Entrepreneur's Corner

NCBA Bank Has Proved That They Are The Undisputed Financial Engine for Kenya’s Entrepreneurs and Self-Starters

BY Steve Biko · April 14, 2025 10:04 am

Few banks have demonstrated the agility, vision, and practical commitment to supporting entrepreneurs like NCBA Group. Beyond just offering banking products, NCBA has positioned itself as an enabler of growth for business owners, freelancers, and startups alike, embedding itself deeply into the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

NCBA’s rise to Tier 1 banking status in Kenya isn’t merely a badge of regulatory compliance—it’s a symbol of trust, scale, and resilience. Being regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya and consistently maintaining high standards across operations has ensured it attracts not just capital but confidence from small and medium enterprise (SME) owners who are constantly looking for dependable financial partners.

Its footprint across six African countries and a customer base exceeding 60 million illustrates not only the breadth of its operations, but the bank’s understanding of pan-African business dynamics. For entrepreneurs operating across borders or those aspiring to scale regionally, this kind of footprint offers seamless expansion opportunities under one banking umbrella.

Regional success has not come by chance. NCBA’s subsidiaries have shown remarkable performance in revenue growth, with a five-year positive trend in regional income that reflects both strategic acumen and market responsiveness. Entrepreneurs are best served by banks that understand regional economic rhythms, and NCBA is one of them.

Investors and business owners alike value institutions that blend technology with human insight. NCBA’s strength lies in this balance—its robust tech platforms are matched by grounded customer engagement, making it especially attractive for those in the self-employed sector who rely heavily on accessibility and digital convenience.

The acquisition of AIG Kenya and the rebranding to NCBA Insurance Company reflect a bold strategy of vertical integration. Entrepreneurs often seek bundled services—banking, insurance, asset management—and NCBA has built a seamless ecosystem where these needs are met under one roof, reducing fragmentation and lowering administrative burdens.

With seven subsidiaries now operating in tandem, the bank is positioning itself as a full-spectrum financial partner. For entrepreneurs, this means they can access credit, insure their operations, invest excess capital, and expand regionally—all with one financial institution that truly understands enterprise needs.

One of NCBA’s most telling strengths is its performance on its Strategy Scorecard. This internal metric not only tracks financial growth, but operational efficiency and innovation. When a bank is “firing on all cylinders,” as the analysis shows, it spells reliability, and for business owners, reliability is the foundation upon which business decisions are made.

Nowhere is NCBA’s innovation more visible than in its digital lending. From Ksh 434 billion in 2023 to a staggering Ksh 1 trillion in 2024, digital loan disbursements have more than doubled. This shows not only a growing demand but also NCBA’s capacity to respond rapidly to market needs. For entrepreneurs seeking quick credit turnaround, this digital dominance is a game changer.

What’s crucial about NCBA’s digital loans is their inclusivity. The bank has structured these products to be accessible, with minimal bureaucracy—exactly the kind of financing self-employed people need to manage cash flow, fund inventory, or scale quickly in response to opportunity.

Sustainability is not a buzzword for NCBA—it is a practice. As the first bank in Africa to publish a Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure report, NCBA demonstrates that it doesn’t just lend for profit but lends with conscience. Entrepreneurs seeking ethical partnerships will find a natural home here.

This sustainability reporting is not cosmetic; it is aligned with global frameworks, giving entrepreneurs access to banking relationships that elevate their ESG profiles—critical for businesses seeking to attract investors, especially those in the green and social enterprise space.

Further cementing its place as a top-tier financial player is NCBA’s leadership in managing Unit Trust Schemes—some of the largest in the country. For business owners looking to grow surplus income or set up investment arms, these schemes offer well-managed, diversified investment vehicles backed by NCBA’s proven expertise.

Unlike many banks that focus solely on profit centers, NCBA’s involvement in community development adds a layer of goodwill that strengthens its brand. Entrepreneurs associated with NCBA are indirectly associated with initiatives that uplift society—this builds credibility and social capital.

The 35% control of the asset finance industry by NCBA is not just market share; it’s market leadership. For logistics firms, fleet owners, or SMEs requiring capital assets like vehicles or equipment, NCBA offers unparalleled expertise and favourable terms.

Indeed, asset finance can often be a barrier for new businesses. NCBA’s dominance in this space is a signal that the bank not only understands this pain point but actively works to eliminate it, making entrepreneurial dreams more achievable.

Entrepreneurship is about calculated risk-taking, and having a financial partner that de-risks growth phases is invaluable. Through its diverse financial products, from credit to insurance to savings, NCBA offers a protective financial infrastructure that allows businesses to be bold.

The seamless integration between mobile banking, agency banking, and traditional branches means entrepreneurs can transact on the go, receive funds in real-time, and make critical decisions without being tied to a physical location—vital in today’s fast-paced business world.

What differentiates NCBA further is its cultural alignment with hustle. Its branding, communication, and product positioning resonate with the Kenyan ethos of resilience and ambition. It doesn’t sell just banking—it sells possibility, empowerment, and growth.

For freelancers and digital nomads, NCBA’s digital-first approach offers independence with security. They can manage income, access loans, invest, and build credit history even without a traditional 9-to-5, making NCBA a bank for the modern worker.

Education and financial literacy also play a role in NCBA’s outreach. Through partnerships and public engagements, it builds the financial capability of its clients—empowering entrepreneurs not just with products but with the knowledge to use them optimally.

Risk mitigation is another silent strength. NCBA’s credit scoring algorithms, shaped by years of data, help de-risk borrowers in ways that are fair and transparent, enabling even first-time entrepreneurs to access funding without predatory conditions.

The human face of the bank is evident in its client servicing. Entrepreneurs, often isolated in their journey, benefit from NCBA’s relationship managers who provide guidance, connect them to opportunities, and act as partners rather than just bankers.

Cross-border entrepreneurs also benefit immensely from NCBA’s regional integration. Transactions, payments, and business scaling are made smoother across the six African countries where NCBA operates—an invaluable advantage for exporters and importers.

Even in regulatory matters, NCBA’s stature helps shield its clients from shocks. The bank’s ability to anticipate and align with Central Bank policies ensures that its clients are not caught off-guard—especially important for small businesses sensitive to sudden shifts.

Looking ahead, NCBA’s aggressive innovation strategy suggests even greater product diversification. Entrepreneurs can expect new tools, platforms, and financing models tailored specifically to the rapidly changing business environment of Kenya and Africa at large.

Community banking, a concept NCBA is starting to embrace more explicitly, creates hyperlocal solutions for niche businesses—be it agribusiness, creative industries, or renewable energy ventures. Entrepreneurs benefit from customized solutions, not cookie-cutter products.

It is important to no te that NCBA isn’t just another Tier 1 bank—it is a visionary institution that has made the entrepreneurial agenda its own. By blending scale with sensitivity, technology with touch, and profit with purpose, NCBA stands tall as the definitive bank for Kenya’s risk-takers, visionaries, and builders.

Whether you’re launching your first product, scaling your logistics company, or freelancing in the digital economy, NCBA has crafted a financial ecosystem that doesn’t just support you—it champions you. In this regard, it is not just a bank but a business partner for the long haul.