Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing about 22.5% of GDP in 2024 and employing over 40% of the total population and more than 70% of the rural populace, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
Despite this central role, farmers have long struggled with limited access to reliable and profitable markets, often relying on middlemen who erode their earnings.
Stanbic Bank Kenya is rewriting this narrative through its OneFarm digital marketplace, a platform that connects farmers directly to buyers, integrates financing and insurance, and streamlines value chains across the country.
By bridging the gap between production and markets, OneFarm is helping farmers unlock fairer prices, reduce post-harvest losses, and build resilience in a sector that sustains millions of livelihoods.
OneFarm Grow: Putting Farmers in Control
Grace is a smallholder maize farmer in Machakos County. For years, she struggled to sell her harvest at fair prices. Middlemen would arrive at her farm and offer low rates, and she had little choice but to accept. Transporting her produce to town markets was costly, and she often lost part of her harvest before it reached buyers.
When Grace joined OneFarm Grow, things began to change:
- Real‑time market visibility: Using her phone, Grace could now see which millers and institutional buyers were looking for maize and at what price. She no longer had to guess or wait for brokers.
- Efficient supply chains: The platform connected her to logistics providers who collected her maize and delivered it directly to buyers. Losses from spoilage and delays dropped significantly.
- Access to finance and insurance: Grace applied for a small loan through Stanbic Bank to buy certified seeds and fertilizer. She also signed up for crop insurance, giving her peace of mind in case of drought.
OneFarm Digital Marketplace: What It Means for Farmers
1. Sell Directly to Buyers
- No more relying on middlemen who take a big share.
- You can list your produce on OneFarm and connect straight to millers, exporters, and big buyers.
- This means better prices and faster payments.
2. Access to Finance
- Need money for seeds, fertiliser, or equipment?
- OneFarm works with Stanbic Bank to provide loans tailored for farmers.
- You can borrow with confidence, knowing buyers are already lined up for your harvest.
3. Insurance for Peace of Mind
- Farming comes with risks like droughts or pests.
- The platform offers insurance options to protect your income.
- If something goes wrong, you won’t lose everything.
4. Easier Logistics
- Transporting crops can be expensive and stressful.
- OneFarm helps organise logistics so your produce reaches buyers quickly and safely.
- Less waste, fewer delays.
5. Training and Support
- Farmers can access advice on better farming practices.
- Learn how to improve yields, reduce costs, and meet buyer standards.
- This makes your farm more competitive in the long run.
OneFarm Digital Marketplace is here to put farmers first. It helps you sell smarter, earn more, and grow stronger. With Stanbic Bank’s support, it is changing how agriculture works in Kenya.
This holistic approach ensures that farmers are not isolated but part of a thriving ecosystem. As Stanbic notes, “We empower farmers, suppliers, and exporters with innovative financing, insurance, and sustainable solutions for long-term success.”
Stanbic has also invested in capacity building, with the Stanbic Foundation’s Accelerate Program providing KSh 33 million in grants to support MSMEs and farmers, a commitment to inclusive growth.
Agriculture is not just an economic sector; it is a way of life for millions of Kenyans. By tackling the structural bottleneck of market access, Stanbic Bank is enabling farmers to realize the true value of their labor.
The digital marketplace is more than a financial innovation; it is a social transformation. It empowers rural communities, strengthens national food security, and positions Kenya as a leader in agritech solutions.
Stanbic Bank Kenya’s digital marketplace, OneFarm, stands out as the most impactful proposition in its agribusiness portfolio. By connecting farmers directly to markets, integrating financing and insurance, and transforming value chains like tea, Stanbic is redefining how Kenyan farmers sell their produce.
Weathering the Storm: How Stanbic Agribusiness Solutions Are Helping Kenyan Farmers Thrive
