Reimagining Growth-Stage SME Financing in Kenya: AI, Capital & Public Markets

​Despite being the backbone of the economy, growth-stage SMEs in Kenya still face a significant gap in access to capital.

​Vula is hosting a curated breakfast conversation in Nairobi bringing together SME operators and capital providers to discuss how financing models are evolving and what role AI, private capital, and public markets can play in expanding access to funding.

​The room will bring together 50 growth-stage SMEs across agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, financial services, energy, and services, alongside 10 SME Funders actively deploying capital to Kenyan SMEs.

​The discussion will explore:

• ​How AI is changing underwriting and risk assessment for SME lending

• ​What new capital models are emerging for growth-stage businesses

• ​Whether public markets and alternative financing structures can unlock more liquidity for SMEs

​Panelists

• ​Faith Kanyiri - Investment Manager at Iungo Capital

• ​Mwombeki Baregu - Investment Officer at IFC

• ​Nic Rawhani - Co-Founder & CEO at Vula

• ​Brad Magrath - Head of Portfolio & Platform at AHL Ventures

• ​Florent Nduwayezu - Investor at FP Capital

• ​Anslem Muiruri - Listing Growth Associate at Nairobi Securities Exchange

​Moderator

• ​Ashley Mutiso - Gender Lens Investing Consultant

​This will be a small, curated room designed to enable real conversations between SME operators and capital providers.

​If you are a growth-stage SME founder or director, or a funder deploying capital to SMEs, we invite you to register to attend.

​Seats are limited to keep the room small and conversational.

​📅 13 March 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 3Zero House