NCBA Bank has handed over 24 Chery Tiggo vehicles to Rubis Energy Kenya as part of a long-standing partnership aimed at enhancing operational efficiency through innovative lease financing solutions.
The vehicle handover marks a major milestone in a collaboration spanning more than two decades, with NCBA providing a broader asset financing solution that includes leasing and management of a fleet of 72 passenger and commercial vehicles for Rubis Energy Kenya.
The arrangement enables Rubis to modernise its fleet while preserving capital resources, allowing the energy company to focus on business growth and service delivery. The fleet management solution has supported vehicle utilisation rates of more than 98%, ensuring availability and operational efficiency.
NCBA’s Growing Leadership in Asset Finance
The partnership comes as NCBA continues to strengthen its position in Kenya’s asset finance sector, where the bank held a 35% market share as of April 2026.
NCBA said the growing demand for leasing and hire purchase solutions reflects a shift among businesses seeking capital-efficient models that support expansion without placing pressure on cash flow.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, NCBA Bank Kenya Managing Director James Gossip said the partnership with Rubis Energy Kenya demonstrates the bank’s transformation from a traditional financial provider into a strategic business partner.
“Our relationship with Rubis Energy Kenya is built on more than two decades of trust, shared growth and a commitment to creating long-term value. Over the years, we have evolved from a banking provider into a strategic partner, supporting the business through tailored financial solutions that enable operational efficiency and sustainable growth,” said Gossip.
He added that NCBA develops financing solutions based on each client’s operating environment, industry needs, and growth ambitions rather than offering standardised products.
Businesses Turn to Asset-Light Financing Models
The partnership reflects a growing trend among Kenyan businesses to adopt asset-light strategies amid changing economic conditions, including higher financing costs, currency pressures, and evolving consumer demand.
Kenya’s economy is projected to grow by approximately 4.5% to 5% in 2026, supported by sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and logistics. As businesses seek efficiency and resilience, leasing and asset financing have become increasingly important tools for managing investments.
NCBA noted that small and medium-sized enterprises, which contribute an estimated 40% of Kenya’s GDP, also require accessible financing solutions to improve productivity and expand operations.
Rubis Energy Kenya Benefits from Fleet Modernisation
Rubis Energy Kenya Managing Director Frederic Joseph Maupetit said the fleet renewal programme would strengthen the company’s ability to serve customers across its extensive network.
The company operates more than 300 service stations and serves thousands of commercial and industrial customers across Kenya.
“These vehicles are for our teams who carry the Rubis name onto the roads of Kenya every single day. Better tools mean better service, and better service is what our customers deserve,” Maupetit said.
He added that the investment would support field operations, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience.
Supporting Growth Across the Energy Sector
Beyond asset finance, NCBA provides an integrated corporate banking platform covering leasing, trade finance, cash management, investment banking, and insurance solutions.
The bank said the energy sector remains a key focus area due to its contribution to industrial growth and economic activity.
Sector data from 2025 shows fuel consumption increased by more than 10% year-on-year, while electricity consumption grew by over 6%, reflecting rising commercial and industrial demand.
NCBA continues to support companies across the energy value chain through tailored financial solutions that promote efficient capital deployment, supply chain optimisation, and expansion.
Long-Term Partnership Built on Innovation
Salvador Caetano Kenya Managing Director Aurélien Glay said the collaboration between the companies goes beyond vehicle supply, focusing on developing solutions that meet customer operational needs.
“When we started working together on this first fleet, it was never just about supplying vehicles. It was about understanding the operational needs of our customer, finding the right financial structure, aligning expectations, and ultimately building a solution that creates value for everyone involved,” Glay said.
Since 2004, NCBA and Rubis Energy Kenya have maintained a partnership built on trust, innovation, and shared growth. The latest fleet renewal initiative reinforces NCBA’s role as a strategic financial partner supporting businesses to preserve capital, improve efficiency, and scale sustainably.