Business asset leasing can be an option when you need equipment or vehicles to operate or grow but want to avoid a large one-off purchase. Instead of paying the full asset cost upfront, an approved lease spreads the financial commitment over an agreed period. This can help a business keep more cash available for working capital needs such as stock, suppliers, payroll and day-to-day operations.

Businesses commonly explore leasing for productive assets such as vehicles and fleets, laptops and computers, office technology, industrial or manufacturing equipment, medical equipment, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, generators and other specialised business assets. DTB’s published Leasing terms specifically state maximum leasing periods for vehicles and IT equipment. If you need another type of asset, speak to DTB to confirm whether it can be considered under the Leasing facility before making a purchase commitment.

Yes. Vehicles are specifically covered in DTB’s published Leasing terms, with a maximum leasing period of up to 48 months. Business vehicle leasing can be relevant when you need company cars, delivery vehicles or fleet capacity without paying the full purchase cost upfront. The approved amount, vehicle eligibility and lease structure are subject to DTB appraisal and approval.

Yes. DTB’s published Leasing terms specifically provide for IT equipment, with a maximum leasing period of up to 24 months. This may suit businesses that need laptops, computers or other technology for employees and operations while avoiding a large upfront technology purchase. Confirm the specific equipment and supplier arrangement with DTB during application.

These are common categories businesses consider when searching for equipment leasing. However, DTB’s current public Leasing page explicitly states leasing periods for vehicles and IT equipment only. If you need machinery, medical equipment, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, generators or another specialised asset, contact DTB with the asset details so the Bank can confirm whether it is eligible for a leasing structure.

Businesses seeking to acquire productive assets can discuss their leasing needs with DTB. Approval is not automatic and will depend on the applicant, the asset, repayment capacity, the proposed supplier and the required lease documentation. A growing SME should be ready to explain what asset is required, how it will be used in the business and how the lease payments will be supported.

It depends on what your business is trying to achieve. A business loan can be appropriate when ownership of the asset is a priority, while leasing can be attractive when the main need is to use the asset without paying the full purchase cost upfront. Compare cash-flow impact, total financing cost, ownership objectives, lease or loan term, maintenance responsibilities and what happens at the end of the arrangement before deciding.

The main difference is usually the ownership structure and how the asset is treated during and at the end of the financing period. Under an operating lease, the lessee pays to use the asset under agreed lease terms rather than simply purchasing it upfront. Asset finance or hire-purchase structures may be designed around eventual ownership. The exact legal and financial treatment depends on the agreement, so ask DTB to explain the approved structure before signing.

Leasing may help reduce the need for a large upfront asset purchase, allowing a business to keep more cash available for operating needs. For example, a distributor may need vehicles but still require cash for stock and suppliers, while a growing company may need laptops while also funding payroll. Whether leasing improves your overall cash position depends on the lease payments, fees and your business cash flow.

DTB’s published Leasing page states a maximum approval amount of KES 100 million per customer. The amount your business can actually access is subject to appraisal, approval and the proposed asset and lease structure. Contact DTB with the asset quotation and business information to discuss an appropriate facility.

DTB publishes a maximum leasing period of up to 48 months for vehicles and up to 24 months for IT equipment. The page also states an overall tenor of 24 to 48 months. The final approved period will depend on the asset and the lease structure agreed with DTB.

DTB’s current Leasing page publishes an interest rate of CBR + 4% for local currency facilities and an appraisal fee of 2%. Local or foreign currency facilities may be available. Rates, fees and taxes can change, so confirm the applicable pricing and total cost with DTB before entering into a lease agreement.

DTB’s published terms list a master facility agreement involving the supplier, lessee and Bank; a receivable account with DTB against which the Bank’s lien is registered; a service and maintenance contract between supplier and lessee; landlord waiver where applicable; comprehensive insurance with the Bank’s interest noted; relevant guarantees; and sale and cession agreements. The exact documentation will depend on the approved transaction.

Start by contacting DTB and sharing the asset you want to acquire, the supplier or quotation where available, the intended business use and your preferred financing period. DTB will assess the proposed lease, your eligibility and the required documentation before confirming the facility terms. Use the Get In Touch option on this page to begin the conversation with DTB.