Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) has expanded its presence in northern Kenya after opening a new branch in Isiolo, bringing its nationwide network to 94 as it moves towards its target of operating 100 branches by the end of 2026.
The new branch is expected to improve access to banking services for residents, traders, small businesses and enterprises in Isiolo, where only seven banks currently operate. The move is aimed at bringing financial services closer to communities that have had limited access to banking facilities.
Isiolo’s strategic location along the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor makes it an important centre DTB Expands into Isiolo to Bring Banking Closer to Traderstre for trade, tourism and business. The county’s growing economic activities have created opportunities for financial institutions to support entrepreneurs, traders and other businesses.
“Financial inclusion means ensuring that opportunity is not determined by where someone lives. By establishing a presence in Isiolo, we are bringing our banking services closer to individuals and businesses that are contributing to the region’s economy and creating opportunities for its future,” said DTB Kenya Managing Director Murali Natarajan
Natarajan said the bank wants to ensure that people can access financial services regardless of where they live. He added that the bank recognises the economic potential of northern Kenya and wants to work with communities and businesses to support their growth.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo welcomed the investment, saying improved access to banking would benefit traders, pastoralist communities, entrepreneurs and young people seeking financial solutions to expand their activities.
“For a County like Isiolo with its strategic location and growing economic opportunities, having more banking services within reach can make a meaningful difference to our traders, pastoralist communities, entrepreneurs and young people,” said Guyo.
He added that the county looks forward to partnerships that will help residents grow their businesses and participate more actively in Kenya’s economic development. The Isiolo outlet forms part of DTB’s wider expansion strategy, which combines physical branches with digital banking services to make transactions more accessible and convenient for customers.
The bank is also preparing to open five additional branches in Homa Bay, Kawangware, Ruiru, Redhill Runda and Parklands. These outlets are expected to increase its network to 100 by the end of the year.
Through the expansion, DTB aims to serve different economic groups, including pastoralist enterprises, small traders, established businesses and emerging industries, while extending financial services to more communities across the country.