The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued a new directive 24 banks, ordering them to submit capital enhancement plans following new regulations requiring lenders to increase their minimum core capital from Sh1 billion to Sh10 billion over five years.
The Business Laws (Amendment) Act,
2024 establishes a graduated increase schedule, starting with Sh3 billion by 2025 and reaching Sh10 billion by 2029.
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As of September, 12 banks had core capital below Sh3 billion, with another 12 falling short of the Sh10 billion target, including Access Bank Kenya and HF Group. CBK Governor Kamau Thugge indicates this regulatory change could trigger industry consolidation through mergers and acquisitions.
The new requirements come amid significant sector growth, with banking assets reaching Sh7.568 trillion, up from Sh2.3 trillion in 2012. Banks can meet these requirements through rights issues, equity sales, or strategic mergers, despite the Kenya Bankers Association’s earlier push for an extended eight-year implementation timeline.
