Dubai Islamic Bank’s Kenyan Arm Targets Growth With New South C Branch

By Elijah Odanga

DIB Bank Kenya (DIBBK), a fully owned subsidiary of Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC—the largest Islamic bank in the United Arab Emirates—has officially opened a new branch in South C, Nairobi. This expansion underscores the bank’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the Kenyan capital and enhancing access to Shariah-compliant financial services.

“This branch opening showcases our Seven Years of Commitment and Seven Branches of Growth,” said Ms. Mary Kanuku, Acting CEO and Managing Director of DIB Bank Kenya. “Since establishing our presence in 2017, we have remained focused on serving the evolving needs of both our existing and prospective customers. Today’s launch marks the first of two new branches opening this year, with the Nyali branch in Mombasa scheduled to open next week. Our growth is not merely about numbers—it is rooted in the ethical foundations of Shariah banking.”

The new South C branch will provide a comprehensive suite of personal and business banking services, all designed in accordance with Islamic banking principles. The expansion aligns with the bank’s long-term vision to become a leading player in Kenya’s financial ecosystem.

Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Ugas Sheikh Mohamed, Chairman of the Capital Markets Authority, praised the bank’s steady growth. “These expansions are not just about physical presence. They represent DIB Bank’s unwavering commitment to becoming Kenya’s most progressive Islamic financial institution. As a proud customer, I can attest to the bank’s reliability and its growing footprint in Nairobi and Mombasa,” he remarked.

DIBBK’s parent company, Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC, brings decades of experience and global expertise in Islamic finance. Its Kenyan expansion reflects growing investor confidence and an increasing appetite for alternative, ethical banking models in the region.

Mr. Abdulla Abdulraheem, Commercial Attaché at the UAE Embassy in Nairobi, highlighted the significance of the bank’s move in the context of bilateral relations. “DIB Bank Kenya’s expansion aligns perfectly with the deepening economic ties between our two nations. This launch is a testament to the strength and resilience of UAE-Kenya relations,” he noted.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by bank executives, government representatives, community leaders, and customers—all lauding the branch as a positive step toward inclusive financial growth.

Mr. Michael Murphy, a Board Member at DIB Bank Kenya, emphasized the bank’s people-centric approach. “During the planning of this branch, our team engaged deeply with the South C community—walking the streets, listening to business owners, and learning their needs. These are the stories that shape our vision. Next week, we look forward to bringing this same thoughtful approach to the vibrant coastal economy of Mombasa with the opening of our Nyali branch.”

The South C branch opening follows a series of strategic investments in technology, talent, and infrastructure—all aimed at enhancing customer experience and delivering value to stakeholders. As DIBBK looks to the future, it continues to lay a strong foundation for sustainable, inclusive, and ethical banking across Kenya.

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