Updated 1 November 2026
NCBA loan interest rates in 2026 average 17.30% a year for personal loans, according to the figures NCBA Bank Kenya filed on the industry Total Cost of Credit portal (updated 5 October 2026). That is the Central Bank Rate of 8.75% plus an average NCBA premium of 8.55%. The range is wide, from 12.75% to 30.80%, so the rate you are offered matters a lot. Check-off loans go up to KSh 6 million over 96 months. Updated November 2026.
Updated November 2026. Sources: Total Cost of Credit portal (read 1 November 2026) and NCBA’s personal loans page (read 1 November 2026). NCBA Bank Kenya is licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya. This is information, not financial advice.
NCBA loan interest rates by loan type (2026)
| Loan category | NCBA premium (average) | Average rate | Lowest | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal | 8.55% | 17.30% | 12.75% | 30.80% |
| Asset finance | 8.59% | 17.34% | 10.60% | 26.40% |
| Business (MSME and trade finance) | 11.25% | 20.00% | 14.00% | 30.00% |
| Corporate | 5.52% | 14.27% | 8.92% | 19.84% |
| Digital loans | 13.75% | 22.50% | 17.60% | 24.00% |
| Mortgages | 0.85% | 9.60% | 9.50% | 9.90% |
All lines were updated on 5 October 2026 and use the Central Bank Rate (8.75%). NCBA’s filed mortgage rate (9.60% average) is the lowest of the large banks on the portal; it likely reflects specific schemes, so ask for a written quote before you plan around it.
NCBA personal loans: limits and terms
| Product | Amount | Repayment | Key condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check-off loan | KSh 50,000 to KSh 6 million | Up to 96 months | Employer has an agreement with NCBA; repayments deducted by the employer |
| Non-check-off loan | Up to KSh 5 million, no security | Up to 60 months | Salaried, active NCBA account for at least 6 months |
| Education loan | Up to KSh 1.5 million | Up to 48 months | Fees paid straight to the school against an invoice |
| Salary advance | Up to KSh 250,000 | Up to 6 months | Through your NCBA salary account |
| M-Shwari loan | Based on your limit | Short term | One-time fee of 7.5% per loan |
NCBA says interest is calculated on a reducing balance and personal loans can be taken in KES, USD, GBP or EUR if your income is in that currency. For the M-Shwari product in detail, read our M-Shwari charges guide.
What an NCBA personal loan costs: worked example
A KSh 500,000 loan over 36 months on a reducing balance, at NCBA’s lowest, average and highest published personal rates (fees and insurance not included):
| Rate | Monthly instalment (KSh) | Total interest over 3 years (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| 12.75% (lowest) | 16,787 | 104,326 |
| 17.30% (average) | 17,901 | 144,440 |
| 30.80% (highest) | 21,445 | 272,037 |
At the top of NCBA’s range you would pay over KSh 167,000 more in interest than at the bottom. Run your own figures in the NCBA loan calculator.
How NCBA compares with other big banks
| Bank | Average personal rate | Range |
|---|---|---|
| KCB | 15.54% | 12.92% to 19.63% |
| Standard Chartered | 16.84% | 15.75% to 20.25% |
| Absa | 17.08% | 14.50% to 21.49% |
| NCBA | 17.30% | 12.75% to 30.80% |
Source: Total Cost of Credit portal, read 1 November 2026. Compare more in KCB loan interest rates and best banks for personal loans in Kenya.
How to get a lower NCBA loan rate
- Use the check-off route if your employer has an NCBA scheme; it allows larger amounts and longer terms.
- Run your salary through NCBA for at least 6 months to qualify for the non-check-off loan.
- Clear CRB listings first and keep your M-Shwari and Fuliza repayments on time; your mobile borrowing record counts.
- Ask for the Total Cost of Credit statement and compare it with other banks.
For branches and customer care see NCBA paybill, SWIFT code and contacts.
How to read the NCBA rate before you borrow
The figures above are what NCBA filed on the Total Cost of Credit portal, the industry site where Kenyan banks publish their pricing. The “premium” is the margin NCBA adds to the reference rate for each type of loan; the “lowest” and “highest” figures show the range it actually charges different borrowers. If the Central Bank Rate changes at a Monetary Policy Committee meeting, a variable loan rate usually moves with it, so a loan priced at CBR plus a fixed premium can get cheaper or dearer during its life. Always ask whether your rate is fixed or variable, and get the full cost in writing before you sign.
NCBA loan interest rates: frequently asked questions
What is the NCBA personal loan interest rate in 2026?
NCBA’s average personal loan rate on the Total Cost of Credit portal is 17.30% a year (CBR 8.75% plus 8.55%), with a range of 12.75% to 30.80%, as updated on 5 October 2026.
How much can I borrow from NCBA without security?
The non-check-off loan goes up to KSh 5 million with no security over up to 60 months. Check-off loans through your employer go from KSh 50,000 to KSh 6 million over up to 96 months.
What does an M-Shwari loan cost?
NCBA’s page lists a one-time fee of 7.5% on each M-Shwari loan.
Does NCBA give school fees loans?
Yes. The education loan gives up to KSh 1.5 million, unsecured, paid directly to the school against an invoice, with repayment over up to 48 months.
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.
