A September survey by the Central Bank of Kenya shows that Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos) are the leading source of agricultural credit, used by 32 per cent of farmers surveyed.
Commercial banks and social networks, including friends and family, follow at 29 per cent each.
Informal savings and credit groups serve 22 per cent of respondents, while 17 per cent obtain loans directly from produce buyers, including coffee and milk purchasers.
Digital mobile loan products, such as M-Pesa, KCB M-Pesa and Fuliza, provide credit to 13 per cent of agricultural borrowers.
Microfinance institutions account for six per cent, while general cooperative societies serve five per cent.
Government-backed and specialised agricultural financing options remain less common, with the Hustler Fund and Agricultural Finance Corporation each accounting for four per cent.
Other sources contribute three per cent, while informal moneylenders account for two per cent.
