In Kenya’s increasingly competitive banking landscape, SMEs are constantly looking for banking partners who understand their needs, offer real value, and walk with them through every stage of their business growth.

NCBA Bank has emerged as an agile and reliable financial institution for SMEs operating in Kenya combining traditional banking strengths with a modern and digital-first approach.

Swala Nyeti has compiled the top 10 compelling reasons why NCBA Bank should be your bank of choice as a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) in Kenya:

1. A Bank That Understands SMEs

NCBA Bank does not just serve SMEs, it has taken time to understand them too and tailored products that match their daily needs.

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Whether you are running a wholesale shop in Kisii, a logistics company in Mombasa, or a startup in Nairobi, NCBA has tailored banking solutions to reflect your realities including cash flow gaps, seasonal income, and the need for speed in service delivery.

The NCBA Bank Business Banking unit is designed specially to handle the needs of SMEs, backed by a customer-centric model that gives top priority to responsiveness and relevance.

2. Easy Access to Affordable Credit

One of the key challenges SMEs in Kenya face is accessing affordable credit on time and NCBA makes this easier by offering flexible unsecured loans, overdrafts, LPO financing, invoice discounting, and asset financing.

With the Kenyan lender’s innovative digital loan products, some SMEs can even apply for loans through mobile or online platforms without stepping into a physical NCBA branch.

The bank has also collaborated with firms like Mastercard Foundation to roll out risk-sharing and affordable lending to MSMEs, especially business ventures led by women and youth.

3. A Working Digital Banking

In a fast-moving world, no business person wants long queues and unnecessary paperwork.

NCBA’s digital platforms like Loop, NCBA Now App, and internet banking for business enables SME owners to manage their transactions, pay suppliers, collect payments, and track spending, all from the comfort and convenience of their mobile phones.

Whether you are in a market stall or running a remote office, as an SME business operator, you can easily keep your finances running seamlessly 24/7/365.

The bank’s Loop Business platform offers budget tracking, mobile payments, and invoice generation, which are perfect for every modern SME.

4. Caring Relationship Managers

Unlike many other banks that treat small business owners like statistics, NCBA Bank assigns Relationship Managers to every SME and offers them personalised banking experiences.

These particular managers comprehend each client’s industry, cash flow cycles, and growth trajectory enabling them to offer financial advice complemented by strategic partnership.

5. NCBA Leasing Solutions

You need to scale your business operations but you cannot afford a major capital outlay? Well, NCBA offers flexible leasing options for assets like vehicles, equipment, and technology.

From salon equipment to trucks and tractors, leasing helps SMEs to preserve their cash flow while acquiring essential tools that will enable them to expand strategically and will ease.

6. Tailored Accounts and Business Tools

NCBA Bank’s Business Current Account, SME Business Account, and NCBA Loop for Business offer transaction flexibility with minimal charges and custom business benefits.

The bank also provides tools such as POS machines, collection accounts, and integration with mobile money platforms like M-Pesa and Airtel Money for faster customer payments, smoother accounting, and more efficient cash management.

7. Business Advisory Platform

Through its NCBA Connect programme, the Tier-1 bank offers free workshops, webinars, and learning opportunities for clients of SMEs across Kenya.

During the forums, SMEs learn about financial planning, digital marketing, tax compliance, and scaling businesses from industry leaders, regulators, and fellow entrepreneurs.

This is part of the Kenyan bank’s commitment to go beyond banking by equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and networks they need to grow and branch out.

8. Regional Reach, Local Touch

With more than 100 branches across East Africa, NCBA Bank ensures you are never too far from a bank that understands your business and its unique needs.

From new branches Kitengela, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Meru to its latest in Kawangware, and its headquarters in Nairobi, NCBA is expanding strategically into areas where SMEs thrive.

The bank combines this regional reach with a community-first approach to fully support local economies, farmers, and traders with services that reflect their unique local realities.

9. Giving Back to the Community

As part of its sustainability and CSR agenda, NCBA Group is actively involved in tree-planting, sports sponsorships, and community development projects across Kenya.

Initiatives like the NCBA Golf Series nurture talent and sustainability (through tree-planting drives at every club), but also offer business networking opportunities for its SME clients.

The lender is also at the forefront of climate-conscious banking, supporting SMEs with green finance options and energy-efficient project financing.

10. Proven Leadership

Under Group MD John Gachora’s stewardship and a tested executive team, NCBA has cemented itself as a top financial brand in Kenya and is not showing any sign of slowing down.

Its merger from NIC Bank and CBA was not just about scale but it united strength in corporate banking, digital innovation, and personal finance into one powerhouse bank.

In FY2024, NCBA Group posted strong and enviable financial results and continues to expand, proving that it remains strongly committed to long-term stability and innovation.

SMEs banking with NCBA can rest easy knowing that they are aligned with a financial institution that is growing with the economy and diligently investing in the future.

11. Right Banking Partner

In an economy where SMEs generate more than 70 per cent of jobs and contribute more than 30 per cent to Kenya’s GDP, the right banking partner can make all the difference.

Whether you are just starting out, expanding across counties, or being ambitious and going regional, NCBA Bank is boldly offering the right tools, talent, and trust to fuel your journey.

It has proven that it is the bank and growth partner that dares you to – Go for it!

So, if you are an SME operating in Kenya, it may be time to ask yourself: Is your bank really working for you? If not, NCBA is ready to take you on board and walk the journey with you.