Nairobi, Kenya – May 30, 2025: Access Bank Plc and KCB Group Plc have completed the acquisition of National Bank of Kenya (NBK), concluding a transaction initiated in March 2024. With all necessary regulatory approvals received, Access Bank now owns 100% of NBK, previously held by KCB Group.

As part of the transition, NBK and Access Bank Kenya will continue to operate as separate entities pending the full integration of their operations, systems, and governance functions, in accordance with regulatory guidelines and service level commitments.

This acquisition represents a strategic step in Access Bank’s broader expansion into East Africa, substantially strengthening its footprint in Kenya and enabling the delivery of enhanced banking services to individuals, businesses, and public institutions.

Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/CEO 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, we 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.”

KCB Group CEO Paul Russo noted:
“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 stakeholders. KCB Group will work closely with Access Bank to ensure a smooth handover, operational transition, and finalisation of 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.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:

Barbara Ezeife
Head, Marketing & Communications, African Subsidiaries
E: Barbara.Ezeife@AccessBankPlc.com
M: +234 818 861 5735

Peter Mwaura Kimani
Head of Corporate & Stakeholder Relations, KCB Group
E: pmkimani@kcbgroup.com

Bernadette Ngara
Director, Marketing, Corporate Communications & Citizenship, NBK
E: bwngara@nationalbank.co.ke