antony@rafode.co.ke

Kisumu, Kenya: FasterCapital has selected Rafode to join EquityPilot, supporting the Kenyan fintech’s plan to digitize operations and expand financing for micro, small and medium enterprises, smallholder farmers, and renewable energy access across Western and adjacent regions of Kenya. FasterCapital and EquityPilot will prioritize Rafode’s digital transformation and portfolio growth in the first 30–60 days, focusing on product and operational execution milestones to prepare the startup for scaled outreach and improved service delivery. Why It Matters? Rural and underbanked communities in Kenya face persistent barriers to affordable finance and clean energy products. Affordable, credit-enabled access to solar home systems, clean cookstoves, and productive-use appliances can improve health, lower energy costs, and support income-generating activities. Rafode targets these gaps by combining lending with renewable energy distribution and tailored SME financing. What the Startup Delivers? Rafode provides a mix of micro and SME loans, agricultural input financing, asset finance, and credit for renewable energy products. The company operates from Kisumu with outreach across Western, Northern and Rift Valley regions, offering products such as solar home systems, energy-saving cookstoves, irrigation pumps on lease-to-own, and loans structured for groups and individuals. Rafode emphasizes women and disadvantaged households as primary beneficiaries. Why Now? Timing Digital financial services and mobile-first delivery are increasingly central to serving dispersed, low-income customers. Rafode aims to migrate to a fully digitized model, build a mobile app and an e-commerce platform, and improve IT systems to reach more clients efficiently while reducing operational costs. What FasterCapital Will Provide? FasterCapital Support Scope - Execution-focused coaching on milestone planning and fundraising readiness Technical guidance for digitization, …