Bank Al Habib Announces Closure of Office in Kenya

Bank Al Habib Limited (BAHL) has announced the closure of its representative office in Nairobi from May 15, 2025.

In a notice on May 5, the Bank said the move follows approval from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) on April 30, 2025.

Habib Bank said the closure is also in line with the Banking Act (Cap. 488, Laws of Kenya) and Prudential Guidelines issued thereunder.

“BAHL hereby notifies its customers, the general public, stakeholders, and all interested parties that BAHL shall close down its Representative Office in Kenya with effect from May 15, 2025,” reads part of the statement.

BAHL, headquartered in Pakistan, was granted authority by CBK in April 2018 to establish a Representative Office in Kenya.

The BAHL- Representative Office has since operated in compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Additionally, Al Habib said the closure follows a strategic review undertaken by the Board of Directors of the Bank.

It is also part of a broader global restructuring initiative aimed at consolidating international operations and improving overall operational efficiency.

Accordingly, BAHL shall terminate its presence in Kenya and cease all its operations effective May 15, 2025.

Consultations and Message to Kenyans

The Bank directed the public and media through the offices of Oraro & Company Advocates via telephone at (+254) 709 250 000 or by e-mail at legal@oraro.co.ke for any inquiries or other communication regarding the closure.

“We take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our customers, stakeholders, partners, and the Kenyan public for their continued support during our presence in Kenya,” BAHL said.

Bank AL Habib Limited is a prominent Pakistani commercial bank under the Dawood Habib Group.

Also Read: Fix Africa’s Macro Economic Instability with Independent and Credible Central Banks

Al Habib Limited Operations in Kenya

The Bank entered the Kenyan market in 2018 by establishing a representative office in Nairobi.

BAHL opened a representative office in Nairobi back in 2020 to tap into Kenyan market.

This was Bank Al Habib Limited’s first investment in Africa.

However, the bank shut down its Kenyan operations in July 2024.

Also Read: CBK Publishes List of Banks with Lowest and Highest Loan Interest Rates as of March 2025

This was after CBK issued directives in October 2023 on how the bank would voluntarily cease its operations in the country.

Al Habib Limited said the representatives Office will continue to operate its office with non-business activities until all its obligations are fully discharged.

The Office does not carry out commercial banking services.

It is allowed to do research, marketing and liaison roles on behalf of the parent bank and its affiliates.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.