Gov’t Announces Financial Support for Select Manufacturers [Details]

The Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has announced financing opportunities for businesses seeking to invest in the pharmaceutical sector.

In a notice on Wednesday, October 22, KDC said it is inviting applications from eligible businesses seeking financing to establish or expand scalable projects in pharmaceutical manufacturing. 

The agency noted that financing will be provided through equity or debt instruments to boost local production and strengthen public health outcomes.

"KDC invites applications from eligible businesses seeking financing to establish or expand scalable and impactful projects in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

"Financing will be provided through equity or debt instruments to boost local production and strengthen public health outcomes," the notice read.

Through equity financing, KDC will consider minority equity participation in qualifying companies, while under debt financing, it will provide long-term debt financing for eligible projects.

The corporation said applications are open to both local and international investors who wish to set up or expand the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, or medical devices in Kenya. 

"Applications are invited from local and international investors seeking to set up or expand manufacture of pharmaceutical products or medical equipment or devices," the notice added.

According to KDC, eligible applicants must demonstrate technical feasibility, financial and commercial viability, and socio-economic impact. 

They are also required to show a commitment to Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) standards and sustainable production practices. 

In addition, applicants should have sound governance and institutional capacity to implement their projects, a solid market share or potential, and alignment with national and regional health sector priorities.

To apply, interested investors are required to visit the Kenya Development Corporation website under the 'Products and Services' section at https://kdc.go.ke, create an account, and follow the instructions to upload all necessary documents.

KDC noted that all applications will be conducted exclusively online, noting that hard copies will not be accepted. 

The online loan application window will remain open for 30 working days, starting from October 21, 2025, and closing on December 1, 2025.

This comes barely a day after the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program issued a notice to all applicants ahead of the upcoming Validation Exercise scheduled for Friday, October 24.  

In a statement on Tuesday, October 21, NYOTA said all selected youth must complete the Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT), which is a vital step in assessing their entrepreneurial abilities and readiness for the next phase of the program.

"The next step before the Validation Exercise on 24 October 2025, selected youth should undertake the Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test, which is a key step in assessing entrepreneurial skills.

"Send the word NYOTA to 40270 and follow the prompts to complete the EAT," the organization announced.

To successfully complete the process, applicants are required to activate promotional messages by dialing *100*5*2*5*1#, send the word ‘NYOTA’ to 40270, and then follow the prompts to select their preferred language before answering all questions sent via SMS.

NYOTA has reminded applicants to use the same mobile number they registered with during their application to ensure seamless processing and completion of the test.

The organization further clarified that the test is free of charge and can be undertaken using either a smartphone or a basic feature phone.

Once an answer has been submitted, it cannot be changed, and each participant is only allowed to take the test once. 

The test typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on response speed and network conditions.

NYOTA also assured participants that those whose phones go off or lose connection during the process can continue the test from where they left off once their device is back on, as long as they use the same SIM card.