CBK Closes Pakistan-Based Bank’s Operations in Kenya
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has announced the closure and termination of the authority granted to Pakistan-based Bank Al-Habib Ltd (BAHL) to operate in Kenya.
In a statement released on Monday, the regulator indicated that the development was influenced by the bank’s decision to rationalize its foreign operations and depart the Kenya market.
“The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) announces the cancellation of the authority granted to Bank Al-Habib Ltd (BAHL) of Pakistan to operate BAHL,” CBK stated.
“Representative Office in Kenya, pursuant to Section 43 of the Banking Act. BAHL’s exit from Kenya, effective May 15, 2025, follows a strategic decision by BAHL to rationalise its foreign operations.”
Press Release: Closure of Bank Al-Habib Representative Office in Kenya pic.twitter.com/iVV6QmKw26
— Central Bank of Kenya (@CBKKenya) June 30, 2025
On April 9, 2018, CBK granted permission to BAHL, a commercial bank based in Karachi, Pakistan, to create a representative office in Kenya.
It provides business and retail banking services, as well as international trade finance.
The Representative Office in Kenya functioned as a marketing and liaison office for the parent bank and its worldwide subsidiaries.
Bank Al-Habib Ltd is one of Pakistan’s most prominent private commercial banks.
It has over 1,000 branches in Pakistan and a global presence in key financial hubs like Bahrain, the UAE, Turkey, China, and the United Kingdom.
Its Kenya office was its sole representative activity in East Africa.
Under Section 43 of the Banking Act, a representative office is not permitted to conduct fundamental banking activities.
CBK’s cancellation follows the correct procedure because the exit is voluntary and unrelated to any regulatory infraction or financial malfeasance.
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Meanwhile, the CBK lifted the government’s interim suspension of new bank license in the country.
In a press release issued on April 16, CBK confirmed that the ban, which had been in effect since November 17, 2015, will be lifted tomorrow, July 1, this year.
The temporary suspension came amid governance, management, and operational issues in the banking sector.
According to the CBK, it was also meant to create space for the strengthening of Kenya’s banking sector.
CBK Closes Pakistan-Based Bank’s Operations in Kenya
