The latest CBK loan and savings rates data reveals that lending rates across Kenya’s banking sector remained relatively stable in April 2026, while deposit rates improved slightly. The Central Bank of Kenya’s comparison of 38 licensed commercial banks shows a wide variation in borrowing costs and savings returns, giving consumers and businesses valuable insight into where they can access affordable credit and earn better returns on deposits.
Key Overview
- CBK released April 2026 loan and deposit rate data covering 38 licensed commercial banks in Kenya.
- The average lending rate declined slightly to 14.69% in April from 14.70% in March and 14.78% in February.
- Lending rates across commercial banks ranged from 10.80% to 17.83%.
- Citibank N.A. Kenya recorded the lowest lending rate at 10.80%.
- Access Bank (Kenya) PLC had the highest lending rate at 17.83%.
- Deposit rates ranged from approximately 3% to 11%.
- NCBA Bank Kenya PLC offered the highest deposit rate at 11.01%.
- Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited recorded the lowest deposit rate at 3.02%.
- Tier-one banks maintained lending rates between 15% and 16%.
- The data highlights growing competition among banks for both borrowers and depositors.
Kenyan Bank Loan and Savings Rates Show Stable Lending Market
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has published its latest banking sector statistics, providing a detailed comparison of lending and deposit rates across 38 licensed commercial banks for April 2026.
The latest figures indicate that the banking sector remains relatively stable, with only marginal changes in borrowing costs compared to previous months. The data also reveals increased competition among banks seeking to attract depositors through higher savings returns.
For consumers, businesses, and investors, the latest Kenyan bank loan and savings rates offer valuable insights into the cost of credit and the potential returns available on savings deposits.
Kenya Lending Rates Remain Relatively Unchanged
The latest Kenya lending rates data shows that borrowing costs remained largely steady during April.
According to the CBK publication, the overall average lending rate stood at 14.69% in April 2026. This represented a slight decline from 14.70% recorded in March and 14.78% in February.
The narrow movements suggest that commercial banks have maintained relatively stable pricing despite changes in economic conditions and funding costs.
Among all banks surveyed, Citibank N.A. Kenya offered the lowest lending rate at 10.80%, making it the most affordable lender in the CBK comparison. It was followed by Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited, which reported a lending rate of 11.64%.
Other banks with comparatively low lending rates included:
- Habib Bank A.G Zurich – 12.61%
- Stanbic Bank Kenya Ltd – 13.43%
- Guardian Bank Ltd – 13.54%
- Bank of Baroda (Kenya) Ltd – 13.71%
These institutions maintained lending rates below the sector average, potentially making them attractive options for qualified borrowers.
Tier-One Banks Maintain Competitive Rates
Kenya’s largest banks continued to offer competitive lending rates during April.
Among the country’s leading lenders:
- KCB Bank Kenya Ltd – 14.99%
- Equity Bank Kenya Ltd – 15.10%
- Co-operative Bank of Kenya Ltd – 15.27%
- NCBA Bank Kenya PLC – 15.55%
These rates remained within the 15% to 16% range highlighted in the CBK report.
The consistency among tier-one banks reflects the competitive nature of Kenya’s banking sector, where major lenders continue to balance profitability with customer acquisition and retention strategies.
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Some Banks Continue Charging Higher Interest Rates
While several banks maintained moderate lending rates, others remained significantly above the market average.
The highest lending rates recorded in April included:
- Access Bank (Kenya) PLC – 17.83%
- Bank of Africa Kenya Ltd – 17.59%
- SBM Bank Kenya Ltd – 17.55%
- HFC Ltd – 17.53%
- Kingdom Bank Ltd – 17.07%
These figures indicate that some institutions continue to price loans at considerably higher levels, reflecting differences in risk profiles, funding costs, customer segments, and lending strategies.
For borrowers, comparing loan offers across multiple institutions remains essential, as even small differences in interest rates can significantly impact the total cost of borrowing over time.
Kenya Savings Rates Improve in April
The CBK report also highlighted positive developments in Kenya savings rates, with deposit returns improving compared to March 2026.
Overall deposit rates across commercial banks ranged between approximately 3% and 11%, providing savers with a wide range of options depending on their preferred institution.
The highest deposit returns were recorded by:
- NCBA Bank Kenya PLC – 11.01%
- Bank of Africa Kenya Ltd – 10.88%
- Family Bank Ltd – 9.76%
- UBA Kenya Bank Ltd – 9.30%
- Development Bank of Kenya Ltd – 9.08%
Strong deposit rates can help banks attract customer funds while offering savers improved returns in a higher-interest-rate environment.
Commercial Bank Interest Rates Kenya Show Wide Differences
The latest commercial bank interest rates Kenya data demonstrates substantial variation between institutions.
For example, while Citibank charged borrowers 10.80%, Access Bank’s lending rate stood at 17.83%, creating a gap of more than seven percentage points.
Similarly, deposit returns varied considerably. Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited offered one of the lowest deposit rates at 3.02%, while NCBA Bank Kenya PLC provided returns exceeding 11%.
These differences highlight the importance of comparing financial products before making borrowing or savings decisions. Consumers who shop around can potentially reduce financing costs or improve investment returns significantly.
Kenyan Bank Interest Rates Reflect Growing Competition
The latest Kenyan bank interest rates data suggests competition among lenders remains strong.
Banks continue to adjust their lending and deposit pricing strategies to attract customers while managing profitability. Institutions offering lower lending rates may attract more borrowers, while those providing higher deposit rates can gain additional funding from savers.
As economic conditions evolve and monetary policy shifts, interest rates will continue to play a central role in shaping borrowing, spending, investment, and savings decisions across the country.
The April 2026 data shows a banking sector that remains competitive, stable, and increasingly focused on balancing customer needs with sustainable financial performance.
Conclusion
The latest CBK data reveals a relatively stable lending environment alongside improving deposit returns. Average lending rates eased slightly to 14.69%, while deposit rates ranged from 3% to 11%, creating opportunities for both borrowers and savers.
Citibank N.A. Kenya remained the lowest-cost lender at 10.80%, while NCBA Bank Kenya PLC offered the highest deposit return at 11.01%. With significant differences across institutions, comparing loan and savings products remains essential for consumers seeking the best financial outcomes in Kenya’s competitive banking sector.
FAQs
1. What was the average lending rate in Kenya in April 2026?
The average lending rate across commercial banks was 14.69%, according to CBK data.
2. Which bank had the lowest lending rate in April 2026?
Citibank N.A. Kenya recorded the lowest lending rate at 10.80%.
3. Which bank offered the highest deposit rate?
NCBA Bank Kenya PLC offered the highest deposit rate at 11.01%.
4. What was the range of deposit rates among Kenyan banks?
Deposit rates ranged from approximately 3% to 11% across the 38 commercial banks surveyed by CBK.
Sources: The Kenya Times, Money 254, Streamline Feed
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