NCBA: The Bank That Builds Kenya’s Entrepreneurs From the Ground Up

In the heart of Nyeri, a quiet revolution is taking place—one that is being led not by politicians or big corporations, but by transporters, small traders, and enterprising men and women who have found a reliable partner in NCBA Bank. At a recent workshop attended by over 200 transporters in Nyeri and Karatina, the message was clear: NCBA is not just another bank—it is a builder of dreams, a mentor to hustlers, and a powerful engine for the region’s economic growth.

With a laser focus on SMEs, NCBA is proving that access to credit does not have to be a frustrating process riddled with bureaucratic hurdles and high interest rates. Instead, through tailor-made solutions like Asset Financing, Insurance Premium Financing, stock loans, and smart cash management services, the bank is actively breaking down financial barriers and enabling Nyeri’s business community to scale sustainably.

The numbers speak volumes. Over the past five years, NCBA has witnessed a consistent upward trajectory in both customer accounts and deposits. While its peers in the banking sector have grown modestly, NCBA’s customer accounts have surged from 1.1 million in 2019 to a commanding 4.5 million in 2023. Deposits have followed suit, swelling from KES 220 billion to an impressive KES 520 billion. This growth is not accidental—it is the result of intentional customer enchantment strategies that center mentorship, accessibility, and innovation.

No wonder NCBA is now the leading bank in Kenya in terms of customer accounts. The secret? The bank knows how to enchant customers. Whether it is through capacity-building workshops, one-on-one business advisory sessions, or digital tools that empower entrepreneurs to manage their cash flow efficiently, NCBA positions itself not as a service provider but as a growth partner. In a business climate fraught with economic uncertainty, this kind of commitment is nothing short of revolutionary.

In regions like Nyeri—often overlooked by mainstream banking giants—NCBA is filling a critical gap by acknowledging the potential of local enterprise. Its regional leaders have praised the county’s role in Kenya’s economy and committed to building customized financial products that speak directly to the needs of traders, farmers, and transporters. This bottom-up approach resonates deeply with business owners who have long struggled to find financial institutions that truly understand them.

Even more compelling is NCBA’s role in financial literacy. At the transporter event, attendees walked away not just with brochures but with real financial education—learning about insurance, fleet expansion strategies, and how to leverage working capital facilities without falling into debt traps. This is the kind of banking that transforms lives, families, and entire communities.

In an era where many financial institutions are digitizing at the expense of human connection, NCBA is proving that the future of banking lies in relationships. From Nyeri’s matatu owners to Karatina’s fresh produce suppliers, the message is echoing across the slopes of Mt. Kenya: with NCBA, you don’t just bank—you grow, you scale, and you thrive.

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