The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has approved the transfer of all assets and liabilities of Access Bank (Kenya) Plc to National Bank of Kenya Limited (NBK).
In a statement issued on September 23, 2026, the regulator said it approved the transaction on August 17, 2026, under Section 13(4) of the Banking Act.
“Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) announces the transfer of all assets and liabilities of Access Bank (Kenya) Plc to National Bank of Kenya Limited (NBK),” the statement read in part.
The Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning approved the transaction on September 21, 2026, pursuant to Section 9(1) of the Banking Act.
CBK said the transfer will take effect once the parties complete the transaction under the Business and Assets Transfer Agreement.
“The transfer shall take effect upon completion of the transaction in accordance with the terms of the Business and Assets Transfer Agreement between the parties.”
CBK welcomed the transaction, saying it would support continued stability and enhance the resilience of Kenya’s banking sector.
The transaction is also expected to promote competition in the Kenyan banking sector.
NBK’s and Access Bank Ownership History
From the CBK statement, NBK was incorporated in 1968 as a wholly owned Government entity, with the objective of helping Kenyans access credit and supporting control of the economy after independence.
In September 2019, KCB Group Plc acquired 100 percent of NBK’s shareholding.
The ownership later changed hands in May 2025 when Access Bank PLC acquired 100 percent of NBK’s issued share capital from KCB Group Plc.
Access Bank PLC entered the Kenyan market in February 2020 after acquiring 100 percent of the issued share capital of Transnational Bank Plc.
Transnational Bank Plc had commenced operations in December 1985 before being renamed Access Bank (Kenya) Plc following the acquisition.
Access Bank PLC was incorporated in February 1989 and is among the largest banking groups in Nigeria.
The bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings PLC and has operations across several African markets.
NBK Records Higher Profit in 2026
NBK has recorded improved financial performance under Access Bank ownership.
In the first half of 2026, NBK’s profit after tax rose by 61 percent to KSh1.72 billion, compared with KSh1.07 billion during the same period in 2025.
Profit before tax more than doubled to KSh2.18 billion, representing a 124.3 percent increase.
Net loans and advances also increased by 38.4 percent to KSh61.28 billion during the period.
NBK and Access Bank Kenya have continued operating independently as integration work progresses.
The integration is expected to strengthen the group’s capacity to serve customers and businesses while creating opportunities across Access Bank’s wider network.
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