Kenya’s digital banking landscape has grown steadily over the past decade, fueled by regulatory backing from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the country’s high mobile penetration. With more than 80% of adults now financially included, banking is no longer tied to physical branches. Platforms like M-Pesa have laid the groundwork for fully digital accounts from top lenders such as NCBA Bank Kenya, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, KCB Group, Equity Group Holdings, and Absa Bank Kenya.
Today, opening an account through a smartphone takes minutes. Customers can send and receive funds, pay bills, access loans, invest, and manage deposits from anywhere, without visiting a branch. The onboarding process is paperless, secured with biometric verification, and mostly free, though some banks set minimum deposit amounts or apply monthly maintenance charges.
General Requirements
To open a digital bank account in Kenya, applicants must be at least 18 years old and either Kenyan residents or members of the diaspora with ties to Kenya. Most banks require the following:
- A valid Kenyan National ID or a passport.
- A KRA PIN certificate (obtainable through the iTax portal if needed).
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill or tenancy agreement.
- A clear selfie and a passport-sized photo for facial recognition.
- An active Kenyan mobile number for OTP verification.
Some banks may request a reference from an employer or an existing account holder for added verification. While basic accounts don’t require credit checks, scanned copies of the ID and other documents should be ready for upload during the application.
Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a Digital Account
1. Research and Choose a Bank
Start by comparing digital account options across different banks. NCBA Bank Kenya offers fast activation for first-time users, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya supports multiple account types in one app, and KCB Group integrates loan products directly into its mobile platform.
2. Download the App
Go to Google Play or Apple App Store and download the official banking app. Examples include “NCBA Now,” “SC Mobile,” “KCB MobiBank,” or “Equity Mobile.”
3. Launch and Register
Open the app and select “Open an Account” or “New User.”
4. Enter Personal Details
Fill in your full name, ID number, phone number, email address, nationality, and physical address. Most apps scan your ID to autofill some of these details, reducing typing errors.
5. Verify Identity
Upload the scanned front and back of your ID and take a live selfie for facial recognition. The bank will send a One-Time Password (OTP) via SMS to confirm your phone number.
6. Select Account Type
Choose the type of account you want. A savings account allows interest-earning deposits and limited withdrawals. A current account offers unlimited transactions, cheque/debit card access, and may include overdraft options. Diaspora customers can select foreign currency accounts with international transfer features.
7. Set Security Credentials
Create a 4–6 digit PIN and a strong password. This combination will be required to access the account securely.
8. Review and Submit
Read and accept the terms and conditions, which include CBK’s data privacy and security guidelines. Most banks approve accounts instantly or within 24 hours.
9. Fund the Account
Deposit the minimum opening balance through M-Pesa, debit card, or other accepted channels. Some banks allow a zero minimum balance.
10. Activate and Use
Once the account is active, you can log in to access a range of services including balance checks, bill payments, mobile transfers, digital loans, and investment tools.
Fees and Benefits
While account opening is generally free, users should be aware of potential charges. Maintenance fees range from KES 0 to KES 300 per month depending on the account type. ATM withdrawals typically cost KES 30 or more, and transfer fees vary across banks and transaction channels.
Digital accounts offer a wide range of benefits. Customers have 24/7 access to their funds, can complete transactions in seconds, and enjoy lower operational costs compared to traditional banking. Most apps also support fintech integrations for remittances and investment products, making it easier to manage finances in one place.
In 2025, many banks are adopting AI-powered fraud detection systems to enhance security. Some lenders are also introducing zero-fee diaspora accounts to attract Kenyans living abroad who want to bank locally.
Jefferson Wachira is a writer at Africa Digest News, specializing in banking and finance trends, and their impact on African economies.