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Farm Input Loans in Kenya 2026: One Acre Fund, AFC, More

How farmers in Kenya buy seed and fertiliser on credit: One Acre Fund (Tupande), Apollo Agriculture, AFC and KCB crop loans compared on repayment, security and cost.

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by Reviewed by Michael Mwangi 8 min read Updated 19 October 2026Verified 19 Oct 2026

The main options

One Acre Fund (Tupande)Apollo AgricultureAFCKCB Contracted Crop Loan
What you getSeed, fertiliser and farm products on creditInput bundles, including maizeCash loans for crops, livestock, agribusinessUnsecured loan for contracted seed growers
RepaymentFlexible, over the seasonMonthly minimum, bulk at harvestUsually 36 months, up to 60; seasonal credit up to 12 monthsWithin 12 months
CostNot published as a rateKES 100 fee; 10 percent upfront; KES 100 or 2 percent monthly10 percent a year, reducing balance"Competitive"; no rate published
SecurityGroup or individualNot statedTitle deedUnsecured, up to KES 5M for Kenya Seed growers, KES 3M for others

One Acre Fund (Tupande)

One Acre Fund has worked in Kenya since 2006 and trades locally as Tupande. Its Kenya page says it has served 1,255,000 farmers through 330 dukas and 1,747 field agents, selling for cash or on flexible payment plans. Dukas are spread across about 31 counties, including Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Siaya, Kisii, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Embu, Kirinyaga, Machakos, Makueni, Kilifi and Kwale.

One Acre Fund buys input insurance on farmers' behalf and partially forgives loans when extreme weather damages harvests, though it does not publish the Kenyan terms. Its older model used group liability: groups of 5 to 15 farmers sharing responsibility, with a minimum paid before inputs are delivered. Today Tupande also sells to individuals.

Apollo Agriculture

Apollo sells input bundles on credit. You pay a KES 100 field-marking fee when you sign up, an initial payment from 10 percent of the loan, then at least KES 100 or 2 percent of the loan each month, whichever is higher. For maize bundles the balance is paid at harvest. Drought insurance covers Apollo bundles only. Apollo is not on the CBK Digital Credit Providers directory.

Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC)

AFC is the government farm lender, with 48 branches. It lends at 10 percent a year on a reducing balance, usually over 36 months and up to 60, with no fixed cap on loan size. A title deed is the usual security, and you can use someone else's with the right legal documents. Agribusiness loans need a 20 percent equity contribution. Seasonal crop credit runs up to 12 months and needs at least 5 acres for maize or wheat. Apply through eCitizen.

Bank crop loans

KCB's agribusiness range covers dairy, livestock, horticulture, farm development, tea, coffee and contracted crops. Its Contracted Crop Loan is unsecured up to KES 5 million for Kenya Seed growers and KES 3 million for other approved seed companies, repaid within 12 months. Compare bank rates using the loan repayment calculator.

How to choose

  1. Small plot, no title deed: input credit from One Acre Fund or Apollo, repaid through the season.
  2. Larger farm with a title deed: AFC at 10 percent a year is usually the cheapest published rate.
  3. Contracted seed grower: ask your seed company about the KCB Contracted Crop Loan.
  4. Already in a group: a SACCO or group loan may be cheaper. See chama loans.

Sources, read 19 October 2026

  1. One Acre Fund Kenya page and financing and insurance page, oneacrefund.org.
  2. One Acre Fund, Flexible Repayment Farm Finance paper, January 2015.
  3. Apollo Agriculture farmers page, apolloagriculture.com.
  4. Agricultural Finance Corporation, access to credit, agrifinance.org.
  5. KCB Contracted Crop Loan, ke.kcbgroup.com.
  6. CBK Directory of Digital Credit Providers, 29 September 2026.

FAQ

How does One Acre Fund credit work in Kenya?

One Acre Fund trades in Kenya as Tupande. You can buy seed, fertiliser and other products for cash or on a flexible payment plan and pay slowly over the season, in a group or as an individual. It has served about 1.25 million Kenyan farmers through 330 shops and more than 1,700 field agents. Its USSD code is *689#.

What is the One Acre Fund paybill?

One Acre Fund does not publish a paybill on its official pages. Pay only through the channel your field officer gives you and the USSD menu, and confirm the name on the M-PESA prompt before you enter your PIN.

What interest does AFC charge?

The Agricultural Finance Corporation charges 10 percent a year on a reducing balance (5 percent for sugarcane special projects), usually over 36 months and up to 60. Security is normally a title deed. Apply through eCitizen or the AFC Vuna app if you are already a client.

Can I pay Apollo Agriculture after harvest?

Yes, for maize bundles. Apollo charges a KES 100 field-marking fee, an initial payment from 10 percent of the loan and a monthly payment of KES 100 or 2 percent of the loan, whichever is higher. The rest is repaid at harvest.

Is there a Hustler Fund loan for farmers?

We found no separate farming product on the Hustler Fund site. Farmers can use the normal personal or group Hustler Fund limits.

Further reading

Curated external sources we cite. Open in a new tab.