Ngao Credit Reveals How 70pc of Its KSh1.3 Billion Loan Portfolio Is Generated

Ngao Credit has revealed that customer referrals account for approximately 70 per cent of its KSh1.3 billion loan portfolio, highlighting the role of customer relationships in driving its lending business.

The disclosure was made by the lender's Country Sales Agency Manager, Francis Mwangi, as the company announced the opening of four new branches in Embu, Malindi, Kitale and Machakos.

Mwangi said the high proportion of referrals reflects the confidence customers have developed in the lender and its approach to building long-term relationships.

“Seventy per cent of our KSh1.3 billion portfolio comes through referrals. That speaks to the relationships we are building with our customers and the confidence they have in our services,” he said.

Unlike a lending model focused on individual transactions, Ngao Credit says it prioritises maintaining relationships with customers and supporting their businesses through different stages of growth.

The lender provides financing solutions targeting businesses that require working capital, asset acquisition and funds to support expansion.

Its products include local financing, asset financing and import finance, including import duty financing.

The company is also expanding its physical presence through the Ngao Mtaani initiative, which has seen it establish new branches in four regional economic centres.

The expansion is intended to improve access to financing for traders, farmers, small and medium-sized enterprises and salaried professionals who may struggle to secure credit from traditional lending institutions.

Mwangi said the company's approach goes beyond disbursing loans to helping customers unlock business opportunities and improve their livelihoods.

“We do not view every business as just a transaction, we build relationships and walk with our clients through different stages of their growth,” he said.

Ngao Credit is also using digital channels through its Ngao app, which allows customers to access credit remotely while complementing services offered through its physical branches.

The lender says the combination of digital and physical channels is aimed at improving customer access, onboarding and post-disbursement support.