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Access Holdings Buys National Bank of Kenya for N179 Billion
Access Holdings has just made a big move by buying the National Bank of Kenya for N179 billion. This is a major deal that shows how Access Holdings is growing stronger in Africa, especially in East Africa. The parent company of Access Bank is stepping up its game and getting a bigger share of the financial market there.
They first said they wanted to buy National Bank of Kenya back in May 2025, and now it’s all done. Access Holdings announced in its mid-2025 report that they got all the final papers from KCB Group of Kenya on May 30, 2025, which means the deal’s key steps were finished. The price tag? Around $109.6 million, which is N179.1 billion.
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Even though the deal officially happened in May, the full joining of National Bank of Kenya into Access Bank’s system is still waiting on some final government approvals. To keep things safe and fair, Access Holdings made an agreement with KCB Group and Afreximbank to guarantee up to $89.5 million (N142.3 billion). This deal protects KCB’s payment rights while waiting for approval and makes sure the money side is secure for both.
The regulators in Kenya gave their thumbs up too. The Central Bank of Kenya said yes on April 4, 2025, and right after that, on April 10, Kenya’s Treasury officials gave their go-ahead. This means Access Holdings can legally own National Bank of Kenya and work in Kenya’s banking world.
Before the big handover, some parts of National Bank of Kenya’s finances were moved to KCB Bank Kenya Limited, which is part of KCB Group. This step helped make the switch smoother and safer for everyone involved.
This purchase by Access Holdings really boosts Access Bank’s presence in East Africa. Kenya is one of Africa’s most important money centers, so it’s a smart place for Access Bank to grow its services. They plan to offer better digital banking, help small and medium businesses, and connect trade between East and West Africa.
Access Holdings said buying National Bank of Kenya for N179 billion shows how serious they are about building a strong banking network all over Africa. Mixing NBK’s local knowledge with Access Bank’s global reach will create a smarter and better banking experience in Kenya. This fits well with Access Bank’s moves into South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, and Mozambique. Plus, it helps protect the bank from some risks that come with Nigeria’s economy, like currency worries.
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For people in Kenya, this deal means more chances to borrow money, better digital tools, and faster services. Thanks to Access Bank’s technology, customers in Kenya should see improvements in how they use their bank, including easier transfers between countries. The deal is also expected to attract more foreign investors, create jobs, and make Kenya’s financial system stronger.
Once all the official permissions are finished, Access Bank will officially take charge of National Bank of Kenya and start working fully in the country. This deal doesn’t just help Access Holdings grow, it also helps connect Africa’s financial markets better and makes banking across the continent easier and more modern.
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