According to data from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), eight Kenyan banking groups collectively operated 592 branches across the East African region as of 2025. This represents a modest growth from 586 branches recorded in 2024, equivalent to approximately 1% growth over the year. The data reflects a steady expansion of Kenyan banks in the region. The CBK data highlights the significant presence of Kenyan banks in East Africa.
KCB Group led the regional expansion with 239 branches, accounting for approximately 40.4% of the total network. The bank expanded by three branches from its 2024 count of 236, with its strongest presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it operated 109 branches, and Rwanda, where it had 73. This significant footprint solidifies KCB Group's position as a leading player in the region.
Equity Group ranked second with 186 branches, representing about 31.4% of the regional total. Together, KCB Group and Equity Group controlled 425 branches, or nearly 71.8% of all Kenyan bank subsidiaries operating outside the country. The two banking giants dominate the regional network, with a significant presence in multiple countries.
Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) came third with 69 branches, down by one from the previous year. Its largest network was in Uganda, where it held 36 branches, followed by Tanzania with 29. DTB's reduction in branches is an exception to the overall growth trend. Other banks, such as I&M Group, NCBA Group, and Guaranty Trust Bank, also have a significant presence in the region.
By country, the Democratic Republic of Congo hosted the highest number of branches at 190, followed by Rwanda with 149 and Uganda with 128. Tanzania accounted for 79 branches, South Sudan for 26, Burundi for 12, and Mauritius for eight. The DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda collectively accounted for 467 branches, representing approximately 78.9% of the entire regional network.
The regional workforce also expanded over the same period. Kenyan bank subsidiaries employed 13,258 staff as at December 31, 2025, up 3.5% from 12,811 in 2024. The DRC led on employment as well, with 4,032 workers, compared to 3,754 the previous year, accounting for 30.4% of the total regional headcount. The growth in employment is attributed primarily to Equity Group's expanding operations.
NCBA Group recorded the strongest proportional growth among all listed banks, rising from 20 to 22 branches. Other banks, such as Co-operative Bank and ABC Bank, had smaller regional networks, with five and two branches respectively. The data highlights the diverse presence of Kenyan banks across the East African region.
Key points
- KCB Group leads the regional expansion with 239 branches.
- Eight Kenyan banking groups operate a combined 592 branches across East Africa.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo hosts the highest number of branches at 190.
