Vision
“.. to be the preferred microfinance services provider contributing to the economic prosperity of Africa .. ”

Mission
We mobilize resources and offer credit to maximize value and economically empower the microfinance clients and other stakeholders by offering customer-focused quality financial services.

History of The Bank

Equity Bank started its operations in 1984 as Equity Building Society (EBS). Its establishment was motivated by the desire to create a financial service provider which would meet the needs of the majority of the Kenyan population. The need to come up with the institution was out of the realisation that most Kenyans lacked access to financial services or simply could not afford them. The initial focus was to offer mortgage services but in the mid 1990’s EBS changed its business focus to micro finance services.

The bank experienced difficult financial times in the early 1990s and in 1993 almost faced liquidation by Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). However, due to the Bank’s (then EBS) laudable record of creating affordable and easy access of financial services by ordinary Kenyans, CBK opted to apply rational judgment to allow EBS re-invent itself.

Equity Building Society therefore grabbed the opportunity extended by CBK, eventually shifting focus from mortgages to microfinance in 1994. The long serving Chairman, Peter Munga assisted by the then CEO, John Mwangi and current CEO and Managing Director (the then Finance Director) James Mwangi, played a key role in shaping the leadership of EBS through re-defining its mission and vision and then promoting it to creed.

Equity Building Society comprehensively implemented the management of change process according to international standards - putting emphasis on quality customer service. For over 16 years, Equity survived the difficulties of a manual system until June 2000 when it launched a computerized management information system. This change contributed to an increase in productivity and an expansion of the portfolio.

Equity Building Society committed itself towards human resource development by engaging in staff training and development, recruiting professionals and sourcing experienced staff. This contributed to growth in business volume which necessitated its conversion to a commercial bank which was duly registered on December 31, 2004 as Equity Bank Limited. Since then, the Bank has grown at a high rate and expanded its business volume. There is no doubt today that the Bank is a leader in the microfinance sector in the country and is giving unparallel services to its diverse clientele.

In August 2006, Equity Bank Limited listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE). The listing of the 90.5 million shares, made the Bank the first local company to get listed at the NSE through introduction – the listing of shares without seeking extra capital from the market.