The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has published the latest loan interest rates charged by commercial banks across the country. Revealing significant disparities in borrowing costs for Kenyans.
According to the CBK lending and deposit rates notice released on August 1, the average lending rate among banks stood at 15.29 per cent, while the average deposit rate was 8.37% as of June 2025.
Citibank N.A. Kenya emerged with the lowest lending rate at 10.60 per cent, offering some relief for borrowers. It was followed closely by Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited at 12.20 per cent, Ecobank Kenya Limited at 12.90 per cent, and Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited at 13.08 per cent.
Other banks offering relatively affordable rates include Guardian Bank Limited, 13.54 per cent, and Consolidated Bank of Kenya Limited, 13.80 per cent.
A group of mid-tier banks charged between 14 per cent and 15 per cent, including Paramount Bank Limited 14.37 per cent, Habib Bank AG Zurich 14.61 per cent, Gulf African Bank Limited 14.70 per cent, Equity Bank Kenya Limited 14.84 per cent, and Bank of India 14.98 per cent.
Slightly above the average, Premier Bank Kenya Limited and Bank of Baroda (Kenya) Limited reported rates of 15.00 per cent and 15.90 per cent respectively.
Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Limited and ABSA Bank Kenya PLC aligned closely with the national average, charging 15.15 per cent and 15.29 per cent respectively.
However, several banks exceeded the average lending rate significantly. These include NCBA Bank Kenya PLC 15.41 per cent, Prime Bank Limited 15.44 per cent Victoria Commercial Bank PLC 15.6,4 per cent KCB Bank Kenya Limited 15.69 per cent Guaranty Trust Bank (K) Ltd 15.74 per cent, Kingdom Bank Limited 15.75 per cent and National Bank of Kenya Limited (15.87 per cent
Family Bank Limited posted the highest rate in this tier at 16.00 per cent, followed by Co-operative Bank of Kenya Limited 16.09 per cent, M-Oriental Bank Limited 16.10 per cent and African Banking Corporation Limited 16.17 per cent
Lending rates further escalated with UBA Kenya Bank Limited at 16.44 per cent I&M Bank Limited at 16.55 per cent, and Development Bank of Kenya Limited at 16.69 per cent.
DIB Bank Kenya Limited offered loans at 16.85 per cent, while Sidian Bank Limited recorded the highest lending rate in the market at 17.52 per cent.
The CBK regularly publishes these rates to enhance transparency and help consumers make informed decisions when seeking credit.
The wide range in lending rates underscores the need for borrowers to compare financial institutions before taking out loans.