Kenyan state-owned bank to open branch in southern Sudan

NAIROBI, Feb 25 (AFP) — State-run Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) on Friday announced plans to open a new branch in Rumbek, the provisional capital of southern Sudan.

KCB chief Terry Davidson told AFP the branch would be operational in the next four months after the region’s semi autonomous administration sets up banking regulatory mechanisms.

“We should have the branch on the ground when we get over the regulatory issues that may take three to four months,” he added.

The bank made a decision after touring the region and concluding that it lacks “adequate banking facilities,” Davidson added.

“As soon as we clear with the relevant authorities, we will be on the ground to provide our services to the people,” he said.

Rumbek, a dilapidated town is the provisional capital city of southern Sudan’s autonomous region which was created by the peace accord signed in Kenya in January between Khartoum and the Sudan’s Peoples Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M).

It also serves as the headquarters of UN and various aid agencies working in sourthern Sudan.

SPML/A officials say several international banks have expressed willingness to open branches in Rumbek.

Website: Kenya Commercial Bank