NIC Bank (merged with CBA to form NCBA) Loans, Eligibility & Rates

NCBA Bank, formed by the 2019 merger of NIC Bank and Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA), offers diverse loans tailored for Kenyans in Nairobi and beyond, blending NIC's retail focus with CBA's innovation. These products support personal ambitions and business growth amid Kenya's dynamic economy, with rates influenced by Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) guidelines capping at around 16%. Borrowers must meet strict eligibility like CRB status and income proof, ensuring responsible lending.

1. Unsecured Personal Loan

NCBA's Unsecured Personal Loan stands out for its collateral-free access, ideal for salaried individuals funding education, debt consolidation, or milestones without asset pledges. Borrowers can access up to KES 8 million over 120 months, with applications via branches, website, or relationship managers for quick approvals under 3 days. Eligibility requires a stable income above KES 20,000 monthly, age between 21-65, and a clean Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) listing; payslips, ID, and 3-month bank statements suffice.

Rates hover at 13%-16% per annum, plus facility fees, making it competitive yet mindful of total costs—use NCBA's calculator to project EMIs. This loan empowers Nairobi professionals facing high living costs, like rent or emergencies, by offering flexibility without logbook risks. In practice, a KES 1 million loan at 14% over 48 months yields affordable EMIs around KES 28,000, fitting urban salary structures.

2. Secured Personal Loan

For higher limits, NCBA's Secured Personal Loan uses assets like vehicles or property as collateral, unlocking up to KES 10 million for major purchases. This suits self-employed borrowers or those with irregular income, as security offsets CRB concerns if partially cleared. Key eligibility includes asset valuation (logbook or title deed), proof of income via M-Pesa statements or ITR, and business registration if applicable.​

Interest falls to 12%-15% p.a., lower due to reduced bank risk, with terms up to 72 months and disbursement post-approval within days into an NCBA account. In Kenya's property market, this loan aids home upgrades or car financing, where Nairobi's traffic demands reliable vehicles. Fees include valuation (1-2%) and legal, but savings on rates offset them for long-term borrowers.​

3. Overdraft Facility

NCBA Overdraft provides revolving credit on current accounts, perfect for short-term cash gaps in business or personal use, drawn as needed up to approved limits. Unlike term loans, interest applies only on utilized amounts, suiting variable Nairobi trade flows like retail peaks. Eligibility demands an active NCBA account with 6+ months history, consistent deposits (min. KES 50,000/month turnover), and positive CRB.​

Rates range 14%-18% p.a., with no fixed repayment beyond monthly interest, auto-deducted from inflows—ideal for overdraft management via USSD or app. This facility shines for SMEs in Eastlands markets, bridging supplier payments without full loan commitments. Maximums tie to 50% of average balance, ensuring prudent extension.​

4. Secured Business Loan

Tailored for expansion, NCBA's Secured Business Loan finances CAPEX or working capital up to KES 50 million, with collateral like equipment or property. Businesses operating 1+ years qualify via cash flow projections, audited accounts, and directors' guarantees; non-customers welcome with flexible securities. Repayment spans 60 months for assets or 36 for operations, assessed on turnover multiples.​

Rates start at 13% p.a., competitively priced for Kenya's SME sector, where facility management firms in Nairobi seek growth amid urbanization. Applications involve business plans and valuations, processed efficiently by dedicated teams. A KES 10 million loan at 14% over 48 months supports inventory for cleaning service providers, enhancing cash cycles.​

5. Commercial Real Estate Loan

NCBA's Commercial Real Estate Loan funds construction or purchase, financing up to 70% of project value for offices, rentals, or villas. Eligibility centers on titled land, feasibility studies, and developer track record; ideal for Nairobi's booming real estate like Westlands developments. Terms extend to 15+ years, with phased disbursements tied to construction milestones.​

Interest at 13%-17% p.a. reflects sector risks, yet competitive versus peers, including grace periods for build phases. This empowers property investors, aligning with Kenya's housing deficit where maintenance services thrive post-construction. Legal searches and insurance are mandatory, streamlining approvals.​

6. Mshwari and Digital Loans

NCBA's Mshwari integrates with M-Pesa for instant micro-loans from KES 500 to 10 million, targeting underserved Nairobi hustlers via app or USSD. Eligibility scans 8-month M-Pesa history, CRB status, and Loop app activity—no collateral needed for small amounts. Repayments are flexible, auto-deducted, with Fuliza overdraft complements.​

Rates at 13% p.a. plus access fees keep it affordable, disbursing in minutes for emergencies like pest control setups. This digital arm leverages CBA's legacy, boosting financial inclusion in informal sectors. Higher limits require salary scaling.​

Application Process and Tips

Applying for NCBA loans starts online via ke.ncbagroup.com, branches, or *522# USSD, submitting ID, income docs, and collateral proofs digitally. Approvals hinge on affordability ratios under 40% of income, with CRB checks via apps like Tala integration. Nairobi applicants benefit from 22+ branches for hybrid processes.

Tips: Compare EMIs using tools, clear CRB via settlements, bundle with savings for better rates. Watch add-ons like insurance (1-2%). Post-merger, NCBA's scale ensures robust service, from NIC's relationships to CBA's tech.

Recent Trends and Considerations

As of 2026, CBK's rate caps stabilize NCBA offerings amid inflation, with digital loans surging 30% in urban Kenya. Borrowers face rising fuel costs impacting repayments, but NCBA's restructuring aids defaulters. For service pros like cleaners or repairers, asset loans fund vans/tools efficiently.

Sustainability features, like green building loans, emerge for eco-projects. Always verify latest via NCBA—rates fluctuate quarterly. Responsible borrowing sustains access, fueling personal and national growth.