KCB opens a new branch in Kapcherop

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Residents and business operators in Kapcherop, Marakwet West Sub-County, and its surrounding areas are expected to enjoy easy access to banking and credit facilities following the official opening of a new Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) branch in the town.

The new branch will bring financial services closer to residents who previously travelled to Kapsowar, Iten, Kitale, and Kapenguria to access banking services, reducing the cost and time of financial transactions.

Speaking at the official launch, KCB Regional Sales Manager Bethwel Tanui said the establishment of the Kapcherop branch demonstrated the bank’s confidence in the region’s economic potential.

“It is with great honour that we officially launch the KCB Kapcherop Branch. We believe this region has enormous economic potential, and that is why we have chosen to establish a physical presence here,” said Tanui.

He said the branch would require the support of residents, traders, and institutions to grow into a sustainable and self-sufficient outlet similar to other KCB branches across the country.

“Our objective is to grow together with the people of Kapcherop. The closer we are to our customers, the better we can understand their needs and develop financial solutions that respond to their businesses and aspirations,” he said.

Tanui urged residents to embrace formal banking and take advantage of available financial products, including credit facilities, savings products, and business financing, saying access to appropriate financial services was critical to enterprise growth.

The Regional Business Manager for KCB’s North Western Region said the bank’s expansion strategy was anchored on bringing financial services closer to communities while supporting local economic development.

“Kapcherop is an emerging commercial centre with significant untapped potential. The establishment of this branch will enable us to build stronger relationships with customers, understand their enterprises, and support them to grow,” he said.

KCB Kapcherop Branch Manager, John Chepkonga, assured residents that the new outlet would provide accessible and customer-focused banking services tailored to the needs of individuals, traders, institutions, and other economic actors in the area.

“We are committed to working closely with the community and supporting the growth of businesses in Kapcherop and the surrounding region. We encourage residents to visit the branch, engage with our team, and explore the financial solutions available to help them expand their economic activities,” said Chepkonga.

He added that the branch would seek to build trust with customers by understanding the nature of their enterprises and providing appropriate financial guidance.

KCB Iten Branch Manager Rose Rugut said decentralising banking services was critical in promoting financial inclusion and enabling communities to participate more effectively in the formal economy.

“With the opening of this branch, we are bringing services closer to the people. This means individuals and businesses will have easier access to savings, credit, and other financial services that can support their economic growth,” said Rugut.

She called on residents to support the new branch, saying its growth could create opportunities for the bank to expand its presence to other areas.

“If the community embraces and supports this branch, its success will demonstrate the potential for further expansion of financial services to other parts of the region,” she added.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor, Wisley Rotich, said the presence of a local branch would enable the bank to better understand the needs of residents and support boda boda operators, traders, farmers, professionals, and other entrepreneurs through appropriate financial services and credit facilities.

He noted that the branch would also stimulate economic activity in Kapcherop by attracting more people to the town and creating opportunities for businesses such as shops, hotels, transport operators, and other service providers.

“This bank will contribute to the growth of Kapcherop as a commercial centre. We encourage our residents to take advantage of the available financial services, save, access business advice, and borrow responsibly to expand viable enterprises,” he said.

The Governor further appealed to KCB to consider qualified local youth during future recruitment, saying the region had many educated and hardworking young people.

He assured the bank of the county leadership’s support and said ongoing investments in health, education, housing, roads, and other infrastructure would complement private sector investments and accelerate the growth of Kapcherop.

“Government will continue providing an enabling environment, but every individual and family must also take responsibility for improving their livelihoods through hard work and productive investment,” he added.

The opening of the KCB Kapcherop Branch is expected to enhance financial inclusion, reduce the cost of accessing banking services, and support the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises in the region.

The new outlet will serve Kapcherop and neighbouring areas, providing residents with easier access to deposits, withdrawals, loans, savings products, and other financial services.

By Rennish Okong’o

Reporting originally appeared via Kenya News Agency. Read the full source for additional context.