Paul Arithi 
- CBK announces Bank Al-Habib Office Closure
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has announced the cancellation of the authority granted to Bank Al-Habib Ltd (BAHL) of Pakistan to operate BAHL Representative Office in Kenya.
According to CBK, this closure is pursuant to Section 43 of the Banking Act.
CBK said BAHL’s exit from Kenya, effective May 15, 2025, follows a strategic decision by BAHL to rationalize its foreign operations.
“BAHL, was authorized by CBK to establish a Representative Office in Kenya on April 9, 2018,” read part of CBK statement.
BAHL is a commercial bank headquartered in Karachi, Pakistan, offering retail and corporate banking, as well as international trade finance services.
The Representative Office in Kenya served as a marketing and liaison office for the parent bank and its international affiliates.
Habib Bank AG Zurich was established in Switzerland in 1967, and has grown into a global institution with a presence in 11 countries spanning across four continents.
Over the past six decades, we have expanded internationally, combining modern technology with timeless values.
Last month,AL Habib the Pakistani lender Bank has announced its intention to shut down operations in Kenya from Thursday, May 15, 2025, marking the end of its seven-year presence in the country.
“Bank AL Habib Limited (“BAHL”) hereby notifies its customers, the general public, stakeholders, and all interested parties that BAHL shall close down its Representative Office in Kenya with effect from May 15, 2025,” said the bank in a statement on May 5.
BAHL which is headquartered in Pakistan, was granted authority by CBK in April 2018 to establish a representative office in Kenya. The bank said its exit from Kenya follows approval from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
“This follows approval from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) on April 30, 2025, in line with the Banking Act (Cap. 488, Laws of Kenya) and Prudential Guidelines issued thereunder,” the bank’s chief representative said in the statement.
According to the Pakistani-based financial institution, the closure follows a strategic review by its Board and a global restructuring aimed at improving operational efficiency. The changes are also aimed at consolidating its international operations.
