NAIROBI, Kenya — Access Bank Kenya has transferred all its assets and liabilities to National Bank of Kenya (NBK) following Access Bank Plc’s acquisition of the lender from KCB Group.
The transfer follows approval by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) on August 17, 2026, and subsequent approval by the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning on September 21, 2026.
CBK said the transfer will take effect upon completion of the transaction in accordance with the terms of the Business and Assets Transfer Agreement signed by the parties.
Access Bank Acquires 100pc of NBK
Access Bank Kenya, a subsidiary of Nigerian banking group Access Bank Plc, acquired 100 per cent of the issued share capital of NBK from KCB Group.
The transaction brings NBK under the ownership of Access Bank as the Nigerian lender expands its presence in Kenya and the wider African banking market.
CBK said it welcomed the transaction, noting that it is expected to support stability and resilience in the banking sector while promoting competition.
“CBK welcomes this transaction as it will ensure continued stability and enhance resilience of the Kenyan banking sector and promote competition,” the regulator said.
Regulatory Approvals Clear Transaction
The transaction has been subject to regulatory approval, with CBK approving the transfer on August 17 before the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary granted subsequent approval on September 21.
The transfer of assets and liabilities is being implemented under the Business and Assets Transfer Agreement between the parties.
CBK said the transfer will become effective once the transaction is completed in accordance with the agreed terms.
Access Bank Entered Kenya in 2020
Access Bank entered the Kenyan market in February 2020 after acquiring 100 per cent of the issued share capital of Transnational Bank Plc.
The bank subsequently renamed the institution Access Bank Kenya as it established its operations in the country.
The acquisition of NBK represents another major expansion of Access Bank’s presence in Kenya’s banking sector.
Access Bank Expands African Footprint
Access Bank currently operates across 18 markets globally, with 13 of those markets in Africa.
The group has pursued an expansion strategy aimed at building a broader banking network across the continent and other international markets.
The acquisition of NBK adds another established Kenyan banking franchise to the group’s regional operations.
