Access Bank expands presence with new branch in Eastleigh

Access Bank, the latest entrant into the rapidly expanding Kenyan banking sector, launched its first branch at Eastleigh's Nur Complex Plaza on Mohamed Yusuf Haji Avenue on Wednesday.

This branch marks the sixth addition in Nairobi for one of Africa's largest banking institutions and the 26th in the country.

Present at the opening event were top executives from Access Bank, including Board Chair Barbara Barungi, Acting Country Managing Director, Lilian Odhiambo, Chief of Operations, John Kimani, Executive Director of Retail Banking, Gladys Akinyi, Head of SME, Edgar Egesa, and the new branch manager, Abdirashid Sharif Siyad, who is from Eastleigh.

The ceremony was officiated by the MP for Kamukunji, Yusuf Hassan, who was accompanied by the Somali Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle

During the event, Barbara Barungi shared her personal connection with Eastleigh, reminiscing about her visits to the area in the 1990s to purchase fabrics. She emphasized Eastleigh's pivotal role in the business landscape of East and Central Africa, expressing delight in establishing a branch in such a vibrant commercial hub.

She also highlighted Access Bank's commitment to engaging with the local community through various corporate social responsibility initiatives in the Kamukunji Constituency. 

This proactive stance underscores Access Bank's dedication to making a positive impact in the region beyond its core financial services offerings.

Barbara Barungi, Board Chair of Nigerian-owned Access Bank. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

Eastleigh stands as a pivotal commercial centre in Nairobi, hosting over 16 commercial banks, some with multiple branches already operational. Access Bank's entry into this bustling financial environment enriches the options available to local entrepreneurs and business owners who are instrumental in driving Kenya's economy forward.

Expressing her delight, Barbara stated, "Launching a branch here brings me great joy as Eastleigh is the epitome of business. If I resided in Nairobi, I would still patronize this area for my fabric needs." Her words underscored the district's critical role in commerce.

Barbara also outlined the bank's commitment to engaging with the local community through corporate social responsibility initiatives in the Kamukunji Constituency. This pledge reflects Access Bank's dedication to making a positive impact beyond financial services provision.

Eastleigh stands as a vital commercial centre in Nairobi, hosting over 16 commercial banks, some with multiple branches. Access Bank's entry enriches this vibrant financial landscape, offering additional options for local entrepreneurs who are key players in Kenya's economy.