Updated 1 November 2026
DTB vs NCBA: on the rates both banks publish with the Kenya Bankers Association, NCBA has a far lower average mortgage rate (9.6% against 15.56%), the two are almost level on personal loans, and DTB is cheaper on average for business and asset finance loans. NCBA’s ranges are much wider, so the rate you get there depends more on your profile. All figures come from the KBA Total Cost of Credit (TCC) site.
Updated November 2026. Rates as published on costofcredit.co.ke: DTB updated 2 October 2026; NCBA updated 5 October 2026.
DTB vs NCBA loan rates side by side
Each rate is the Central Bank Rate (CBR) plus the bank’s premium (K). The TCC site lists the CBR at 8.75%.
| Loan category | DTB average (min–max) | NCBA average (min–max) |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | 17.61% (14.84%–24%) | 17.3% (12.75%–30.8%) |
| Mortgages | 15.56% (14.51%–16.73%) | 9.6% (9.5%–9.9%) |
| Business (MSME + trade finance) | 16.56% (14.42%–20.13%) | 20% (14%–30%) |
| Asset Finance | 16.06% (11.01%–19.04%) | 17.34% (10.6%–26.4%) |
| Corporate | 14.84% (10.81%–18.45%) | 14.27% (8.92%–19.84%) |
| Digital loans | Not published | 22.5% (17.6%–24%) |
Source: KBA Total Cost of Credit average, minimum and maximum interest rate reports, costofcredit.co.ke/site/interest-rate, accessed 1 November 2026.
Mortgages: NCBA’s published rate is much lower
NCBA lists an average mortgage rate of 9.6%, with a tight band of 9.5% to 9.9%. DTB’s average is 15.56% (14.51% to 16.73%). A six-point gap on a home loan is enormous: on a long-term mortgage it can cut the monthly instalment by a third or more. Rates under 10% in Kenya are usually linked to refinanced or affordable-housing products, which carry price caps and eligibility rules, so ask NCBA which product the 9.6% figure reflects and whether you qualify. See our explainer on KMRC-backed mortgages for how single-digit home loans work.
Model both offers with the mortgage calculator before you commit.
Personal loans: nearly level, but NCBA’s range is wider
DTB averages 17.61% and NCBA 17.3%, a gap of 0.31 points. The difference is in the spread. NCBA’s personal loans run from 12.75% to 30.8%, so its best borrowers pay less than DTB’s best (14.84%), but its riskiest pay far more than DTB’s maximum of 24%. If your credit history is strong, NCBA may price you lower; if it is thin, DTB’s ceiling is lower.
Estimate your repayments on the DTB loan calculator and the NCBA loan calculator.
Business, asset finance and corporate loans
For MSME and trade finance, DTB averages 16.56% and NCBA 20%, with NCBA’s range reaching 30%. For asset finance (vehicles and equipment), DTB averages 16.06% and NCBA 17.34%. Corporate rates are close: DTB 14.84% and NCBA 14.27%.
Digital loans: only NCBA publishes a rate
NCBA reports an average digital loan rate of 22.5% (17.6% to 24%). That category covers mobile-based lending. DTB has no digital loan figure on the TCC site. If you are comparing mobile loans, our guides to Fuliza vs M-Shwari and KCB M-Pesa vs M-Shwari cover the main options.
Who should pick which?
- Home buyers: NCBA’s published mortgage pricing is far lower; confirm product eligibility.
- SMEs and traders: DTB’s average business rate is 3.4 points lower and its ceiling is lower.
- Vehicle and equipment loans: DTB is about 1.3 points cheaper on average.
- Personal loans with a strong credit record: NCBA’s floor (12.75%) is lower.
- Personal loans with a weaker record: DTB’s maximum (24%) is well below NCBA’s (30.8%).
Compare total cost, not just interest
Every Kenyan bank must give you a Total Cost of Credit statement before you sign. It adds arrangement, legal, valuation and insurance fees plus excise duty to the interest, and shows an annual percentage rate. Compare that APR across banks. Our best banks for personal loans guide does this for the main lenders. Bank contacts: DTB and NCBA.
Frequently asked questions
Is DTB or NCBA better for a mortgage?
On published TCC data, NCBA’s average mortgage rate (9.6%) is far below DTB’s (15.56%). Check which NCBA product that rate applies to and whether you meet its conditions.
Which is cheaper for a personal loan, DTB or NCBA?
The averages are close: 17.61% at DTB and 17.3% at NCBA. NCBA’s range is wider, from 12.75% to 30.8%, against 14.84% to 24% at DTB.
Does DTB offer digital loans?
DTB does not publish a digital loan rate on the KBA cost of credit site. NCBA publishes an average of 22.5%.
How current are these rates?
DTB’s figures were updated on 2 October 2026 and NCBA’s on 5 October 2026, as shown on costofcredit.co.ke when checked on 1 November 2026.
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