Winning a government tender is a major milestone for any woman-owned business in Kenya. However, fulfilling that tender without adequate capital is where most women entrepreneurs get stuck.
The Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) LPO Financing product exists specifically to bridge that gap. It empowers individual women and women-owned companies to respond to tenders confidently and deliver on supply requirements without financial strain.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to apply for LPO financing from Women Enterprise Fund, from eligibility to the full list of requirements.
What You Need To Know About LPO Financing From Women Enterprise Fund
The WEF LPO Financing product targets women entrepreneurs who hold valid Local Purchase Orders (LPOs) or Local Service Orders (LSOs) from government institutions. The fund finances 60% of your LPO amount, giving you the working capital you need to fulfill your tender obligations without depleting your own savings or chasing expensive bank loans.
Here is a quick breakdown of the key features of this product:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Administration Fee | One-off fee of 5% of the loan amount |
| Loan Tenor | 90 days |
| Loan Amount Financed | 60% of the LPO loan amount |
| Maximum Borrowing Amount | Up to Ksh 2,000,000 per individual |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual women entrepreneurs and women-owned companies |
This product suits you if your business regularly services government institutions and you need short-term capital to fulfill those contracts efficiently.
Eligibility Criteria for WEF LPO Financing
Before you apply for LPO financing from Women Enterprise Fund, you must confirm that you meet the following eligibility requirements.
Business Registration and Ownership
Your company must be registered with the relevant government body. For companies, groups, and partnerships, the membership composition must consist of at least 70% women and 30% men, or 100% women. This ensures that the fund directs its resources to its core target group—women entrepreneurs driving economic growth in Kenya.
Valid Local Purchase Order or Local Service Order
You must hold a valid Local Purchase Order or Local Service Order that is duly signed and stamped by a procuring entity. The procuring entity must be a public institution listed under the Public Procurement and Disposal Act. Without this document, your application cannot proceed.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
- A duly signed Letter of Undertaking and acceptable collateral as per the Fund’s Credit Policy. Acceptable collateral includes a bank guarantee, shares, or a motor vehicle.
- A Letter of Assignment duly executed by you as the borrower to the Procuring Entity, committing payment directly to the WEF account.
- A certified copy of a letter from you as the supplier to the procuring entity, formally requesting payment through the Women Enterprise Fund.
- Your customer account details submitted alongside the above documentation.
Meeting these requirements positions your application for a smooth and successful review process.
Documents Required To Apply For LPO Financing From Women Enterprise Fund
Gathering the right documents before you submit your application saves you time and avoids unnecessary delays. The Women Enterprise Fund requires a comprehensive set of documents to assess your creditworthiness and verify your business legitimacy.
Standard Documents for All Applicants
- A fully completed loan application form
- Copies of National IDs and PIN Certificates for all borrowers (and for the company in the case of a Limited Company)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Business or company registration certificates
- Recent bank statements for the last 6 months
- Copies of proposed securities and a recent valuation report
- A copy of your AGPO certificate
- A sketch map to your business premises or residence
- A copy of your CRB clearance and report
Additional Documents for Limited Companies
Limited companies must submit a few extra documents to complete their application:
- A Resolution to Borrow, capturing the loan amount, purpose, repayment period, and security offered—this document must carry the company seal
- A borrower’s personal guarantee or directors’ guarantee
- A Customer Account Details Form, sealed for Limited Companies
- CR12 from the Registrar of Companies
- Articles and Memorandum of Association
- Audited accounts for the last 3 years, specifically required for loan amounts above Ksh 500,000
- A project visit report in the case of construction-related tenders
Organizing these documents early gives your application the best possible chance of approval. Missing even one item can stall the entire process.
The Women Enterprise Fund LPO Financing product hands women entrepreneurs a powerful tool to compete equally in Kenya’s public procurement space. You no longer have to watch lucrative tenders pass you by because of limited working capital. Gather your documents, confirm your eligibility, and take that bold step toward building a stronger, more financially independent business today.
