Co-op Bank leads online search interest among Kenyan lenders

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 27 – Co-operative Bank of Kenya recorded the highest online search interest among 38 commercial banks surveyed between January and September 2026, according to a digital search analysis covering 41 urban centres. The analysis ranked Co-op Bank first with a Share of Interest (SSI) score of 100, followed by Absa Bank at 61.24, Equity Bank at 45.90, KCB Bank at 37.96 and Family Bank at 26.42. NCBA Bank and I&M Bank ranked sixth and seventh, with scores of 21.31 and 14.15 respectively. The report found that 12 banks recorded no measurable search interest relative to the leading bank during the period. They include Bank of India, ABC Bank, Consolidated Bank, DIB Bank Kenya, Ecobank Kenya, Guardian Bank, Gulf African Bank, Habib Bank AG Zurich, Mayfair CIB Bank, Paramount Bank, Prime Bank, Spire Bank and UBA Kenya. The analysis also found differences in search interest across towns. Co-op Bank led in Maua, Siaya and Mariakani, recording shares of 80%, 82% and 81% respectively. It also led in Migori at 47% and Eldoret at 42%. Absa Bank recorded the highest shares in Masimba at 100%, Garissa at 65% and Karuri at 49%. Equity Bank led in Karuri at 51%, Murang’a at 29%, Kapsabet at 29% and Tatu City at 27%. KCB Bank recorded its strongest showing in Webuye, where it accounted for 55% of search interest, followed by Voi at 42%. Family Bank’s shares included 19% in Kitale, 18% in Nanyuki and 16% in Naivasha. Co-op Bank maintained the highest search ranking throughout the 40-week review period, with its SSI score peaking at 100 in February. The analysis also recorded a surge in search interest across several lenders during the week of July 26, 2026. Equity Bank’s score rose to 79 from 33.4, while KCB’s increased to 70.5 from 27.5. Credit Bank recorded a 23-fold increase to 48 from a baseline of about 2.1. The findings are based on online search trends and do not measure banks’ actual customer numbers, deposits, lending activity or market share.