National Bank of Kenya: Now Owned by Access Bank (2025 Update)

Looking for National Bank of Kenya (NBK)? NBK is now owned by Access Bank. The acquisition was completed on May 30, 2025. Here’s what happened and what NBK customers need to know.

National Bank of Kenya Has a New Owner

Access Bank (Nigeria) completed its acquisition of National Bank of Kenya on May 30, 2025. NBK was previously owned by KCB Group since 2019. Both banks will continue operating while integration is completed.


What Happened to National Bank of Kenya?

National Bank of Kenya was established in 1968 and was one of Kenya’s oldest financial institutions. However, the bank struggled financially for years before being acquired:

Timeline of Ownership Changes

  • 1968: National Bank of Kenya established
  • 2019: KCB Group acquires 100% of NBK after years of financial struggles
  • March 2024: Access Bank (Nigeria) announces plans to acquire NBK from KCB
  • October 2024: Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) grants conditional approval
  • April 2025: Central Bank of Kenya and Treasury approve the deal
  • May 30, 2025: Transaction completed – NBK now owned by Access Bank

What This Means for NBK Customers

Your Account Is Safe

If you have an NBK account, don’t worry. Your money, accounts, and services continue as normal. NBK and Access Bank Kenya will operate independently during the integration period.

What Stays the Same (For Now)

  • Your NBK account numbers remain valid
  • NBK branches continue operating
  • NBK mobile app and internet banking continue working
  • Your debit/credit cards remain active
  • Standing orders and direct debits continue

What May Change Later

  • NBK may eventually rebrand to Access Bank Kenya
  • Mobile app may be replaced with Access Bank app
  • Some branches may merge or close
  • New products and services may become available

Job Protection: As a condition of the acquisition, Access Bank must retain at least 80% of NBK’s workforce for one year.


About Access Bank

Access Bank is one of Africa’s largest banks, headquartered in Nigeria. The NBK acquisition is part of Access Bank’s Africa expansion strategy:

  • Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
  • Kenya presence: Access Bank Kenya (previously Transnational Bank) + now NBK
  • Combined branches: 77 branches across Kenya (up from 23)
  • Operations: 20+ African countries

Current NBK Contact Information

National Bank of Kenya Customer Care:
Phone: +254 20 282 8000
Email: [email protected]
Website: nationalbank.co.ke

Access Bank Kenya:
Website: kenya.accessbankplc.com


Other Kenyan Bank Guides

Looking for other Kenyan banks? Check out our complete guides:


Who owns National Bank of Kenya now?

Access Bank (Nigeria) owns National Bank of Kenya as of May 30, 2025. Previously, KCB Group owned NBK since 2019.

Will my NBK account still work?

Yes. Your NBK account, cards, mobile banking, and internet banking continue to work normally. Both banks are operating independently during the integration period.

Will NBK become Access Bank?

Eventually, NBK may rebrand to Access Bank Kenya. However, the timeline hasn’t been announced. For now, NBK continues operating under its current name.

Will NBK branches close?

Some branches may merge or close as integration progresses, but no immediate closures have been announced. Access Bank is required to keep 80% of NBK staff for at least one year.

Is my money safe at NBK?

Yes. NBK is now backed by Access Bank, one of Africa’s largest banks. Your deposits remain protected by Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC) up to KES 500,000.

Last Updated on November 30, 2025

URL: https://log-in.me/national-bank-kenya-access-bank/