{
  "id": 2320161,
  "title": "SBM Bank opens 34th branch in Nanyuki",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/sbm-bank-opens-34th-branch-in-nanyuki",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-21T06:12:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Capital Business",
    "slug": "capital-business",
    "url": "https://capitalfm.africa/sbm-bank-opens-34th-branch-in-nanyuki/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "SBM Bank Kenya expanded its reach by opening its 34th branch in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, Kenya. The new branch, situated at Peak Place Building, aims to cater to businesses and individuals in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, real estate, and SMEs. SBM Bank's CEO, Bhartesh Shah, emphasized the region's high growth potential and the importance of relationship banking and digital convenience. He stated that the branch opening is a testament to the bank's strong balance sheet and commitment to growth. The new branch will provide comprehensive banking and advisory services to various stakeholders in Laikipia, including conservancies, horticulture exporters, farmers, and institutional customers. Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu highlighted the county's diverse economy as an attractive investment opportunity for the private sector. The branch's opening follows SBM Bank's impressive financial performance, with a 171.3% increase in profit before tax and an 88.2% rise in net profit during the six months ended June 30, 2026.",
  "summary": "The lender plans to tap into the region's conservancy economy, including Ol Pejeta, Lewa, Borana and Loisaba, as well as high-end tourism lodges, flower and horticulture exporters, the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), SMEs, real estate developers and agribusinesses in Nanyuki and Timau.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}