I&M Bank has announced plans to open nine new branches across Kenya in 2026 as part of its ongoing expansion strategy aimed at strengthening financial inclusion and deepening its presence in high-growth regions.
The rollout falls under the bank’s ‘Mahali Uko, Tuko’ campaign, which focuses on bringing financial services closer to communities with growing economic activity.
The new branches will be located in Ngong Town, Kitengela, Nyahururu, Kitui, Homa Bay, Migori, Wote, Our Mall along Magadi Road, and Utawala.
Targeting agribusiness and regional growth hubs
Several of the new outlets are positioned in counties known for agricultural productivity and value chain activity. Branches in Ngong, Nyahururu, Kitui, Homa Bay, and Migori are expected to support regions characterised by livestock farming, fish farming, and diverse crop production.
According to the bank, these branches will provide tailored financial solutions including agricultural financing, value chain support, and partnerships with SACCOs operating within these regions.
Kihara Maina, Regional CEO of I&M Bank, said the expansion reflects the bank’s long-term strategy of positioning itself within emerging economic clusters.
“Our ‘Mahali Uko, Tuko’ campaign embodies our vision of being truly present in the communities we serve. These nine branches represent more than physical infrastructure. They are community hubs designed to drive financial inclusion, support local enterprises, and empower both individual customers and businesses. We are strategically positioning ourselves in areas with significant agricultural value chains, burgeoning real estate markets, and underserved populations ready to unlock their economic potential,” he said.
Focus on real estate corridors and urban expansion
Branches in Kitengela, Our Mall on Magadi Road, and Utawala are located along rapidly expanding residential and commercial corridors near Nairobi. These areas have experienced sustained growth driven by real estate development, land investment, and expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises.
The bank is also targeting the youth demographic in these zones, citing the presence of colleges and educational institutions that present opportunities for digital banking adoption and innovative financial solutions.
Full-service branches with digital integration
The new outlets are designed as comprehensive service centres offering:
- Full-service retail banking with extended operating hours
- Business banking facilities for SMEs and agricultural enterprises
- Digital banking support and customer education
- Financial literacy programmes and community engagement initiatives
- Dedicated relationship managers
- Community-led initiatives through the I&M Foundation
Maina noted that while digital banking adoption continues to rise, physical branches remain critical for major financial decisions.
“We understand that modern banking is about proximity and accessibility. While digital channels are important, our research shows that customers still value the assurance and personal touch that comes with a physical branch presence, especially for significant financial decisions such as business loans, agricultural financing, and property investment. These branches will seamlessly blend digital convenience with human connection,” he added.
Expansion builds on 2025 growth
In 2025, I&M Bank opened 11 new branches, expanding its network from 52 to 65 outlets across 27 counties.
The additional nine branches planned for 2026 will move the bank closer to its target of 80 branches by the end of the year. The broader ambition is to establish presence across all 47 counties as the lender seeks to capture growth in agribusiness, real estate development, and the MSME segment.
The expansion signals increased competition among banks to build physical and hybrid distribution models even as digital financial services continue to scale across the country.
