Business Quest 
The move has affected three branches, with customers being transitioned to hub branches and being enabled to bank on the move.
Leading Islamic lender Gulf African Bank has moved to close three of its branches in Nairobi and Mombasa as it accelerates adoption of its digital technologies and transforming select
branches to fully fledged hubs. The changes are expected to take effect on 31st March 2022.
The shift, which is meant to cater for the Bank’s customers’ immediate and future banking needs is part of the Bank’s long-term digitization strategy.Commenting on the development, Gulf African Bank’s Managing Director Abdalla Abdulkhalik said,
“The decision to close these branches has been carefully considered. We have thoroughly revamped our digital banking channels and introduced new ones”.
This development comes after the Bank recently became the first Islamic lender in the country to launch cash deposit machines in Nairobi and Mombasa.
The Bank’s digital banking channels consist of its Mobile Banking and Internet Banking services, Cash Deposit Machines, BIZ to Bank for SMEs and Visa debit and credit cards. Through these platforms, the Bank’s customers can access banking services on the move; visiting the branch or calling in only when need arises. To further support customers during this move, the Bank has increased the operating time of its national contact center which is now in service 24/7, 365 days a year.
The Bank is also currently running a mortgage program offering interested home buyers the lowest mortgage rate in the country at 11.75% with approvals in a record 48 hours and with a range of benefits tailored to meet the specific and practical needs of first time home buyers, seasoned home buyers and property investors in Kenya and in the Diaspora.
