Kenya has a competitive banking sector made up of large, medium-sized and smaller commercial banks. However, the market is heavily concentrated among the largest institutions.
According to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Bank Supervision Annual Report 2025, the eight banks classified as large banks accounted for 69.7% of the banking sector’s weighted market-size index at the end of December 2025.
CBK’s classification considers several indicators, including net assets, customer deposits, shareholders’ funds, deposit accounts and loan accounts.
| Rank | Bank | Market share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | KCB Bank Kenya | 17.3% |
| 2 | Equity Bank Kenya | 11.8% |
| 3 | Co-operative Bank of Kenya | 9.4% |
| 4 | NCBA Bank | 7.9% |
| 5 | Absa Bank Kenya | 6.4% |
| 6 | Stanbic Bank Kenya | 5.8% |
| 7 | I&M Bank | 5.6% |
| 8 | Diamond Trust Bank | 5.6% |
| 9 | Standard Chartered Bank Kenya | 4.5% |
| 10 | Prime Bank | 4.3% |
1. KCB Bank Kenya — 17.3%
KCB Bank Kenya was the largest bank in Kenya according to CBK’s weighted market-size measure, with a 17.3% market share in December 2025. The bank has a broad customer base covering individuals, small businesses, large corporations and institutions. Its substantial asset and deposit base contributes significantly to its position in the banking sector.
KCB is also part of KCB Group, which has expanded its financial-services operations across several African markets.
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2. Equity Bank Kenya — 11.8%
Equity Bank Kenya ranked second with a 11.8% market share. The bank has developed a substantial presence in retail banking, business banking and financial inclusion.
Equity serves millions of customers through branches, agents and digital channels. Its operations also extend beyond Kenya into other African markets. The bank’s large number of customer accounts and significant deposit and asset base are important factors in its overall position in CBK’s market-size classification.
3. Co-operative Bank of Kenya — 9.4%
Co-operative Bank of Kenya held a 9.4% market share, making it the third-largest bank under CBK’s weighted market-size measure. The institution has a long-established presence in Kenya’s financial sector and serves individuals, businesses, corporations and co-operative societies.
Its connection to Kenya’s co-operative movement has also been an important part of its business model. The bank operates through physical branches as well as digital and agency banking channels.
4. NCBA Bank — 7.9%
NCBA Bank ranked fourth with a 7.9% market share in December 2025. The bank was created following the merger of NIC Bank and Commercial Bank of Africa and has since developed a significant presence in Kenya’s banking industry.
NCBA serves retail customers, small and medium-sized businesses and large corporations. Its services include personal banking, business financing, asset finance, corporate banking and digital financial services.
5. Absa Bank Kenya — 6.4%
Absa Bank Kenya recorded a 6.4% market share, placing it fifth among Kenya’s banks. The institution was previously known as Barclays Bank of Kenya before adopting the Absa brand. It offers a range of personal, business and corporate banking services, including accounts, loans, mortgages, cards and digital banking. Absa is part of the wider Absa Group, giving it connections to a broader African financial-services network.
6. Stanbic Bank Kenya — 5.8%
Stanbic Bank Kenya had a 5.8% market share according to the CBK classification. The bank is part of Standard Bank Group, one of Africa’s major financial-services groups. Stanbic has a significant presence in corporate and institutional banking while also providing services to individual and business customers.
Its operations include personal banking, business banking, wealth management, corporate finance and investment banking services.
7. I&M Bank — 5.6%
I&M Bank recorded a 5.6% market share, placing it seventh in the ranking. The bank is one of Kenya’s established financial institutions and serves retail customers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations.
Its banking services include savings and current accounts, loans, mortgages, payments and corporate banking. I&M has also expanded its operations beyond Kenya, increasing its presence within the East African financial-services market.
8. Diamond Trust Bank — 5.6%
Diamond Trust Bank, commonly known as DTB, also recorded a 5.6% market share. The bank provides financial services to individuals, businesses and corporate customers. Its products include deposit accounts, personal and business loans, mortgages, trade finance and digital banking services.
DTB has a regional presence in East Africa, with operations extending beyond Kenya. Its equal 5.6% market-size index with I&M places the two institutions at the same position in the CBK measure.
9. Standard Chartered Bank Kenya — 4.5%
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya recorded a 4.5% market share at the end of 2025. The institution has operated in Kenya for more than a century and is part of the international Standard Chartered banking group.
It provides services to individuals, businesses, corporations and institutional clients. Standard Chartered’s international network is particularly relevant to customers and companies involved in cross-border transactions, international trade and global financial markets.
10. Prime Bank — 4.3%
Prime Bank recorded a 4.3% market share, placing it tenth in this ranking. The bank serves individual customers, businesses and corporate clients through a range of financial products. These include deposit accounts, lending, trade finance, treasury and other banking services.
Although its market share is smaller than that of the country’s largest banks, Prime Bank remains an established participant in Kenya’s commercial banking sector.
Kenya’s banking market is highly concentrated
The figures from the Central Bank of Kenya demonstrate the significant role played by the country’s largest banks. The eight institutions classified as large banks—KCB, Equity, Co-operative Bank, NCBA, Absa, Stanbic, I&M and DTB—collectively accounted for 69.7% of the weighted market-size index in December 2025.
Medium-sized banks accounted for 23.2%, while small banks accounted for 7.1%.
It is important to note that this market-share measure is not simply a ranking by total assets. CBK’s methodology combines several indicators to determine the overall market position of individual banks.
What does this mean for bank customers?
A bank’s market share can provide an indication of its size and position within Kenya’s financial system, but it does not by itself determine which bank is most suitable for a particular customer.
Someone looking for a savings account may want to compare interest rates, account charges and minimum balances. A borrower may focus on the cost of credit, repayment terms and fees. Businesses may place greater importance on transaction charges, payment solutions, overdrafts and access to business financing.
Customers should therefore look beyond market share and compare the specific products and services they need.
Conclusion
Kenya’s banking industry remains concentrated around several major financial institutions. KCB Bank Kenya led the market with a 17.3% weighted market share in December 2025, followed by Equity Bank at 11.8%, Co-operative Bank at 9.4% and NCBA at 7.9%.
The ranking provides a snapshot of the relative market position of Kenya’s banks, while the CBK methodology gives a broader measure than looking at assets or profits alone.
For customers, however, market share is only one consideration. Interest rates, fees, accessibility, digital services, loan costs and the range of products available can all be important when comparing banks.
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