The National Bank of Kenya (NBK) has announced that it will close all its branches on Saturday to allow for an upgrade of its banking system.
NBK CEO Wilfred Musau stated that the switch to the latest version of BankFusion Universal Banking (BFUB) will enable the lender to improve customer experience and provide a wider range of products.
Musau noted that despite the closure, NBK’s customers will be able to access alternative channels including mobile banking, ATMs, agents and merchant outlets.
“The core banking system upgrade will enable the bank to further increase its operational efficiencies and improve its compliance and risk management functionalities,” Musau stated.
“It will also provide the bank an advanced banking platform to position itself for enhanced digital banking services for the customers,” he added.
NBK is the latest bank to advance its operating software to boost efficiency and introduce new products. The lender also enables Islamic banking services.
The uptake of digital channels has seen banks like Barclays and Standard Chartered close down some of their branches to cut costs.
In July, StanChart moved to shut down four of its branches including Bungoma Branch, Kisii Branch, Kitengela Branch and Warwick Branch.
Barclays closed down seven branches which included Moi Avenue Branch, Waiyaki Way Branch, Haile Selassie Branch, Wundanyi Branch and Meru Branch.
