NCBA’s digital-first approach through NCBA Now App simplifies banking, removes barriers, and empowers financial inclusion across Kenya.
In Kenya and Africa as a whole, millions of people have remained outside of the formal banking systems for decades due to barriers like complex account opening processes and geographical inaccessibility of bank branches. To some extent, products that don’t fit user needs are also a hinderance that has kept many unbanked.
In this article, we spotlight NCBA as one of the banks leading in financial inclusion by use of digital channels to make banking more accessible, affordable, faster and relevant for everyone without discrimination on location or social status.
But first, what is financial inclusion?
Financial inclusion means giving users financial services that meet their needs at prices within reach, be they individuals, corporates, or SMEs. It’s about making sure people can access banking services even if they are far from branches, are technically limited, or are in industries that require tailored products. Financial inclusion is also about offering services responsibly and sustainably, giving users dignity even when they take credit.
One of NCBA’s strongest avenues towards financial inclusion is the NCBA Now App which makes digital account onboarding a breeze. Through the app, you can open a fully functional account in under five minutes with just your ID, mobile number and a selfie taken from within the app. NCBA handles the rest, saving you the need to leave the comfort of your home or office to go to a branch.
In a very thoughtful feature that is a first in the industry, if you run out of data mid-process NCBA will shoulder the extra cost of data needed to complete the transaction. Once your account is open, you can use it anywhere in the world as long as you have internet access. Need a physical card but live far from a branch? NCBA delivers it to you, and you can activate it from the app. This is the level of simplification and demystification of banking that will draw in more and more customers who were previously unbanked.
What You Can Do with the NCBA Now App
The app is a complete banking solution and quite a powerhouse in a users’ hands. Here are some of the things you can do with it, all without visiting a branch.
- Pay government services like e-Citizen and iTax.
- Pay insurance premiums.
- Access working capital of upto Ksh.30 million as a business person.
- Access personal credit of between Ksh.500/-and Ksh.1 Million as an individual
- Instantly invest in unit trusts within the app, though for more complex investments one would need to work with a relationship manager.
- Make payments for common utilities like electricity tokens, DSTV, Zuku, water bills, and the expressway.
- Load cards like Loop
NCBA has also considered affordability to keep charges within reasonable levels, because any product that people cannot afford is not an effective avenue to wards financial inclusion. The services are also highly accessible, meaning NCBA channels work wherever you are, including remote areas without physical access. Services are also relevant, meaning NCBA designs tailored products for specific needs, such as tools for importers, online business operators, or people who rely on daily wage income.
The NCBA Now App also supports budgeting and saving with a dashboard that shows your transactions at a glance. It has a loan calculator so you know the cost of credit before applying. For investment-focused customers for instance, the app includes a feature to pick the best rates, which is useful if you trade internationally or run an online business.
NCBA is a digital migration success story. With over 60 years in operation, the bank has built quite a high level of trust and in the last two years, customer ratings show strong loyalty, and many customers moving from branch services to digital channels. This shift is proof that digital banking can meet user needs when it’s designed for speed, convenience, and transparency.
NCBA’s push for financial inclusion is not just about technology. It’s about removing barriers, giving you control over your finances, and making banking fit into your life wherever you are.
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