COO Kalpesh Jotangia with CEO Dr Yogesh Pattni. Photo/courtesy.
Victoria Commercial Bank has marked 40 years in Kenya’s banking sector, tracing its journey from a poverty reduction initiative in the Lake Victoria Basin to a lender with Sh70 billion in assets and a growing focus on digital banking.
The bank launched its anniversary celebrations with Voices of Unity, an interfaith musical programme and thanksgiving service in Nairobi that brought together Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian artists, alongside its board, staff, clients and other stakeholders.
The event, held under the theme “One Stage, Multiple Faiths, One Message”, celebrated the institution’s history and called for continued peace and prosperity in Kenya.
“Our different faiths and traditions enrich who we are, but it is our shared values, respect, compassion and service, that bring us together,” said Board Chair Ketaki Sheth.
“As Victoria Commercial Bank celebrates 40 years, may we continue building a future in which every person feels valued and every community can thrive.”
From financial inclusion to corporate banking
Victoria Commercial Bank traces its origins to an initiative started at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu under Bishop Henry Okullu, who sought to address poverty and financial exclusion in the Lake Victoria Basin.
Businessman Kanji D. Pattni mobilised the founding capital, enabling the institution to begin operations as Victoria Finance Company from Victor House in Nairobi. It later converted into a commercial bank and moved its headquarters to Upper Hill to serve corporate and industrial clients.
Today, the bank operates six branches nationally and reports an asset base of Sh70 billion. It says its average customer relationship spans 15 years, reflecting its emphasis on long-term relationships and tailored banking services.
The lender has also received recognition at the Think Business Banking Awards, including awards for customer-centric banking, digital banking and lending.
Digital strategy and sustainable finance
As customer expectations and competition reshape the banking industry, VCB says it is pursuing a digital-first strategy that includes the introduction of smart branches.
The bank has also introduced green financing for small and medium-sized enterprises, positioning the offering as part of its support for sustainable economic activity.
Beyond banking, VCB has partnered with Faraja Cancer Support Trust for more than five years to provide financial support to children battling cancer.
Chief Executive Officer Yogesh Pattni said the bank’s next phase would focus on maintaining customer trust while improving access and innovation.
“Reaching 40 years is a great milestone for Victoria Commercial Bank. It reflects the trust of our customers, the dedication of our people and the strength of the relationships we have built over four decades,” he said.
“As we look ahead, our ambition is to remain a trusted financial partner while becoming more innovative, accessible and responsive to the evolving needs of the generations we serve.”
Women hold key leadership positions
VCB has also highlighted women’s representation across its workforce and leadership. According to the bank, women make up 55 per cent of its employees, manage 66 per cent of its branches and hold half of its middle-management positions.
Women account for 38 per cent of its C-suite and senior-management roles, while the board is chaired by a woman.
The figures form part of the bank’s stated commitment to inclusion and greater representation in decision-making.
For VCB, the next chapter will involve sustaining its relationship-led approach while expanding digital capabilities and financing solutions. Its ability to translate these priorities into better services and stronger business outcomes will help shape its position in Kenya’s evolving banking sector.
