SDLG Equipment Finance Documents Checklist for Kenyan Buyers
The fastest way to delay an SDLG machine purchase in Kenya is an incomplete finance file. Lenders return applications missing a KRA PIN, a bank statement or a CR12 every week — and each return adds days to your approval. This checklist lists every document an individual buyer, company, start-up or fleet buyer should prepare before applying for SDLG equipment finance in Kenya, based on the current requirements of the asset-finance partners Trust Partners Geo-Group works with. Requirements vary by lender and applicant, so treat this as a preparation guide and confirm the final list against your written quotation.
| Applies to | New and used SDLG excavators, wheel loaders, graders, rollers, backhoes and compact equipment bought through Trust Partners Geo-Group Ltd |
| Document lead time | 1–5 working days for most individual buyers; 3–10 working days where CR12, audited accounts or LPO contracts are required |
| Typical approval window | 3–14 working days for a complete file, depending on lender, loan size and collateral (not guaranteed) |
| Deposit range | Commonly 10–30% for established buyers; higher or additional security may apply to start-ups and used machines |
| Verification date | 2026-10-26 — confirm current lender terms before applying |
How SDLG equipment finance works in Kenya
Most SDLG purchases in Kenya are funded through asset finance: a lender buys the machine and you repay over an agreed tenor, usually with the machine as security. The dealer's role is to introduce you to the lender, prepare a proforma invoice and support the file — the credit decision always belongs to the lender, not the dealer. That distinction matters for your paperwork: the dealer needs documents to quote accurately, and the lender needs documents to assess risk. A complete file serves both at once.
If you are new to the structure, read our step-by-step SDLG asset finance guide first, then return here to assemble your documents. You can also explore the full SDLG financing hub and the SDLG equipment range to decide which machine you are financing.
1. Documents every applicant needs
Regardless of whether you buy as an individual or a company, the lenders we work with consistently ask for the following core set:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| National ID or valid passport | Clear copy of the applicant (and guarantors, where required). Must be unexpired. |
| KRA PIN certificate | Current and active. Download the latest copy from iTax before applying. |
| Recent passport photographs | Usually 1–2, sometimes requested at signing rather than application. |
| Bank statements — last 6 months | All active business or personal accounts; the statement that receives your main income matters most. |
| Proforma invoice / quotation | Issued by Trust Partners Geo-Group for the exact machine, configuration and price. Start with the cost estimate calculator to frame your budget before requesting a formal quote. |
| Deposit evidence | Bank statement or other proof that the deposit and fees are available. |
2. Sole proprietors and individual contractors
Individual buyers running a registered business add the business layer to the core set:
- Certificate of registration or business permit for the trading name
- KRA tax compliance certificate (valid at the time of application)
- 6–12 months of evidence of income — invoices, contracts, M-Pesa or till statements can support the bank statements
- Existing loan statements for any current equipment finance, to support affordability assessment
3. Limited companies and partnerships
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Certificate of incorporation | Plus CR12 (register of directors and shareholders), usually not older than 3 months. |
| KRA PIN and tax compliance certificate | In the company's name; individual directors' PINs may also be requested. |
| Board resolution | Authorising the borrowing, the signatories and the equipment purchase. |
| Audited financial statements | Typically 1–3 years, where available; management accounts may be accepted for younger companies. |
| Directors' and guarantors' ID and PIN copies | Personal guarantees are commonly required for SME borrowing. |
4. Start-ups and LPO-backed contracts
New businesses with little history can still be considered, but the file needs substitutes for trading history:
- The signed Local Purchase Order (LPO), contract or award letter, ideally from a reputable county, government body or established private procurer
- Contract cash-flow schedule showing how repayments will be met
- Higher deposit — lenders frequently ask above the standard range for start-ups
- One or more guarantors with documented income, ID, PIN and bank statements
- A credible work plan linking the machine to verifiable projects
5. Fleet and multi-machine buyers
Contractors financing several machines at once — for example an SDLG excavator with a wheel loader or compaction rollers — should add:
- A fleet schedule listing existing machines, serial numbers, financiers and outstanding balances
- Evidence of utilisation — hire records, site diaries or contracts showing the machines working
- A staged delivery plan, since lenders may link disbursement to project milestones
- Insurance schedule for existing financed assets
6. Extra documents for used equipment
Financing a used SDLG machine adds verification steps. Expect requests for the service history, inspection or valuation report, original purchase documents where available, and confirmation of any outstanding finance on the unit. Ask the SDLG desk for the current lender criteria on age, hours and valuation for used machines — they change between lenders and over time.
7. The application sequence: where each document lands
- Estimate and quotation. Define the machine and budget with the cost estimate calculator, then request a written proforma invoice.
- File assembly. Gather every item in sections 1–6 above into one indexed PDF — this is where most delays are won or lost.
- Submission and assessment. The lender reviews affordability, credit history, collateral and the equipment's value. Keep your phone reachable for verification calls.
- Approval and signing. Review the offer letter: deposit, tenor, rate, fees, insurance and total repayment. Our total cost of credit guide explains what to check before signing.
- Insurance and disbursement. Comprehensive insurance is arranged, the lender pays the dealer, and delivery is scheduled.
- Handover. Machine inspection, operator orientation and documentation handover. See our finance tenor guide for how 36–84 month terms change your repayment and total cost.
8. The five things lenders actually assess
- Character: credit history and repayment behaviour, checked through CRB.
- Capacity: whether your demonstrated income can carry the monthly repayment.
- Capital: the deposit and your existing stake in the business.
- Collateral: the machine itself, plus guarantees or additional security where required.
- Conditions: the economic environment, contract strength and the machine's resale prospects.
Common mistakes that stall applications
- Submitting an expired tax compliance certificate or an old CR12
- Bank statements that do not show the income claimed in the application
- Quotations for a different configuration than the one on the proforma
- Missing guarantor documents — send the guarantor's full set, not just a signature
- Applying before the deposit is actually available in a traceable account
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the minimum deposit for SDLG equipment finance in Kenya?
Deposit requirements are lender- and applicant-specific. Established businesses are commonly quoted 10–30%, while start-ups and used machines may attract higher requirements. Confirm the exact figure against your written offer letter; no universal rate applies.
2. Can I get SDLG equipment finance without a company?
Yes. Individual contractors and sole proprietors can apply in their personal capacity with ID, KRA PIN, bank statements and income evidence. The lender may still ask for business registration documents if you trade under a business name.
3. How long does approval take with a complete file?
A complete file is typically assessed within 3–14 working days depending on the lender, loan size and verification steps. Incomplete files take longer because every missing document restarts part of the review.
4. Do I need a bank account, or can I use M-Pesa statements?
Most asset-finance lenders require a bank account, but M-Pesa and till statements increasingly support income verification for businesses whose turnover runs through mobile money. Confirm what your specific lender accepts before applying.
5. Can a start-up with no trading history finance an SDLG machine?
Possibly, with a strong contract or LPO, a higher deposit, guarantors and a credible work plan. Approval is never automatic — the lender weighs the contract's strength and the guarantors' capacity.
6. Are the documents different for graders and rollers versus excavators?
No. The applicant file is the same across the SDLG range — excavators, motor graders, rollers and backhoe and compact equipment. Only the proforma invoice changes, to match the machine and configuration you are buying.
7. Does applying affect my CRB record?
Lenders check CRB as part of assessment, and the loan itself is reported once disbursed. Multiple simultaneous applications to several lenders can signal distress; it is better to prepare one strong file.
8. Where do I start if I am not sure which SDLG machine to finance?
Begin with the SDLG equipment hub to shortlist models, run the numbers on the cost estimate calculator, and read our asset finance step-by-step guide. Then contact the SDLG desk for a written quotation you can take to a lender.
Get your SDLG equipment finance file moving
Send us the machine you want and we will prepare a written quotation and the lender-ready document pack checklist for your situation — individual, company, start-up or fleet.
Disclaimer: Finance terms, deposits, tenors and approval timelines are lender-specific and date-dependent. This guide reflects requirements verified on 2026-10-26 and is general information, not a credit offer. Trust Partners Geo-Group Ltd introduces buyers to lenders; all credit decisions rest with the lenders.
SDLG Equipment Finance Documents Checklist for Kenyan Buyers
The fastest way to delay an SDLG machine purchase in Kenya is an incomplete finance file. Lenders return applications missing a KRA PIN, a bank statement or a CR12 every week — and each return adds days to your approval. This checklist lists every document an individual buyer, company, start-up or fleet buyer should prepare before applying for SDLG equipment finance in Kenya, based on the current requirements of the asset-finance partners Trust Partners Geo-Group works with. Requirements vary by lender and applicant, so treat this as a preparation guide and confirm the final list against your written quotation.
| Applies to | New and used SDLG excavators, wheel loaders, graders, rollers, backhoes and compact equipment bought through Trust Partners Geo-Group Ltd |
| Document lead time | 1–5 working days for most individual buyers; 3–10 working days where CR12, audited accounts or LPO contracts are required |
| Typical approval window | 3–14 working days for a complete file, depending on lender, loan size and collateral (not guaranteed) |
| Deposit range | Commonly 10–30% for established buyers; higher or additional security may apply to start-ups and used machines |
| Verification date | 2026-10-26 — confirm current lender terms before applying |
How SDLG equipment finance works in Kenya
Most SDLG purchases in Kenya are funded through asset finance: a lender buys the machine and you repay over an agreed tenor, usually with the machine as security. The dealer's role is to introduce you to the lender, prepare a proforma invoice and support the file — the credit decision always belongs to the lender, not the dealer. That distinction matters for your paperwork: the dealer needs documents to quote accurately, and the lender needs documents to assess risk. A complete file serves both at once.
If you are new to the structure, read our step-by-step SDLG asset finance guide first, then return here to assemble your documents. You can also explore the full SDLG financing hub and the SDLG equipment range to decide which machine you are financing.
1. Documents every applicant needs
Regardless of whether you buy as an individual or a company, the lenders we work with consistently ask for the following core set:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| National ID or valid passport | Clear copy of the applicant (and guarantors, where required). Must be unexpired. |
| KRA PIN certificate | Current and active. Download the latest copy from iTax before applying. |
| Recent passport photographs | Usually 1–2, sometimes requested at signing rather than application. |
| Bank statements — last 6 months | All active business or personal accounts; the statement that receives your main income matters most. |
| Proforma invoice / quotation | Issued by Trust Partners Geo-Group for the exact machine, configuration and price. Start with the cost estimate calculator to frame your budget before requesting a formal quote. |
| Deposit evidence | Bank statement or other proof that the deposit and fees are available. |
2. Sole proprietors and individual contractors
Individual buyers running a registered business add the business layer to the core set:
- Certificate of registration or business permit for the trading name
- KRA tax compliance certificate (valid at the time of application)
- 6–12 months of evidence of income — invoices, contracts, M-Pesa or till statements can support the bank statements
- Existing loan statements for any current equipment finance, to support affordability assessment
3. Limited companies and partnerships
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Certificate of incorporation | Plus CR12 (register of directors and shareholders), usually not older than 3 months. |
| KRA PIN and tax compliance certificate | In the company's name; individual directors' PINs may also be requested. |
| Board resolution | Authorising the borrowing, the signatories and the equipment purchase. |
| Audited financial statements | Typically 1–3 years, where available; management accounts may be accepted for younger companies. |
| Directors' and guarantors' ID and PIN copies | Personal guarantees are commonly required for SME borrowing. |
4. Start-ups and LPO-backed contracts
New businesses with little history can still be considered, but the file needs substitutes for trading history:
- The signed Local Purchase Order (LPO), contract or award letter, ideally from a reputable county, government body or established private procurer
- Contract cash-flow schedule showing how repayments will be met
- Higher deposit — lenders frequently ask above the standard range for start-ups
- One or more guarantors with documented income, ID, PIN and bank statements
- A credible work plan linking the machine to verifiable projects
5. Fleet and multi-machine buyers
Contractors financing several machines at once — for example an SDLG excavator with a wheel loader or compaction rollers — should add:
- A fleet schedule listing existing machines, serial numbers, financiers and outstanding balances
- Evidence of utilisation — hire records, site diaries or contracts showing the machines working
- A staged delivery plan, since lenders may link disbursement to project milestones
- Insurance schedule for existing financed assets
6. Extra documents for used equipment
Financing a used SDLG machine adds verification steps. Expect requests for the service history, inspection or valuation report, original purchase documents where available, and confirmation of any outstanding finance on the unit. Ask the SDLG desk for the current lender criteria on age, hours and valuation for used machines — they change between lenders and over time.
7. The application sequence: where each document lands
- Estimate and quotation. Define the machine and budget with the cost estimate calculator, then request a written proforma invoice.
- File assembly. Gather every item in sections 1–6 above into one indexed PDF — this is where most delays are won or lost.
- Submission and assessment. The lender reviews affordability, credit history, collateral and the equipment's value. Keep your phone reachable for verification calls.
- Approval and signing. Review the offer letter: deposit, tenor, rate, fees, insurance and total repayment. Our total cost of credit guide explains what to check before signing.
- Insurance and disbursement. Comprehensive insurance is arranged, the lender pays the dealer, and delivery is scheduled.
- Handover. Machine inspection, operator orientation and documentation handover. See our finance tenor guide for how 36–84 month terms change your repayment and total cost.
8. The five things lenders actually assess
- Character: credit history and repayment behaviour, checked through CRB.
- Capacity: whether your demonstrated income can carry the monthly repayment.
- Capital: the deposit and your existing stake in the business.
- Collateral: the machine itself, plus guarantees or additional security where required.
- Conditions: the economic environment, contract strength and the machine's resale prospects.
Common mistakes that stall applications
- Submitting an expired tax compliance certificate or an old CR12
- Bank statements that do not show the income claimed in the application
- Quotations for a different configuration than the one on the proforma
- Missing guarantor documents — send the guarantor's full set, not just a signature
- Applying before the deposit is actually available in a traceable account
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the minimum deposit for SDLG equipment finance in Kenya?
Deposit requirements are lender- and applicant-specific. Established businesses are commonly quoted 10–30%, while start-ups and used machines may attract higher requirements. Confirm the exact figure against your written offer letter; no universal rate applies.
2. Can I get SDLG equipment finance without a company?
Yes. Individual contractors and sole proprietors can apply in their personal capacity with ID, KRA PIN, bank statements and income evidence. The lender may still ask for business registration documents if you trade under a business name.
3. How long does approval take with a complete file?
A complete file is typically assessed within 3–14 working days depending on the lender, loan size and verification steps. Incomplete files take longer because every missing document restarts part of the review.
4. Do I need a bank account, or can I use M-Pesa statements?
Most asset-finance lenders require a bank account, but M-Pesa and till statements increasingly support income verification for businesses whose turnover runs through mobile money. Confirm what your specific lender accepts before applying.
5. Can a start-up with no trading history finance an SDLG machine?
Possibly, with a strong contract or LPO, a higher deposit, guarantors and a credible work plan. Approval is never automatic — the lender weighs the contract's strength and the guarantors' capacity.
6. Are the documents different for graders and rollers versus excavators?
No. The applicant file is the same across the SDLG range — excavators, motor graders, rollers and backhoe and compact equipment. Only the proforma invoice changes, to match the machine and configuration you are buying.
7. Does applying affect my CRB record?
Lenders check CRB as part of assessment, and the loan itself is reported once disbursed. Multiple simultaneous applications to several lenders can signal distress; it is better to prepare one strong file.
8. Where do I start if I am not sure which SDLG machine to finance?
Begin with the SDLG equipment hub to shortlist models, run the numbers on the cost estimate calculator, and read our asset finance step-by-step guide. Then contact the SDLG desk for a written quotation you can take to a lender.
Get your SDLG equipment finance file moving
Send us the machine you want and we will prepare a written quotation and the lender-ready document pack checklist for your situation — individual, company, start-up or fleet.
Disclaimer: Finance terms, deposits, tenors and approval timelines are lender-specific and date-dependent. This guide reflects requirements verified on 2026-10-26 and is general information, not a credit offer. Trust Partners Geo-Group Ltd introduces buyers to lenders; all credit decisions rest with the lenders.
