Kenyans in the diaspora will now enjoy a whole new banking experience following the creation of a one of a kind service centre in Nairobi.
On Thursday, the Co-operative Bank of Kenya unveiled a new facility - the ‘Diaspora Centre’ - that is dedicated to serve Diaspora clients in all their banking needs.
The centre located at Co-op bank headquarters, will assist Kenyans abroad do their banking in a comprehensive manner, including handling all queries, opening of accounts, advise on investment options such as real estate and wealth management among others.
Also set to largely benefit from the new centre are Diaspora Saccos that have been started by Kenyans in various countries including USA, United Kingdom, Ireland among others.
“Co-op Bank is particularly keen to strengthen Diaspora Saccos because we believe that the same socio-economic empowerment that Saccos have done for majority of Kenyans is the same one they can do for Kenyans abroad,” Mr Maurice Matumo, Director Retail & Business Banking at Co-op Bank stated.
The Diaspora Centre will be operational 24/7 to attend to Kenyans across the globe-living in different time zones.
Speaking during the launch of the dedicated facility, Mr Matumo indicated the centre was launched following huge remittances sent to the country by Kenyans abroad.
"The Co-operative Bank was already feeling the pressure to expand capacity to handle the surging volumes. The new Diaspora Centre therefore comes at a most opportune time, to ensure that Kenyans abroad are able to access banking services with minimum hassle, just like home.”Mr Matumo expressed.
According to a 2015 report by the World Bank, Kenya was the third highest recipient of remittances in Africa, with her citizens sending a record Sh161.8 Billion.
Nigeria was the highest recipient receiving Sh2.04 Trillion in remittances, followed by Ghana Sh200 Billion then Kenya and Senegal together at third place.
Here are photos from Thursday's colourful launch of the Diaspora Centre:
