Daraja Microfinance Bank Opening & Closing Hours

Daraja Microfinance Bank is a deposit-taking microfinance institution operating in Kenya with a mission of bridging financial gaps and promoting economic empowerment. The name “Daraja,” meaning “bridge” in Swahili, reflects the bank’s core purpose of connecting underserved communities and small businesses with essential financial services that facilitate economic growth and development.

During weekdays, Daraja Microfinance Bank branches open at 8:00 AM, offering early morning access that caters specifically to the needs of micro-entrepreneurs, small traders, and business owners. This early opening time allows customers to conduct banking transactions before starting their business operations, which is particularly important for those who cannot afford to leave their businesses during peak trading hours. Branches remain operational until 5:00 PM from Monday through Friday, providing a comprehensive nine-hour daily window for customer service.

The extended weekday hours reflect Daraja’s understanding of its customer base and commitment to accessibility. Many of the bank’s customers are micro-entrepreneurs who work from early morning until late evening, making traditional limited banking hours inconvenient. The 8:00 AM opening accommodates morning banking needs such as deposits and loan payments, while the 5:00 PM closing allows customers to visit after concluding their daily business activities.

Daraja Microfinance Bank operates on Saturdays with substantial hours, opening at 8:00 AM and remaining operational until 1:00 PM. This five-hour Saturday window provides significant weekend banking access, recognizing that many customers work throughout the week and particularly value weekend banking availability. Saturday operations are especially important for savings groups, women’s groups, and community organizations that often meet on weekends.

Daraja branches are closed on Sundays throughout Kenya. This weekly closure serves multiple purposes, including allowing staff necessary rest, performing system maintenance and security updates, and conducting operational preparations for the upcoming week. However, Daraja has developed alternative service channels to ensure customers maintain access to basic banking services beyond traditional branch hours.

The operating hours described represent standard schedules for Daraja Microfinance Bank branches across Kenya. As a microfinance institution focused on financial inclusion, Daraja strategically positions its branches in areas where underserved populations and small businesses are concentrated. This geographic strategy ensures that banking services reach communities that benefit most from accessible microfinance, truly bridging the gap between financial services and those who need them.

Daraja Microfinance Bank observes all Kenyan public holidays, with branches typically closed on these designated days. Major holidays affecting bank operations include New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Madaraka Day, Idd-ul-Fitr, Mashujaa Day, Jamhuri Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Customers should plan their banking activities accordingly, especially when holidays fall adjacent to weekends.

Many Daraja customers require consultations about microfinance products, including business loans, group lending arrangements, agricultural financing, and savings programs. The extended operating hours accommodate these important consultations, though customers should still arrive with adequate time before closing for complex transactions. Loan applications, business planning discussions, and financial education sessions can take thirty minutes to an hour, while routine transactions process more quickly.

Daraja Microfinance Bank has embraced digital banking technology to extend its reach beyond physical branches. Mobile banking services enable customers to save money, repay loans, transfer funds, and access various banking functions from their phones. This is particularly valuable for customers in rural areas or those with limited mobility who cannot easily reach physical branches. The bank’s agent banking network further extends service access by partnering with local businesses.

The bank’s product range includes individual and group business loans, emergency loans, agricultural financing, asset financing, savings accounts, and fixed deposits. Daraja also emphasizes financial literacy and capacity building, providing training programs that help customers develop financial management skills and business acumen alongside access to financial services.

Daraja’s bridge-building mission extends beyond simply providing financial products to encompass

community development and economic empowerment. The bank works closely with local organizations and communities to understand needs and develop responsive solutions.

To confirm operating hours for your nearest Daraja Microfinance Bank branch or to locate branches and agents in your area, customers can visit the bank’s official website, call the customer care center, or contact their preferred branch directly.