Nairobi, March 1 -- The International Finance Corporation (IFC) proposes to invest up to Sh6.7 billion ($52 million) in microfinance institution, Platcorp Holdings Limited, to boost its liquidity and support lending to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya and across East Africa.

The proposed investment in five subsidiaries of Platcorp Holdings in the region will be in the form of a four-year senior loan, with a one-year grace period.

"It will be processed under the micro, small, and medium enterprises finance platform - BOP (base of pyramid) envelope.

"The proceeds will provide liquidity and support the microfinance institution's lending strategy to expand access to finance for MSMEs with a 50 percent target for women-...