Commercial Bank of Africa Opening & Closing Hours

Commercial Bank of Africa, widely known as CBA, was a prominent Kenyan bank before its merger with NIC Bank to form NCBA Bank in 2019. During its independent operations, CBA was renowned for its innovative approach to banking, particularly its pioneering role in mobile banking with the M-Shwari product on M-Pesa.

Throughout the business week, CBA branches maintained consistent operating hours, opening at 9:00 AM and closing at 4:00 PM from Monday through Friday. This seven-hour daily schedule provided customers with reliable access to comprehensive banking services during standard business hours. The uniform timing across all weekdays made it easier for customers to plan their visits without checking for daily variations.

The 9:00 AM opening aligned perfectly with the start of the business day for most Kenyans, accommodating customers who needed to conduct banking after morning routines. The 4:00 PM closing time ensured adequate afternoon access while allowing staff sufficient time to complete end-of-day processes, reconciliations, and prepare for the following business day.

Understanding that many customers maintained employment or business commitments during weekdays, CBA operated on Saturday mornings to provide weekend banking access. Branches opened at 9:00 AM on Saturdays and remained operational until noon, offering a three-hour window for customers to conduct essential banking transactions. This Saturday service was particularly valuable for customers who couldn’t take time off work during the week.

CBA branches remained closed on Sundays, a practice common across the banking industry in Kenya. This closure allowed for necessary system maintenance, staff rest, and operational preparations. However, customers weren’t left without banking options. CBA’s extensive ATM network continued operating around the clock, and the bank’s pioneering mobile and digital banking platforms provided continuous access to most banking services.

The operating hours described represented standard schedules for most CBA branches across Kenya. However, some variations existed based on location. Branches in shopping malls, commercial centers, or high-traffic areas might have adjusted their hours to match host facility operations. Specialized branches serving corporate clients or offering premium banking services also maintained tailored schedules.

CBA observed all official Kenyan public holidays, with branches typically closed on these days. These holidays included 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 needed to plan accordingly when these holidays fell adjacent to weekends, creating extended closure periods.

For complex transactions, customers were advised to arrive well before closing time. Services such as opening new accounts, loan applications, investment consultations, and resolving account issues required substantial staff time and attention. Simple transactions like deposits, withdrawals, and balance inquiries could be handled more quickly, even in the final hour of operation.

CBA was at the forefront of digital banking innovation in Kenya. The bank’s partnership with Safaricom to create M-Shwari revolutionized banking access for millions of Kenyans, providing savings and credit facilities directly through mobile phones. The CBA mobile app and internet banking platforms offered comprehensive banking functionality, enabling customers to manage accounts, transfer funds, and access services without visiting physical branches.

Since the merger with NIC Bank to form NCBA Bank in 2019, former CBA customers now access services through NCBA branches and channels. To find current operating hours and locations, customers should visit the NCBA Bank website or contact NCBA customer service for the most up-to-date information.