(Homa Bay) – NCBA Bank has officially opened its 98th branch in Homa Bay town as part of its strategy to bring financial services closer to communities in need. The new branch aims to serve the growing demand for banking services in the region and reduce the need for residents to travel to Kisii or Kisumu for banking services.
Tirus Mwithiga, the Group Director for Retail Banking at NCBA, highlighted the inconvenience faced by customers who previously had to travel long distances to access the bank’s services. The opening of the Homa Bay branch is seen as a key step in addressing these challenges, improving accessibility for the local population.
Mwithiga also emphasized the bank’s commitment to the region’s economic growth. He stated that NCBA is dedicated to offering exceptional service to customers and supporting various sectors that contribute to the local economy. The bank is known for its strategic partnerships in key sectors such as retail trade, transport, farming, education, and the blue economy, all of which are important to Homa Bay’s development.
The presence of NCBA in Homa Bay is expected to empower individuals and small businesses by providing them with better access to financial services. Mwithiga expressed confidence that the bank’s services will attract a significant share of the market, particularly from local entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Governor Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay, who attended the opening ceremony, welcomed the bank’s investment in the region. She stressed the importance of financial institutions in fostering economic growth and creating a culture of saving and borrowing for investment. “Such kinds of partners are good for our county because they promote the culture of saving and borrowing for investment,” Wanga said.
The governor also emphasized that Homa Bay is open for investments across various sectors. She encouraged both local and international investors to explore opportunities in the county, including in agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. Through partnerships with financial institutions, she believes that the county can enhance financial literacy and help improve the living standards of its residents.
“The establishment of NCBA bank in Homa Bay will give business operators an opportunity to access finance for economic growth. We hope the bank will serve as a catalyst for financial inclusion and bridge the gap for people who had limited access to banking services,” Wanga added.
Isaac Owila, NCBA’s Director for Technology and Operations, also spoke about the bank’s focus on tapping into untapped market opportunities. He said that NCBA is committed to developing financial solutions that support all sectors of the economy, ensuring that their products and services cater to the diverse needs of the community.
Homa Bay’s Chief Officer for Finance, Alphonce Wera, noted the numerous investment opportunities available in the county, particularly in sectors like fishing, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. He stressed the importance of banks creating financial products tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises as well as large investors.
“The presence of more banks in the county will encourage investment and provide the necessary financial support for local businesses to thrive,” Wera said.