engine of growth. Our vision also needs to be achievable so we may find motivation in implementing phase.
Implementing change requires the formulation of a Policy for SME development and assigning specific responsibilities for its implementation and continuous improvement. The Government of Kenya has thus constituted the SME Task Force, by Notification No.1 (68)/2003-Inv-III of 29 January 2004 of the Ministry of Industries and Production, which is to define the basic elements of our SME policy.
As there are many cross-cutting issues to be addressed, the SME Task Force is composed of diverse sectors and levels of Government and includes major stakeholders of the private sector, and SME in particular. Where the SME Task Force deems it necessary or useful, it may invite specific organizations or individuals to assist its work. It may also co-opt further members.
Agriculture Sector and Financial Institutions of Kenya
What types of securities/collaterals are acceptable to the banks for providing agricultural credit to farmers/growers?
Agricultural land under the pass book system, urban/rural property, commercial property, Defense Saving Certificates, Special Saving Certificates, Gold & Silver Ornaments, personal surety, hypothecation of livestock and other assets e.g. motor boats / fishing trawlers, etc. are generally accepted by banks as collateral.
Is mark-up rate fixed by SBP on agricultural loans?
SBP does not fix any maximum/minimum mark- up rate to be charged on agricultural loans. Banks’ mark-up is based on their cost structure and risk profile of the borrowers and the sector. However, for benchmarking, Karachi inter-bank Offered Rate (KIBOR) is used by banks for the purpose.
Revolving Credit Scheme was introduced in 2003 in consultation with banks. Under the scheme, banks can provide finance for agricultural purposes on the basis of revolving limits for a period of three years with one-time documentation. The borrowers are required to clear the entire loan amount (including mark-up) once in a year at the date of their own choice.
Multiple withdrawals are allowed and the borrowers are also allowed to make partial r
repayments. Only the amount utilized by the borrower will attract mark-up. This facility can be availed by the farmers just like “running finance”. The limits under this scheme are automatically renewed on annual basis without any request or fresh application.
Is the credit facility under “Revolving Credit Scheme” available only on seasonal basis i.e. one crop only?
The credit limits under Revolving Credit Scheme are available to the farmers for full one year i.e. covering both the crops in a year. To save the farmers from stress sale of their crops, they are required to clear their account only once in a year at a date indicated by the borrower and mutually agreed with lending bank.
Is there any system/procedure under which farmers can get agricultural loans at their doorsteps?
Mobile Credit Officers (MCOs) and Agricultural Credit Officers of banks are visiting the farmers regularly to ascertain the credit needs of the farmers and ensure its availability at their doorsteps and also provide technical help for different crops.
Whether landless farmers/tenants can avail agricultural credit under Revolving Credit Scheme?
Yes, agricultural credit under Revolving Credit Scheme can be availed against personal surety, guarantee or any other collateral acceptable to banks.
Are farmers who had availed any concession or remission under Government relief package announced from time to time, eligible for fresh loans?
Yes, borrowers who have availed concession under any scheme notified by the government or concerned bank/DFI in the light of guidelines issued by SBP may be eligible for fresh financing.
What are SMEs?
As defined by State Bank of Kenya - SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) means an entity, ideally not a public limited company, which does not employee more than 250 persons (if it is manufacturing concern) and 50 persons (if it is trading / service concern) and also fulfills the following criteria of either ‘a’ and ‘c’ or ‘b’ and ‘c’ as relevant:
A trading / service concern with total assets at cost excluding land and buildings up to Rs 50 million.
A manufacturing concern with total assets at cost excluding land and building up to Rs 100 million
Any concern (trading, service or manufacturing) with net sales not exceeding Rs 300 million as per latest financial statements.
SME Financing and Hand-Holding
Research reveals that despite the lack of collateral, SMEs are a better credit risk, as the default rate of this sector is much below that of large enterprises (LEs). Throughout the world, SMEs have provided tremendous opportunities to financial institutions to design various tools for the sector's development (e.g. Program Lending Schemes, Credit Scoring, Venture Capital Financing, etc.). Then there are clusters, technology parks and industrial estates, all being fuelled by the dynamism and vibrancy of small and medium enterprises. Banking institutions, running on Islamic principles, are also experimenting with interest free financial instruments (e.g. Mudarabah, Murabaha, Ijarah etc.) for this sector.
Small and medium enterprises or SMEs, also called small and medium-sized enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses or small and medium businesses or
SMBs are companies whose headcount or turnover falls below certain limits.
The abbreviation SME occurs commonly in the European Union and in international organizations, such as the World Bank, the United Nations and the WTO . The term small and medium-sized businesses or SMBs has become more standard in a few other countries.
EU Member States traditionally had their own definition of what constitutes an SME, for example the traditional definition in Germany had a limit of 500 employees , while, for example, in Belgium it could have been 100. But now the EU has started to standardize the concept. Its current definition categorizes companies with fewer than 50 employees as "small", and those with fewer than 250 as "medium". By contrast, in the United States , when small business is defined by the number of employees, it often refers to those with less than 100 employees, while medium-sized business often refers to those with less than 500 employees. However, the most widely used American definition of micro-business by the number of employees is the same of that of European Union less than 10 employees.As of 2005, Germany will use the definition of the European Commission .Business enterprises of fewer than 10 employees often class as SOHO
In most economies, smaller enterprises are much greater in number. In the EU, SMEs comprise approximately 99% of all firms and employ between them about 65 million people. In many sectors, SMEs are also responsible for driving innovation and competition. Providing SME finance and support is thus an important area of economic policy.
Significance of SMEs
SMEs are considered the engine of economic growth in both developed and developing countries, as they: Provide low cost employment since the unit cost of persons employed is lower for SMEs than for large-size units.
Assist in regional and local development since SMEs accelerate rural industrialization by linking it with the more organized urban sector.
Help achieve fair and equitable distribution of wealth by regional dispersion of economic activities.
Contribute significantly to export revenues because of the low-cost labour intensive nature of its products.
Have a positive effect on the trade balance since SMEs generally use indigenous raw materials.
Assist in fostering a self-help and entrepreneurial culture by bringing together skills and capital through various lending and skill enhancement schemes.
Impart the resilience to withstand economic upheavals and maintain a reasonable growth rate since being indigenous is the key to sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Problems Faced by Kenya’s SME Sector?
Kenya’s economy has amazing potential for development but sadly, we haven't been able to derive optimal benefits despite a series of efforts launched by various policy makers at different times. The impetus of all these endeavors was on the large scale industries and manufacturing concerns. High rate of failures, owing to economic slumps, institutional malpractices, political motives and damaging activities of labour unions in that sector, left the formal lending institutions with huge infected portfolios, in addition to adverse effects on the entire economy e.g. insufficient and low quality production to meet the demands of local and international markets, deficit in balance of payments and ever rising unemployment, etc.
Kenya’s SMEs are still unable to achieve their maximum potential and are in dire need of ‘hand-holding' and business support services.
A major challenge to economic policy in Kenya at this time is to energize the private SME sector of the economy. This follows in part from the fact that other sectors are unlikely, under present circumstances, to provide the needed growth either of output or of reasonably remunerative employment; in fact, there will be a major employment challenge over the coming years as labour supply continues to expand rapidly and as neither the large-scale private sector nor the public sector are poised to create significant numbers of jobs, and though agriculture and the non-agricultural micro enterprise sector can and probably will do so the levels of productivity and hence of remuneration are likely to be unattractively low. By contrast, the SME sector does have substantial untapped potential to contribute to those objectives; both economic logic and the experiences of other developing countries point to that potential, as well as providing evidence on how it may be achieved. A dynamic SME sector is an important complement to a more open economy; in most of the countries which appear to have reaped major benefits from export orientation the SME sector has been importantly involved in that process. Achieving the maximum contribution from SME, however, will require significant improvements in the support system. If achieved it will not only constitute an important source of dynamism in and of itself, but will also complement efficient large enterprise, strengthen the demand for agricultural products, and make it easier for micro enterprise to graduate into the SME size range.
Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) entails enhancement of the competitiveness of the economy and generation of additional employment. A thriving Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector has long been recognized as one of the key characteristics of any prosperous and growing economy.
Kenya is an economy comprising mainly of SMEs. The significance of their role is clearly indicated by various statistics. According to more recent estimates there are approximately 3.2 million business enterprises in Kenya. Enterprises employing up to 99 persons constitute over 95% of all private enterprises in the industrial sector and employ nearly 78% of the non-agriculture labour force. They contribute over 30% to the GDP, Rs.140 billion to exports, and account 25% of exports of manufactured goods besides sharing 35% in manufacturing value added.
However, there has been concern that in Kenya the SME sector has not been able to realize its full potential. The SMEs continue to suffer from a number of weaknesses, which hamper their ability to take full advantage of the opening of economy and the increasingly accessible world markets. The areas of constraints are normally identified as labour, taxation, trade capacity, and finance and credit availability.
It is understood that despite previous efforts the SME sector has not received due priority on account of segregated efforts and non-consolidation of programs to achieve well targeted results. In order to move forward, we need to develop a common vision for SMEs to be the real engine of growth. Our vision also needs to be achievable so we may find motivation in implementing phase.
Implementing change requires the formulation of a Policy for SME development and assigning specific responsibilities for its implementation and continuous improvement. The Government of Kenya has thus constituted the SME Task Force, by Notification No.1 (68)/2003-Inv-III of 29 January 2004 of the Ministry of Industries and Production, which is to define the basic elements of our SME policy.
As there are many cross-cutting issues to be addressed, the SME Task Force is composed of diverse sectors and levels of Government and includes major stakeholders of the private sector, and SME in particular. Where the SME Task Force deems it necessary or useful, it may invite specific organizations or individuals to assist its work. It may also co-opt further members.
Can Government of Kenya Lay a Pivotal Role in this Sector?
In the recent past SMEDA stands out as a significant step towards Govt of Kenya commitment to SME development. Created as an autonomous institution with private sector led governance structure, SMEDA promises to become an important institution spearheading Government’s SME development efforts. However, in absence of a coherent SME development policy framework it is unrealistic to expect a single organization such as SMEDA, to be able to implement aggressive SME development initiatives because:
Issues to be addressed for SME development fall within the purview of a large number of Ministries and Departments at the Federal, Provincial and Local government levels. SMEDA has no institutional jurisdiction or linkage with such institutions; and
SMEDA has limited budget and manpower, posing restrictions on its capacity to launch capital intensive initiatives and extend its outreach Thus to provide a coherent policy mechanism, there is a need to develop a comprehensive SME Policy for Kenya that defines the role of concerned public sector institutions. Such a Policy framework will provide the required direction and focus for achieving SME led economic growth resulting in job creation and reduction in poverty. Private sector growth in SME sector (as opposed to the large scale manufacturing) will result in lesser investments per job created, wider geographic and social spread of investments and better income distribution.
SME Policy & Their Objectives
The objective of SME Policy is to provide a short and a medium to long- term policy framework with an implementation mechanism for achieving higher economic growth based on SME led private sector development.
The SME Policy suggests concurrent and specific policy measures in all possible areas of SME development:
Business environment
Access to finance
Human resource development
Support for technology up gradation and marketing
A single SME definition is recommended to be applicable to all institutions countrywide to allow uniformity in designing support systems and incentives and also to monitor progress.
The SME Policy also contains an implementation and adjustment mechanism that identifies the following:
Implementation and monitoring mechanism
Capacity building requirements of the public institutions
Resource allocation and potential sources of funding
Management of Financial Institutions
Linkages with other initiatives and public sector reform processes (Social Sector Reforms)
Self contained framework for ongoing feedback and adjustment
Role of various public and private sector players at Federal, Provincial and Local levels
The Policy finds it appropriate to highlight the key principles on which i t is being based. They are:
The recommendations proposed in the SME Policy may be implemented supported through an SME Act 2006
The SME Policy covers measures for promotion of ‘Entrepreneurship Culture’ and support for growth of existing enterprises
The SME Policy realizes the different approaches required for supporting
Small Enterprises as opposed to Medium Enterprises. Thus, wherever required, separate policy measures are proposed for small and for medium enterprise growth
Women and other marginalized groups are proposed to receive special focus within the SME Policy.
Rural based and agro processing enterprises are proposed to receive special attention while devising specific support mechanisms
SME development offers most viable option for private sector led growth that reduces poverty and creates a large number of jobs all across Kenya.
SME development must be at the center stage of all economic growth policies of Kenya
SME development in Kenya will require decisive and concurrent measures in a number of policy areas such as business regulations, fiscal, trade rules, labor, incentives and support (Human Resource Development, Technology, Marketing, etc.) leading to an ‘SME Space’ in these domains.
Sues face inherent disadvantages (because of their size) vis-à-vis large firms, which need to be offset by government support mechanisms and incentives
Effective implementation of the Policy framework will require ownership, commitment and monitoring at highest level of the Government
SME development requires provision of level playing field for smaller firms’ vis-à-vis large enterprises.
Private sector will be encouraged to play a key role in implementation of the SME Policy including mobilization of capital and operational responsibility for implementing policy measures suggested in this document.
Financial support to enterprises will be, wherever possible, at a collective level, and will essentially require resource commitment on behalf of the beneficiaries.
Kenya does not have a single definition of Small and Medium Enterprises. Various Government agencies, e.g., State Bank of Kenya (SBP), Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS), Provincial Labor Depts., etc. use their own definition. Absence of a single SME definition makes it difficult to identify target firms, align development programs, collect data and monitor progress.
Management of Financial Institutions
Business Environment
The fiscal, labor and enterprise regulations of the Federal and Provincial Governments in Kenya do not provide for a focus on SMEs that is in line with their specific needs. Generally the fiscal regulations divide enterprises by income levels and labor related regulations realize only two forms of enterprises, small and large, thus, not providing laws and implementation mechanisms that are sensitive to SME needs. Largely, the support and grievance redressal regime of the Government does not differentiate between enterprises on the basis of their size thus making i t difficult for SMEs to access public support programs and attention of public authorities when competing for i t with the large firms. This dilutes the ability of SMEs to effectively compete with large firms.
Access to Finance & Related Services
Now banks provide for only 7-8% of the total funding requirement of SMEs. Also, as per a study by researches on ‘Barriers to SME Growth in Kenya: an Analysisof Constraints ’,access to finance, was identified by SMEs, as the single mostimportant impediment to growth. This problem increases in magnitude with reduction in size and experience of the firm. With the promulgation of the Prudential Regulations for SME Financing by SBP, the basic regulatory framework for promoting SMEs’ access to formal financing has been provided. However, increased SME access to financing will require interventions in all three areas of SME financing, i.e., demand side (SMEs), supply side (Banks) and intermediaries and regulators (SBP, SMEDA, etc)
Supporting Human Resource Development Technology Up- gradation & Marketing
Need Assessment Survey to identify major SME needs in HRD, technology up gradation and marketing.
Establishment of Institutes of Small and Medium Enterprise &
Entrepreneurship Development in select business schools.
Capacity building and up-gradation (curriculum redesign, provision of equipment, teachers training, SME liaison, etc.) of selected sector specific technical training institutes serving in major SME clusters and establishment of such institutes where none exist.
Encouraging use of the technical t raining infrastructure by the private sector BDSPs serving SME sector and incentives for investment in setting up SME training facilities Induction of genuine SME representatives in private sector boards of the technical training institutes.
Entrepreneurship Development
Kenya is a society of ‘employees’. The education and social system does not encourage entrepreneurship as a preferred career option amongst the youth. Entrepreneurship is usually undertaken by those belonging to the existing business families. As a result the economy witnesses a small number of new enterprises being created and that too in traditional areas of business overcrowding the supply/product base and their markets. On the other hand, there are no limitations in the entrepreneurial capabilities in the populace. If, this entrepreneurial potential can be unleashed, by providing level playing field, information, awareness and support in establishing enterprises, Kenya can witness fast paced growth in establishment of new enterprises creating new employment opportunities, improving distribution of wealth and exploiting the opportunities offered by international markets in the liberalized WTO regime. The past Government programs to encourage entrepreneurship were limited and not too comprehensively designed and thus achieved little in promoting entrepreneurship amongst the educated Kenyai youth. There is a need for Govt. to actively promote entrepreneurship through changes in education curricula, by creating awareness amongst youth and by providing effective support to those who wish to establish new enterprises.
SME Policy Ownership and Implementation
A large number of Government Ministries and organizations (in addition to the private sector) will have to play their role in removing impediments and providing support for SME growth. Therefore, it is imperative that the SME Policy is approved by the Prime Minister and endorsed by all Provincial Governments. Such support coupled with clear definition of responsibilities of various Government institutions will provide the required policy vehicle for promoting SME led economic growth in Kenya.
SME Policy Investment & Expected Impact
The SME Policy also presents the estimates of public and private sector investments for implementation of the policy recommendations and envisages benefits in terms of enterprise growth, job creation and poverty reduction.
