Barclays Bank of Kenya
Barclays Bank of Kenya, the largest and most profitable bank in Kenya, has won the award for improving its technology, offering a broad range of services and demonstrating a high degree of involvement in the local community.
The bank has stayed ahead of its competitors by, first, improving the technology of its cash machines and expanding its telephone banking services. Following the launch of an integrated point of sales for its credit and debit cards, it has grown that business by a remarkable 40% annually. It’s corporate clients also enjoy the convenience of BankDirect, whereby bank officials visit the clients’ premises to take care of all their banking needs.
With a respectable ROE of 18% last year, the bank remains committed to improving the quality of life in the local community. Each year, it donates 1% of its pre-tax profit to social causes, which in 2002 amounted to Ł1.5m. “The result is that thousands of disadvantaged Kenyans have had their lives transformed because of this far-sighted policy. No other bank can boast of this track record,” said a bank spokesperson.
