Kenya’s Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) has made history as the first local financial institution to earn the prestigious Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative (SSCI) award.

The recognition, presented in Karlsruhe, Germany, is being hailed as a major win for the country’s green finance agenda and a boost for farmers seeking climate-smart solutions.

The milestone signals a new chapter for Kenya’s agricultural financing, positioning AFC as a leader in integrating sustainability into lending practices.

Managing Director George Kubai said the award shows AFC’s determination to steer the sector toward climate-resilient growth.

“We are honoured to receive the Sustainability Certification, a recognition that reinforces AFC’s leadership in advancing sustainable agricultural finance,” Kubai said.

Adding;

“This milestone affirms our role as a trailblazer in sustainability initiatives. Looking ahead, AFC remains steadfast in its commitment to growing the sustainable finance portfolio in line with our Strategic Plan, empowering farmers, strengthening value chains, and building resilience against climate change.”

Kubai credited the success to support from the Kenyan government, the AFC Board and staff, as well as the European Organisation for Sustainable Development (EOSD), which manages the SSCI certification.

He said AFC will use the recognition to channel more funding into climate-smart projects that strengthen value chains, reduce risks in farming, and improve rural livelihoods.

“With the certification, AFC is expected to scale up innovations that reduce risks in agriculture, unlock value across value chains, and drive Kenya’s ambition of becoming a climate-smart agricultural hub,” he stated.

Arshad Rab, Chairman of the International Council of Sustainability Standards for Value-Driven Financial Institutions and CEO of EOSD, lauded AFC’s leadership in setting a new benchmark for agricultural finance in Africa.

“This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of the Corporation’s top leadership, a vision driven most notably by the Managing Director, Mr George Kubai,” Rab said.

Adding;

“This dedication will ensure that Kenya’s agriculture remains highly productive, resilient, and prepared to address future challenges, including climate change, competitiveness in international markets, and food security both domestically and globally.”

The SSCI is an internationally recognised framework that certifies financial institutions committed to sustainability. It emphasises green lending, social inclusion, and governance standards that align with the global shift to low-carbon economies.