NAIROBI, Kenya– Mid-tier lender I&M Bank has widened its retail footprint with two new outlets in Kapsabet, Nandi County, and Nyali, Mombasa County, as part of its ongoing bid to chase growth in high-potential regional markets.
The openings lift the bank’s branch tally to 65 across 24 counties, cementing its aggressive roll-out under the iMara strategy (2024-2026).
The three-year blueprint prioritises county-level presence in areas where agriculture, MSMEs, and trade form the backbone of local economies.
The Kapsabet branch is strategically located in Nandi’s commercial hub, giving I&M a foothold in a region where tea, maize, and dairy dominate production.
The outlet will also target small enterprises by providing tailored solutions such as agribusiness loans, asset financing, and value chain credit.
“Kapsabet town serves as a vital agricultural and commercial hub for the North Rift region. I&M Bank’s presence here is a demonstration of our commitment to being where our customers need us most,” said Shameer Patel, Director of Retail Business Banking.
County officials welcomed the bank’s arrival, framing it as a catalyst for growth.
“The presence of strong financial institutions like I&M Bank is the backbone of trade, enterprise, and industrialization,” said Nandi County Trade CEC Isaiah Keter.
The lender has been on an expansion spree, having rolled out ten branches earlier in the year in towns such as Embu, Kericho, Bungoma, Kakamega, and Mwea.
Industry analysts note that I&M’s growth mirrors a wider shift among banks betting on counties as urban centres saturate.
Patel said the bank’s branch strategy is informed by data, targeting underserved markets with high growth potential.
The lender is also embedding sustainability themes, with new outlets offering green financing and a mix of traditional and digital banking channels.
The Nyali branch will further strengthen I&M’s coastal network later this month, with the bank positioning itself to capture trade flows linked to Mombasa’s port and logistics sector.
