NCBA Bank has officially unveiled its 99th branch in Kenya, and in effect strategically planted its flag in Kawangware, a densely populated and economically vibrant area in Nairobi.
The move is part of NCBA Bank’s wider strategy to accelerate financial inclusion and provide customized banking solutions to underserved SMEs and retail customers across the region.
The new branch is located on the ground floor of Soko Safi Mall, along Naivasha Road.
The Kawangware branch has been designed with a strong focus on offering convenience and tailored products for SMEs, informal sector traders, and individuals who often face barriers to formal financial services.
Speaking at the official opening, NCBA Acting Group Director for Retail Banking, Dennis Njau, underscored the import of the new branch in enabling grassroots entrepreneurship.
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“It is a proud moment to mark the official opening of our 99th branch in Kawangware, a community that reflects the energy and entrepreneurial spirit of Kenya’s SME and retail sector," said Njau.
He went on: “At NCBA, we are committed to supporting SMEs and growing with the communities we serve, aligned with our strategy of scaling up retail banking by being the primary bank for SME and retail customers.”
Tailored Banking Solutions
What sets the Kawangware branch apart from the others in the NCBA network is its suite of tools designed for small businesses, many of which operate in the informal sector.
The introduction of NCBA Tills, a cashless collection solution, is enabling local traders and SMEs to manage payments more efficiently and securely, reducing the need to handle large sums of cash.
“Through our robust product offering including digital account onboarding, mobile loans, asset finance, and SME-focused tools like NCBA Tills, we are making financial services more accessible and impactful,” noted Njau.
The branch also supports digital onboarding, which means customers can open bank accounts within minutes using their mobile phones, a vital feature in areas where mobility and convenience are essential.
Additionally, SMEs in the area can access mobile loans to help them bridge capital gaps and scale their operations, and asset finance to invest in tools of trade, vehicles or equipment.
“This branch is not just a milestone, but a meaningful step in deepening our collaboration with the County Government as we work together to drive financial inclusion, support local enterprise, and empower the dreams of our people,” he added.
Empowering Entrepreneurs
Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi lauded the initiative, emphasizing the key role financial institutions must play in unlocking the potential of local businesses.
“This collaboration between Nairobi County and financial institutions like NCBA reflects a shared commitment to unlocking opportunities for small and medium enterprises.
“By bringing financial services closer to the people, we are not just opening a branch, we are opening doors for thousands of entrepreneurs to access the tools, capital, and financial support they require to grow.”
Green Banking
In line with its Change the Story Sustainability Agenda, NCBA also used the Kawangware unveiling to advance its environmental mission of planting 10 million trees by 2030.
The bank partnered with Missionary Sisters of Precious Blood to plant 110 trees and donated sustainable school bags and food supplies to Amani Primary School, while engaging the community on both financial and social empowerment.
Key Successes
The new NCBA Bank branch has been service 130 daily customers and serves retail and trade, Transport, food and hospitality, informal sector, real estate, schools and churches.
The branch has so far seen a total of 1,065 accounts and 382 Tills opened with a balance sheet of 212 million since it opened its doors for business back in December 2024.
The popular solutions customers are seeking are digital banking, personal loans, mobile lending, SME loans, group and chama banking, merchant services and till numbers, and rent collection support.
The branch that has 11 employees currently boasts of a loan book of Sh52.4 million and liabilities of Sh87 million mainly touching on the transport sector, consumer, and traders.
NCBA’s presence in the fast-growing area has been well received and is widely seen as a game-changer due to the bank’s reputation and convenience to traders, women-led businesses, real estate and supermarkets.
Branch 100 Loading
With the 100th branch opening on the horizon, NCBA Bank’s Kawangware success story reflects the importance of proximity banking, digital-first solutions, and community partnerships in driving financial growth for Kenyans at all levels.
As the bank continues to grow its retail footprint, it remains committed to bridging the gap between formal finance and everyday hustlers, helping turn dreams into viable, bankable businesses.
The new branch is part of NCBA’s strategy of becoming a distinguished brand known for customer experience and scale retail banking and expand distribution by being the primary partner for SME and retail customers.
