Kenya's banking sector is experiencing a resurgence in demand for clerical workers, driven by the expansion of bank branches across the country. According to data from the Central Bank of Kenya, clerical employment increased by 21.3 percent, or 2,588 jobs, to 14,757 in 2025 from 12,169 the previous year. This marks the largest annual increase in clerical jobs since 2013. The growth in clerical jobs accounted for 92 percent of new openings in the banking sector.
The increase in clerical jobs is attributed to the growth in bank branches, which rose to 1,611 from 1,573. Many banks have reassessed the role of physical branches following investments in mobile banking, internet platforms, and agency banking. The comeback of clerical jobs suggests that traditional banking roles are finding a new place within a more technology-driven sector. Banks have been enriching the role of clerical employees to include advisory roles as they compete for customers across counties.
The growth in clerical jobs represents a reversal of a trend that saw a decline in these positions over the past few years. Between 2014 and 2020, banks shed 7,401 clerical jobs while hiring more management and supervisory staff. However, the latest staff figures indicate a change in the longer-term direction of the banking industry, with management positions no longer gaining ground at the expense of clerical jobs.
The expansion of physical outlets has created demand for customer-facing and operational staff, even as technology continues to reduce the need for some traditional back-office functions. Banks pursuing mass-market customers see a wider branch network giving them visibility and credibility in new markets. The role of branches is shifting from traditional transaction points to advisory and relationship-management centres.
Lenders are increasingly using their outlets to guide customers on investments, borrowing, insurance, wealth management, and business financing. The advisory role is particularly key for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), where lending decisions depend on an understanding of the business, its cash flows, and growth prospects. Banks such as KCB Bank Kenya, Equity Bank Kenya, and Co-operative Bank of Kenya have been opening new branches.
The growth in clerical jobs has taken their staff count above that of managerial ones by 2,574 compared with the previous year. The category of secretarial and other staff added 223 jobs, taking the net rise in staff numbers in the country's banking sector to 41,124 from 38,840. Clerical jobs had dipped for two straight years, shedding 720 positions in the process.
The banking workforce is becoming more diverse as lenders combine digital channels with renewed physical distribution. Towns with population growth, such as Ruiru, Kikuyu, and Thika, have encouraged banks to establish physical outlets. As businesses expand beyond Nairobi, banks are positioning branches closer to entrepreneurs who need various services that often require more interaction with banking staff.
Key points
- Clerical employment in Kenya's banking sector increased by 21.3 percent to 14,757 in 2025.
- The number of bank branches in Kenya rose to 1,611 from 1,573.
- Banks are shifting their focus from traditional transaction points to advisory and relationship-management centres.
