Bank Al Habib Limited (BAHL), a Pakistani commercial bank, will close its Nairobi representative office effective May 15, 2025, following approval from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) on April 30, 2025.
Strategic Closure and Regulatory Compliance
The closure aligns with the Banking Act (Cap. 488, Laws of Kenya) and CBK’s Prudential Guidelines. It follows a strategic review by BAHL’s Board of Directors as part of a global restructuring initiative to consolidate international operations and enhance efficiency.
“BAHL hereby notifies its customers, the general public, stakeholders, and all interested parties that BAHL shall close down its Representative Office in Kenya with effect from May 15, 2025,” the bank stated in a notice issued on May 5, 2025.
BAHL, headquartered in Pakistan under the Dawood Habib Group, established its Nairobi representative office in April 2018 after receiving CBK authorisation.
The office operated in compliance with Kenyan legal and regulatory requirements, focusing on research, marketing, and liaison activities for the parent bank without conducting commercial banking services.
Background of BAHL’s Kenyan Operations
BAHL entered the Kenyan market in 2018, marking its first investment in Africa. However, the bank ceased operations in July 2024, following CBK directives issued in October 2023 for a voluntary exit. Since then, the representative office has managed non-business activities to fulfill outstanding obligations.
“We take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our customers, stakeholders, partners, and the Kenyan public for their continued support during our presence in Kenya,” BAHL said.
Inquiries and Next Steps
BAHL directed all inquiries regarding the closure to Oraro & Company Advocates, reachable at (+254) 709 250 000 or via email at legal@oraro.co.ke.
The bank will cease all operations in Kenya by May 15, 2025, concluding its presence in the country.
The closure reflects BAHL’s strategic shift to streamline its global footprint while maintaining gratitude for the support received during its seven-year tenure in Kenya.