National Bank of Kenya

What National Bank of Kenya does

National Bank of Kenya (NBK) is a Nairobi-headquartered commercial bank founded in 1968, serving retail, SME, corporate, diaspora, and Shariah-compliant (Amanah) customers through a national branch network and digital channels including internet banking, mobile banking, and the *456# USSD platform. In May 2025, Access Bank Plc acquired NBK from KCB Group for $109.6 million, with the entity now operating as Access Bank Kenya PLC. The bank's product suite spans current and savings accounts, personal and business loans, debit and credit cards, trade finance, treasury and FX services, diaspora remittances, and Islamic banking products, with vertical-specific programmes (W-Initiative for women, ElimuKonnect for education, MajiKonnect for water/sanitation) layered on top.

The business model is anchored in net interest income from the loan book and deposits, supplemented by transaction fees, card interchange, FX/trading revenue, and remittance commissions — typical of Kenyan commercial banking. Distribution combines owned branches, ATMs, agency banking, USSD and mobile channels, and partnership-driven remittance corridors (WorldRemit, Western Union, MoneyGram, M-Pesa, PesaPepe, Xpress Money, Visa). Customer acquisition is segmented by income bracket, business size, gender, geography (diaspora), and faith (Amanah), with vertical programmes used to drive both deposit mobilisation and lending penetration.

In 2025, NBK reported a full-year pretax profit of KES 2.91 billion (+178% YoY), net profit of KES 2.39 billion (+125% YoY), and a 37% reduction in loan-loss provisions, indicating a material turnaround in earnings and asset quality coinciding with the ownership change. Strategic intent under Access Bank Plc appears focused on balance-sheet repair, ecosystem expansion through vertical programmes, and pan-African integration rather than digital disruption.

Name

National Bank of Kenya

Legal name

National Bank Limited

Website

https://nationalbank.co.ke

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

National Bank of Kenya is a Nairobi-based commercial bank founded in 1968, acquired by Access Bank Plc in May 2025. It serves retail, SME, corporate, diaspora, and Islamic-banking customers through a national branch network, mobile and USSD channels, and partnership-driven remittance corridors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Banking

NAICS

Commercial Banking (522110), Depository Credit Intermediation (5221)

SIC

National Commercial Banks (6021)

akta.pro primary industry

General SME & Middle-Market Commercial Banking (FSABABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Islamic SME & Commercial Banking (FSABAGAB), SME Business Lending (Term Loans, Lines of Credit, Overdrafts) (FSABABAB)

Keywords

• Retail banking services
• Corporate banking solutions
• Sme lending programs
• Islamic banking services
• Trade finance solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Nairobi

HQ country

Kenya

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Interest Income: The bank earns interest income from lending activities including personal loans, mortgages, business loans, and corporate financing. Interest rates are typically benchmark-based (CBR + margin).
2. Account Fees and Charges: Monthly maintenance fees, ledger fees, ATM withdrawal fees, and various account service charges across personal, business, and corporate accounts.
3. Transaction Fees: Fees from money transfers, cheque processing, foreign exchange transactions, and payment services.
4. Trade Finance Services: Letters of credit, guarantees, documentary collections, and supply chain financing generate fees and commissions.
5. Bancassurance: Insurance products sold through NBK Bancassurance Intermediary Limited including health, motor, property, life, and agricultural insurance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

National Bank of Kenya is a licensed commercial bank operating across five customer segments: individual consumers (current/savings accounts, personal loans, mortgages, credit/debit cards), SMEs and micro-enterprises (Jenga Biashara accounts/loans, trade finance, sector programs), corporates (corporate accounts, treasury services, custody, short-term financing, transactional solutions), Shariah-compliant customers under the National Amanah brand, and diaspora Kenyans (multi-currency accounts, mortgages, investment advisory, insurance). The bank distributes through a national branch network, NatMobile app, NatConnect internet banking, USSD *625#, M-Pesa integration, and international money transfer partnerships.

Product overview

National Bank of Kenya operates as a diversified financial services platform offering a comprehensive suite of banking products across five main segments: Personal Banking (retail current and savings accounts, personal loans, mortgages, and credit/debit cards), Business Banking (SME and micro-enterprise accounts, business loans including Jenga Biashara and Jenga Chama products, trade finance, and sector-specific programs like W-Initiative for women, ElimuKonnect for education, and MajiKonnect for water/sanitation), Corporate Banking (corporate accounts, treasury services, custody, transactional solutions, and short-term financing), National Amanah (Shariah-compliant Islamic banking including Amanah accounts, Almasi women's banking, and Takaful-compliant financing), and Diaspora Banking (offshore accounts, mortgages, and investment services). The bank also provides supplementary services including bancassurance, digital banking via NatOnline and mobile, property sales, and money transfer services through Western Union, MoneyGram, and WorldRemit partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Personal Current Account Basic current account for frequent money movers and cheque users, with debit card access, co-ownership options, and 24-hour access via ATMs, mobile, or internet banking. Opening balance KSh 1,000; ledger fee KSh 35.
• Premium Current Account High-end banking account with personalized service, free cheque book, free transfers, dedicated relationship manager, and fee waivers for balances above KSh 200,000. Monthly fee KSh 1,200.
• Foreign Currency Current Account Multi-currency current account operating in USD, EUR, GBP, and KES for customers with international business or overseas payment needs.
• Ahadi Savings Savings account with tiered interest rates up to 5% per annum, limited to one withdrawal every 3 months, with free over-the-counter withdrawals and zero ledger fees. Opening balance KES 1,000.
• Vision Savings Children's savings account with 5% interest rate per annum, free banker cheques for school fees, and no minimum operating balance.
• Ahadi Premium Savings Account Premium savings account with tiered interest up to 5% per annum and limited access to funds every 3 months for disciplined saving.
• Nat625 Mobile Mobile-only transactional account accessible via USSD *625# or mobile app, with maximum transaction value of KSh 70,000 and account balance limit of KSh 150,000.
• National Transactional Account Flexible transactional account with 24-hour access via Visa debit card, ATMs, and internet banking, with opening balance of KSh 500.
• Student Account Account designed for tertiary education students with zero operating balance, free banker cheques, and ATM cash/cheque deposits.
• Taifa Account Pay-as-you-go salary account with flexible mandate options for individual or joint operation, featuring 24-hour ATM access.
• Unsecured Personal Loan Quick loan facility of up to KSh 6 million without security, processed within 48 hours, designed for employees of companies with NBK check-off agreements. Interest at CBR + Bank Margin.
• Cash-backed Car Loan Vehicle financing for new or used cars with 100% value financing, tenure up to 60 months for new cars, including comprehensive insurance and tracker charges.
• Residential Mortgage Home loan for purchasing existing houses or switching from other institutions, with Loan to Value ratio up to 90% and tenure up to 25 years. Interest at CBR + 4% p.a.
• Residential Construction Mortgage Construction financing with Loan to Value up to 90% of bill of quantities, tenure up to 25 years, and customizable design options.
• USD & GBP Denominated Residential Mortgage Mortgage for USD/GBP/EURO earners to purchase or build residential property, with up to 90% Loan to Value, tenure up to 10 years.
• Visa Classic Card Credit card available to customers and non-customers with card limits from KSh 30,000 to KSh 199,999, free swipe payments, and minimum net salary requirement of KSh 20,000.
• Visa Gold Card Travel-focused credit card with card limits from KSh 200,000 to KSh 399,999, travel support, medical and legal assistance, and minimum net salary of KSh 134,000.
• Visa Platinum Card Premium credit card with global emergency assistance, card limit from KSh 400,000, minimum net salary of KSh 267,000, and exclusive lifestyle benefits.
• Classic Debit Card Visa debit card with worldwide acceptance, PIN security, 3D secure online payments, POS payments, and access to PESA POINT and Visa ATMs.
• Gold Debit Card Premium debit card with emergency medical coverage and legal referral services when traveling abroad.
• Platinum Debit Card Prestigious debit card for frequent travelers with Visa Platinum privileges including VISA Luxury Hotels access.
• Jenga Biashara Account Micro business savings account with zero operating balance, real-time Lipa na M-Pesa settlements, and access to business loans.
• SME Current Account Business account with no minimum balance, access to SME loans up to KSh 3 million without collateral, and free monthly e-statements.
• SME Transactional Account Day-to-day transactional account for microenterprises with zero maintenance fee and access to business loans.
• SME Business Loan Unsecured business loan up to KSh 3 million with 12-month repayment period and 13% interest rate, no collateral required.
• Jenga Biashara Loan Small business loan up to KSh 5 million with tenure up to 48 months, 13% interest rate (CBR 9% + 4% variable margin), and insurance cover on purchased assets.
• Jenga Chama Loan Group investment loan up to KSh 50 million for chamas investing in construction, agribusiness, or property with 72-month repayment period.
• Trade Finance Comprehensive trade facilitation including guarantees (bid bonds, performance bonds), letters of credit, bill discounting, documentary collections, import/export finance, and supply chain financing for SMEs and corporates.
• W-Initiative Women-focused banking program combining conventional (NIA) and Shariah-compliant (Almasi Lady) offerings with financial products, capacity building, mentorship, networking forums, and lifestyle benefits for women entrepreneurs and professionals.
• ElimuKonnect Education sector financing program providing flexible loans for schools (infrastructure, asset finance, ICT), MSMEs in the education value chain, and WASH products.
• MajiKonnect Water Sanitation and Hygiene sector financing program for MSMEs, corporates, and Water Service Providers with customized collateral requirements and technical assistance. KSh 1.2 billion disbursed through this program.
• Corporate Current Account Business account with dedicated relationship manager, customized cheque book, zero minimum operating balance, same-day transactions, and branchless banking access.
• Corporate Trade Finance Local and international trade support including bid bonds, guarantees, documentary collections, and structured trade finance solutions for corporates.
• Short Term Financing Corporate financing solutions including working capital loans, overdrafts, asset finance, and term loans with flexible repayment structures.
• Treasury Services Foreign exchange trading, forward transactions, spot transactions, and money transfer services via Western Union and MoneyGram for corporate and institutional clients.
• Custody Services Safekeeping and management of financial assets for pension schemes, investment banks, and fund managers with settlement, income collection, treasury bond trading, Central Depository accounts, and corporate trustee services.
• NBK Corporate Online Banking (NatOnline) Internet banking platform for money transfers, bill payments, account information, e-statements, automated reporting, and electronic payment services including Trade Portal for international trade transactions and E-Pay for high-volume corporate payments.
• National Amanah (Shariah-Compliant Banking) Comprehensive Shariah-compliant banking suite including personal accounts (Amanah Taifa, Almasi, Amanah Student, Amanah Vision), Amanah mortgages, unsecured personal financing up to KSh 8 million, business accounts (Amanah Jenga, Amanah Business Current), business loans (Amanah Jenga Biashara, Amanah Jenga Kilimo, Amanah Asset Finance), and Shariah-compliant trade finance.
• Amanah Mortgages Shariah-compliant home financing for purchasing houses, plots, mortgage takeovers, and company housing schemes.
• Amanah Jenga Kilimo Loan Shariah-compliant agricultural financing with 3-month grace period and repayment up to 48 months for farm equipment, inputs, and agribusiness needs.
• Ahadi Account (Diaspora) Diaspora savings account in KES, USD, GBP, EUR with tiered interest up to 5% and restricted quarterly withdrawals.
• Premium Current Account (Diaspora) Diaspora premium account with free Priority Pass, Platinum Visa Debit card, premium lounge access, available in KES, GBP, EUR, USD.
• Diaspora Mortgage Home financing for diaspora customers investing in property in Kenya.
• Diaspora Investment Advisory Services Fixed and call deposits in KES, USD, GBP plus treasury bills and bonds for diaspora investors.
• Diaspora Insurance Insurance products for diaspora including home protection, education, last expense, and medical cover with premiums payable from abroad.
• NBK Bancassurance Intermediary Limited Bancassurance subsidiary offering motor, health, property, general, and life insurance products through the bank's distribution network.
• Property Sales Real estate marketplace for NBK-owned properties including maisonettes, apartments, and land parcels with financing options up to 90% available through the bank's mortgage products.
• School Fee Payment Service School fee collection service via M-Pesa pay bill 625625, NatMobile app, and over-the-counter at branches.

Quantifiable outcome

• 178% increase in pretax profit to KSh 2.91 billion in 2025 under Access Bank ownership
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• WorldRemitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorldRemit partnership allows NBK customers in the diaspora to send money from abroad for cash pickup at NBK branches or directly to bank accounts in Kenya. NBK processes receive transactions both for cash pickup and bank deposit, with funds available same day for transactions before 3PM Kenyan time.
• Ashitiva Advocates LLPminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLegal advisory partner for the National Business Forum initiative, providing business and legal advisory services to SME members. Ashitiva is a leading law firm in Energy, Natural Resources & Infrastructure, Financial Services & Construction sectors.
• The Leadership Group (TLG)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeadership development partner for the National Business Forum, providing mentorship, capacity building, and leadership development programmes for SMEs. Led by seasoned practitioners with track record in business transformation.
• African Guarantee Fund (AGF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe-risking partnership enabling NBK to provide affordable credit to women-owned businesses through partial credit guarantees, facilitating access to finance for SMEs under W-Initiative programme.
• AFAWA (Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical assistance and advisory partnership supporting women-owned businesses through capacity building programmes, financial literacy, and business development services under W-Initiative.
• Western UnioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMoney transfer partnership enabling customers to receive international remittances through Western Union's global network at NBK branches across Kenya.
• MoneyGramcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMoney transfer partnership providing diaspora customers with additional option to receive international money transfers at NBK branches.
• Insurance ProviderscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNBK Bancassurance Intermediary Limited distributes insurance products from various providers including health, motor, property, life, and agricultural insurance to bank customers.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• I&M Bank Kenya: I&M Bank is a mid-tier Kenyan commercial bank with a strong corporate and private banking focus. It is a close scale comparable to NBK and competes in similar corporate, mortgage, and SME segments.
• KCB Bank Kenya: KCB Bank Kenya is the largest commercial bank in Kenya and NBK's previous parent (2019-2025). It competes directly across retail, SME, corporate, and diaspora segments and is the most direct comparable given shared operating geography, customer base, and product mix.
• Equity Bank Kenya: Equity Bank is one of Kenya's largest banks by customer base with a strong focus on financial inclusion, SMEs, and diaspora banking. It competes directly with NBK in retail, microfinance, and SME lending, and is widely viewed as the innovation leader in Kenyan digital banking.
• Absa Bank Kenya: Absa Bank Kenya is a tier-1 universal bank offering retail, SME, corporate, and wealth services. It competes directly with NBK across all five segments (including its own Islamic banking proposition) and is comparable on product breadth and target customer mix.
• Gulf African Bank: Gulf African Bank is Kenya's leading fully Shariah-compliant commercial bank. It is the most direct comparable to NBK's National Amanah Islamic banking franchise and competes for the same halal-conscious customer base.
• Diamond Trust Bank Kenya: Diamond Trust Bank Kenya is a mid-tier commercial bank with a footprint across East Africa. It competes with NBK in retail, SME, and corporate banking, and is a useful size and product-mix comparable.
• Co-operative Bank of Kenya: Co-operative Bank is a major tier-1 Kenyan commercial bank with deep SME and Sacco-linked customer reach. It competes head-to-head with NBK in SME lending, mortgages, and trade finance, and is a useful scale benchmark.
• Standard Chartered Bank Kenya: Standard Chartered Kenya is a global bank with strong corporate, trade finance, and priority/diaspora banking franchises. It competes directly with NBK in corporate banking, treasury services, and high-net-worth diaspora customers.

Broad incumbents

• Access Bank Plc: Access Bank Plc is NBK's parent company (acquired May 2025) and one of Africa's largest banking groups. While not a direct competitor in Kenya, Access Bank's pan-African subsidiary strategy makes it a structural comparable on group-wide banking operations, technology, and risk frameworks.

Emerging players

• Sidian Bank: Sidian Bank is a smaller Kenyan commercial bank focused on SMEs, youth, and women segments. It competes with NBK in micro and SME banking, particularly via its own sector-specific and inclusion-focused programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses3 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/National_Bank
• Facebookfacebook.com/NationalBankofKenya
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/national-bank-of-kenya

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about National Bank of Kenya