I&M Bank branch expansion is moving into Kenya’s growth towns for increased financial inclusion. While digital banking continues to grow, the lender is betting that proximity still matters, especially for agribusiness owners, property developers and small business operators who want face-to-face conversations about money.
In 2026, the bank will open nine new branches in Ngong Town, Kitengela, Nyahururu, Kitui, Homa Bay, Migori, Wote, Our Mall on Magadi Road and Utawala. The move follows the opening of 11 branches in 2025, which pushed its network from 52 to 65 outlets across 27 counties. With the additional nine, I&M aims to reach 80 branches by the end of 2026 and extend its footprint across all 47 counties.
You can see the pattern. The bank is not focusing on Nairobi’s traditional commercial districts. It is targeting satellite towns and county hubs where economic activity is rising fast.
Betting on Agribusiness and County Economies
Several of the new branches sit in Kenya’s agricultural belt. Ngong, Nyahururu, Kitui, Homa Bay and Migori support livestock farming, fish farming and mixed crop production. These areas drive large value chains that depend on credit, savings products and payment solutions.
Kihara Maina, Regional CEO of I&M Bank, frames the expansion around presence. “Our ‘Mahali Uko, Tuko’ campaign embodies our vision of being truly present in the communities we serve. These nine branches represent more than physical infrastructure, they are community hubs designed to drive financial inclusion, support local enterprises, and empower both individual customers and businesses. We are strategically positioning ourselves in areas with significant agricultural value chains, burgeoning real estate markets, and underserved populations ready to unlock their economic potential.”
Agriculture still accounts for roughly a third of Kenya’s GDP when you factor in related sectors. Yet farmers and agribusiness owners often struggle with structured financing. By placing branches in these counties, I&M is positioning itself closer to the farm gate and to SACCO partnerships that shape rural finance.
I&M Bank Branch Expansion – Following the Real Estate Corridors
The branches in Kitengela, Our Mall on Magadi Road and Utawala tell another story. These are fast-growing residential and commercial zones along major transport corridors. Land prices have climbed over the past decade as middle-income families move outward from Nairobi’s core.
Here, the bank will target property developers, land investors and small traders. It also sees an opportunity among young people in colleges and training institutions. Youth-led businesses and digital-first customers sit at the centre of that growth.
Maina says the research still supports a physical presence. “We understand that modern banking is about proximity and accessibility. While digital channels are important, our research shows that customers still value the assurance and personal touch that comes with a physical branch presence, especially for significant financial decisions such as business loans, agricultural financing, and property investment. These branches will seamlessly blend digital convenience with human connection, ensuring we serve the unique needs of each community.”
That comment reflects a wider industry tension. Kenyan banks have invested heavily in apps and agency networks. At the same time, many customers still walk into branches when the stakes are high. Loans tied to land, farming or business expansion carry risk. People want a desk, a chair and a person across from them.
What the Branches Will Offer
I&M says the new outlets will operate as full-service centres. Customers can expect extended operating hours, business banking facilities for SMEs and agricultural enterprises, digital banking support and financial literacy programmes. Each branch will have dedicated relationship managers and community initiatives run through the I&M Foundation.
The bank plans on-ground activations and social engagement programmes to connect with residents. That approach aligns with a broader shift in banking. Branches now double as marketing spaces and financial education hubs.
A Competitive Push
The I&M Bank branch expansion comes at a time when competition in Kenya’s banking sector is intense. Large lenders continue to fight for SME and agribusiness clients. Smaller towns present room for growth as urban markets mature.
For you as a customer, the question is simple. Do these new branches make access to finance easier? If you run a farm in Nyahururu or a hardware shop in Kitengela, a nearby branch can shorten travel time and speed up decisions. That matters when cash flow runs tight.
I&M’s expansion signals confidence in Kenya’s county economies. It also signals a belief that physical presence still influences trust. In a market that prizes mobile money and digital transfers, that is a deliberate choice.
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