With support from Abler Nordic’s Norad-funded Technical Assistance (TA) facility, Premier Credit is helping low-income entrepreneurs gain the skills, confidence, and tools they need to grow their businesses and achieve long-term resilience.
Premier Credit Kenya is a credit-only microfinance institution providing affordable finance to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). In 2024, Abler Nordic and Norfund co-invested USD 16 million in Premier Credit to expand access to finance for these entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by traditional banks.
"You have to know what you’re doing in business—how much money comes in and goes out, and how much to set aside. That way, when unexpected expenses come up, you don’t have to borrow. You plan ahead and save for it."
Samuel Kanyango – Owner of Mzalendo Pharmacy
Branch Manager Daniel Ndungu notes: "Before, we had gaps, but after Charity’s training, we feel we are in a better position. Customers are being educated on how to make better margins, keep records, and separate household expenses from business expenses."
Heidi Våge, Manager of the Abler Nordic TA facility, adds: "Each Client Officer becomes a hub of knowledge, supporting clients and colleagues alike. This multiplies the impact far beyond any single workshop."
Veronica Ngendo – Ghiz Chicken and Milk, Limuru
Veronica faced common challenges for small business owners: finding and keeping customers, managing cash flow, and monitoring expenses. With guidance from client officer Charity, Veronica applied practical lessons in financial management, marketing, and business planning.
Charity introduced Veronica to strategies to grow her customer base, such as handing out flyers with each order and using digital marketing tools like TikTok. She also helped Veronica track expenses, pay herself a consistent salary, and plan for her children’s school fees—skills directly reinforced by the training.
"It’s a family business," Veronica explains. "I run it with my husband, and we also have one worker. We’ve been working for three years now—and so far, so good. From the time we started, the business has grown. We have created good relationships with our customers."
With Charity’s mentoring, Veronica implemented small but practical changes, like introducing deliveries for a competitive edge, which quickly improved profits and strengthened her business resilience. Looking ahead, Veronica is planning to open more branches, aiming to expand her business and continue providing for her family.
Samuel Kanyango – Owner of Mzalendo Pharmacy
Samuel, a Premier Credit client since 2016, used loans to maintain and expand his pharmacy inventory. While credit helped him grow, it was the training in financial management, business planning, and client mentoring that made his business more profitable. Through Charity’s guidance, Samuel learned to track both business and household expenses, gain clarity on cash flow, and make informed decisions about stock, savings, and household needs.
"You have to know what you’re doing in business—how much money comes in and goes out, and how much to set aside," says Samuel. "That way, when unexpected expenses come up, you don’t have to borrow. You plan ahead and save for it."
Improved financial literacy and mentoring allowed Samuel to plan for his children’s school fees, set aside funds for home improvements, and use loans more effectively. Looking ahead, Samuel is planning to expand into wholesaling, leveraging his improved business skills to grow beyond his pharmacy and increase income for his household.
With support from Abler Nordic’s Norad-funded Technical Assistance (TA) facility, Premier Credit is helping low-income entrepreneurs gain the skills, confidence and tools they need to grow their businesses and achieve long-term resilience.
