Nairobi, May 13, 2025 — Pakistan’s Bank AL Habib Limited (BAHL) has announced the closure of its representative office in Kenya, marking the end of its four-year foray into the African market. The decision follows a directive from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), which provided guidance on the voluntary cessation of the bank’s operations in the country.
BAHL established its Nairobi representative office in 2020, aiming to tap into the multibillion-dollar international transaction business and strengthen trade ties between Pakistan and Africa. Operating under the name “BAHL – Representative Office,” the entity focused on research, marketing, and liaison activities, without engaging in commercial banking services.
In a notice dated October 27, 2023, BAHL stated that the last day of its operations in Kenya was June 30, 2024. The bank expressed gratitude to the CBK and its banking partners for their support during its tenure in Kenya.
Despite the closure in Kenya, Bank AL Habib continues to maintain a strong international presence, with operations in Bahrain, the Seychelles, China, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
The bank’s exit from Kenya underscores the challenges foreign banks may face in establishing a foothold in new markets, even amidst robust trade relations between countries.
