Farmers across Kenya are set to gain improved financial access following the launch of an innovative credit scoring solution by Pathways Technologies.
The company, known for its data-driven business solutions, unveiled the tool alongside other digital innovations aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and sales performance.
In collaboration with GIZ, Pathways Technologies has developed a credit scoring system tailored for farmers, helping financial institutions assess risk more accurately.
The tool leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to provide a more precise credit profile, reducing the need for traditional requirements such as guarantors and collateral.
“Currently, farmers can’t easily get loans because lenders perceive them as high-risk borrowers,” said Joel Onditi, CEO of Pathways Technologies, during the launch.
“We are building a solution that will enable SACCOs and other lenders to ease some of their stringent requirements, making credit more accessible to farmers.”
The program has been successfully piloted at Fortune Sacco in partnership with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KARLO) and GIZ.
Initially,Fortune Sacco could only lend to 20% of its 100,000 farmers due to a lack of data.
However, with the new credit scoring system, the institution is now able to serve over 60% of its farmer base.
“Physical forms made the decision-making process lengthy and tedious,” said Timothy Muthike, Deputy CEO and Head of Finance at Fortune Sacco.
“By adopting technology, we are eliminating unnecessary bureaucracies and human bias, allowing machines to make faster, data-driven lending decisions.”
Additional Innovations for Farmers and BusinessesAlongside the credit scoring tool, Pathways Technologies also introduced:
Field Delineation App – A digital toolDesigned to optimize land use and planning for farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
Sales Insights Dashboard – A system that generates comprehensive reports to help sales managers refine strategies and boost team performance.
Beyond these solutions, Pathways Technologies continues to expand its impact.
The company has joined the Google Cloud Partner Advantage Program, become a Microsoft in Education Global Training Partner, and spearheaded the Jitume Program, which trains young Kenyans in data analytics to enhance business success.
With a strong commitment to leveraging technology for real-world impact, Pathways Technologies remains at the forefront of digital transformation in agriculture and business intelligence.
