Updated 1 November 2026
KCB vs National Bank (NBK): National Bank’s average personal loan rate is lower (14.37% against 15.54%), and so is its average business rate, while KCB is slightly cheaper on average for mortgages and corporate loans and is the only one of the two that publishes asset finance pricing. NBK’s personal loan band is unusually narrow, so most borrowers pay close to its average. Figures are from the Kenya Bankers Association’s Total Cost of Credit (TCC) site.
Updated November 2026. KCB rates updated 24 September 2026 (mortgages 11 June 2026); National Bank rates updated 5 October 2026, as shown on costofcredit.co.ke.
KCB vs National Bank loan rates compared
Each figure is the Central Bank Rate plus the bank’s premium (K). The TCC site shows the CBR at 8.75%.
| Loan category | KCB average (min–max) | National Bank average (min–max) |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | 15.54% (12.92%–19.63%) | 14.37% (14.22%–15.64%) |
| Mortgages | 13.7% (12.79%–17.48%) | 14.26% (12.73%–15.31%) |
| Business (MSME + trade finance) | 17.28% (13.82%–19.88%) | 16.44% (14.9%–17.49%) |
| Asset Finance | 15.88% (14.32%–19.88%) | Not published |
| Corporate | 13.21% (12.22%–17.64%) | 14.56% (12.21%–17.33%) |
| Digital loans | Not published | Not published |
Source: KBA Total Cost of Credit average, minimum and maximum interest rate reports (costofcredit.co.ke/site/interest-rate), accessed 1 November 2026.
Personal loans: NBK is cheaper for most borrowers
National Bank’s personal loans average 14.37% and range only from 14.22% to 15.64%. KCB averages 15.54% but ranges from 12.92% to 19.63%. Put simply, KCB’s very best customers can beat NBK’s floor, but a typical borrower at NBK pays about 1.2 points less, and NBK’s worst case (15.64%) is four points below KCB’s (19.63%).
That makes NBK worth a quote if you are a civil servant or salaried worker with an average credit record. Estimate repayments on the National Bank loan calculator and the KCB loan calculator.
Mortgages: KCB slightly lower on average
KCB’s average mortgage rate is 13.7% against NBK’s 14.26%. Their floors are almost identical (12.79% and 12.73%), but KCB’s ceiling (17.48%) is higher than NBK’s (15.31%). KCB’s mortgage figure was last updated in June 2026, so confirm today’s pricing. Our guide on how to get a mortgage in Kenya lists the documents banks want, and the mortgage calculator shows what half a point is worth over 20 years.
Business, corporate and asset finance
For MSME and trade finance, NBK averages 16.44% and KCB 17.28%, and NBK’s top rate (17.49%) is lower than KCB’s (19.88%). For corporate borrowers the order flips: KCB averages 13.21% against NBK’s 14.56%. Only KCB lists an asset finance rate (15.88% average, 14.32% to 19.88%), which matters if you are financing a vehicle or machinery.
Who should pick which?
- Typical salaried borrower: NBK’s published personal loan pricing is lower and more predictable.
- Prime borrowers with excellent credit: KCB’s floor (12.92%) is the lowest personal rate of the two.
- SMEs: NBK averages under a point less, with a lower ceiling.
- Large companies: KCB’s corporate average is lower.
- Car and equipment loans: only KCB publishes asset finance rates.
Check the full cost before you sign
Interest is only part of a loan’s price. Ask each bank for the Total Cost of Credit statement for your exact amount and term. It adds the arrangement fee, legal and valuation charges, insurance and excise duty, and gives the annual percentage rate to compare. See our best banks for personal loans guide for total-cost comparisons, and keep KCB contacts and National Bank contacts handy when you call for quotes.
Frequently asked questions
Is National Bank cheaper than KCB for personal loans?
On average, yes. NBK’s published average is 14.37% against KCB’s 15.54%, according to the KBA cost of credit site. KCB’s lowest rate (12.92%) is below NBK’s lowest (14.22%).
Which bank has the lower mortgage rate?
KCB’s average mortgage rate (13.7%) is slightly below NBK’s (14.26%). KCB’s figure dates from June 2026.
Does National Bank publish asset finance rates?
No asset finance rate for National Bank appeared on costofcredit.co.ke when checked on 1 November 2026. KCB’s average was 15.88%.
Where can I check these rates myself?
Go to costofcredit.co.ke, open the interest rate reports and pick the bank and loan category. The site shows average, minimum and maximum rates with the date each was updated.
Prefer WhatsApp? Follow Business Radar on WhatsApp
Weekly, free. We only use your email for this newsletter and you can unsubscribe in one click. Privacy policy.
