Zenith Bank Plc has finalized the acquisition of the entire share capital of Paramount Bank Kenya Limited, marking its entry into the Kenyan banking market. The Nigerian bank confirmed the completion of the transaction in a statement signed by its Company Secretary, Michael Osilama Otu, without disclosing the amount.
The transaction was completed after obtaining all the required regulatory approvals in Nigeria and Kenya. With this transaction, Zenith becomes the fourth Nigerian bank present in Kenya, joining United Bank for Africa, Guaranty Trust Bank, and Access Bank, already established in this key East African market.
It is worth noting that in January 2026, the operation received the green light from the Competition Authority of Kenya, which deemed it not to pose a risk to competition, as Zenith Bank had no prior activity in the country.
This operation is part of a broader expansion strategy aimed at strengthening its presence in the East African economies. In a larger move, Access Holding acquired the National Bank of Kenya from the KCB Group for over USD 100 million in 2025.
Zenith Bank also benefits from a significant strengthening of its capital base, following a hybrid capital raise of 614.65 billion nairas (USD 440 million) in 2025, which substantially increased its expansion capacity.
The bank indicated that this acquisition is a key advancement in its long-term growth objective and in consolidating its status as a major player in the banking sector in sub-Saharan Africa.
