Access Bank Plc, KCB Group Complete National Bank Of Kenya Transaction

Yemisi Izuora

KCB Group Plc and Access Bank Plc, have completed the sale of National Bank of Kenya Limited (NBK) to Access Bank Plc, marking the conclusion of a transaction that began in March 2024.

This follows the receipt of all regulatory approvals customary for a transaction of this nature.
As a result, NBK, where KCB Group had 100 per cent ownership, is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Bank Plc.

The NBK and Access Bank Kenya will continue to operate independently, pending the completion of all integration processes.
The acquisition is a pivotal step in Access Bank’s expansion strategy in East Africa. The combined  entity   will   significantly   enhance   Access   Bank’s   presence   in   Kenya, strengthening the bank’s presence in the region. This move will allow Access Bank to offer an even more robust suite of banking services, catering to the evolving needs of individuals and businesses across Kenya.
Commenting   on   the   completion   of   the   transaction,   Roosevelt   Ogbonna,   Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, said: “Finalising this acquisition marks a significant step in our drive towards unlocking the vast potential of East Africa’s financial landscape. Kenya stands at the heart of regional commerce, and with NBK now part of the Access Bank family, are better positioned to leverage our combined strengths to deliver high-impact banking solutions to individuals, businesses, and government institutions alike.
“NBK’s   heritage   and   local   expertise,   combined   with   our   pan-African   network   and innovation-led approach, will enable us to serve as a stronger catalyst for economic growth. Our ambition is clear: to be the bridge that connects African businesses to global markets, fuel intra-African trade, and drive inclusive prosperity. We are excited about what lies ahead as we lay the groundwork for a unified and more resilient banking presence in Kenya that empowers our customers and partners to thrive.”
The transaction reflects ongoing market developments to enhance the banking sector’s
resilience.
KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said, “The completion of this transaction marks a significant milestone for KCB Group in our efforts to create and deliver value for our shareholders.
We are confident the sale will unlock new opportunities for all the stakeholders. KCB Group will work closely with Access Bank to ensure a smooth handover, operational transition and collaborate on customary transaction closure processes. This includes finalising   the   transfer   of   systems   and  governance   functions   in   line   with   regulatory guidelines and service level commitments.
“KCB Group will also continue to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance and preserve customer confidence throughout the post-transaction integration period,” he added.
George Odhiambo, Managing Director of NBK, added, “NBK has a proud legacy of serving the public sector in Kenya, and this integration with Access Bank offers an exciting   opportunity   to   build   on  that   foundation.   Access   Bank’s   expertise   across corporate, retail, and digital banking – combined with a strong public sector focus – will allow us to serve customers more comprehensively and extend our reach.”
With  the legal  transaction  now  completed,  both  institutions  will  begin the  transition process to ensure a seamless integration. In the interim, customers will continue to access services through their existing banking channels – whether with NBK or Access
Bank Kenya. The immediate priority remains the alignment of operations, unification of teams, and harmonisation of product offerings as the banks move toward functioning as a single, consolidated entity.