By Monica Nashon
Agro-dealers and farmers in Western Kenya are set to gain improved access to credit after a partnership between fintech firm Avenews and Enochem Agrovet Limited.
Speaking during the official launch of the partnership in Kisii County, Enochem Agrovet Manager Enock Asuga said the collaboration will enable agro-dealers supplied by the company to access loans to help them stock farm inputs and meet farmers’ growing demand.
Asuga said the partnership brings together distributors and agro-dealers from several counties including Kisii County, Nyamira County, Kisumu County, Homa Bay County, Migori County and parts of Bomet County and Narok County.
“Today we are very excited to officially launch this partnership with Avenews. The program will provide loans to agro-dealers we supply with farm inputs so that they can expand their businesses and better serve farmers,” said Asuga.
He added that the initiative is expected to improve the availability of quality farm inputs in the region.
He also cautioned farmers to be careful when purchasing maize seeds, urging them to buy sealed packets with scratch verification codes to avoid counterfeit products.
Avenews Business Development Director Emmanuel Murai said the partnership introduces a digital financial product known as Stockist Finance, designed to help agro-dealers access stock financing and improve cash flow.
Murai explained that the digital solution allows agro-dealers and stockists to apply for financing online, enabling them to restock quickly and meet farmers’ needs without delays.
“Today we have launched this partnership with Enochem to promote Stockist Finance, which enables agro-dealers to access financing that helps them maintain adequate stock and respond to farmers’ demand,” Murai said.
He noted that the initiative has already attracted more than 200 stockists from different counties, demonstrating strong interest in the financing solution.
Avenews Head of Sales Faith Mwirigi said the company is a licensed financial institution regulated by the Government of Kenya and operates under strict lending and consumer protection regulations.
She emphasized that the company adheres to ethical lending practices and complies with guidelines set by the Central Bank of Kenya, including data protection and consumer protection standards.
“At Avenews, we are committed to responsible lending in the agricultural sector. Being regulated means we operate under strict guidelines that ensure transparency, ethical lending, and protection of our customers’ data,” said Mwirigi.
Farmers and agro-dealers welcomed the initiative, saying it will help them access reliable supplies and grow their businesses.
Nancy Angwenyi, a farmer and owner of Nyachenge Agro Shop, said the partnership will strengthen the relationship between farmers, distributors, and agro-dealers.
“I am happy to meet our distributors Enochem and Avenews today. Their support has helped my business grow because we can now access stock more easily,” she said.