Diamond Trust Bank, National Bank of Kenya and Access Bank Announce Revised Loan Lending Rates

The country’s commercial banks have started implementing lower interest rates on loans after the Central Bank of Kenya lowered the Central Bank Rate (CBR) from 9.00 per cent to 8.75 per cent on 10 February 2026.

The Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), the National Bank of Kenya (NBK), and Access Bank have made public announcements confirming that they have made alterations to their Kenya Shilling variable-rate loan facilities in line with the new benchmark rate set by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).

The simultaneous announcements by the country’s leading banks signify the immediate transmission of the easing of monetary policy to the banking sector, with the public set to enjoy lower base interest rates on loans linked to the new CBR under the Risk Based Credit Pricing Model (RBCPM).

DTB Revises Base Lending Rate

In a notice titled “Reduction of Base Lending Rate,” DTB stated: “Following the Central Bank of Kenya’s revision of the Central Bank Rate (CBR) from 9.00% to 8.75% on 10 February 2026, DTB wishes to inform you of the following.”

The lender confirmed that, “All new local currency variable-rate loans will be priced at a base rate of 8.75%, plus the applicable risk-based premium (K), in accordance with the Risk Based Credit Pricing Model (RBCPM).”

For existing borrowers, DTB said: “All existing local currency variable-rate loans currently priced on CBR + Premium (K) will have the CBR component revised from 9.00% to 8.75% p.a. effective 11 March 2026.”

The bank further clarified that, “All existing local currency variable-rate loans taken before 1 December 2025 will continue under their prevailing terms and will transition to the RBCPM on 28 February 2026 as earlier communicated.”

Reaffirming regulatory adherence, DTB added: “DTB remains committed to full compliance with all regulatory guidelines issued by the Central Bank of Kenya.”

Also Read: Relief for Borrowers as CBK Cuts Lending Rates by 25 Basis Points

National Bank Aligns With MPC Decision

NBK, in its “Public Notice- Revision of Risk Based Pricing for Variable Rate Loans,” stated that it, “hereby notifies its customers and the general public of changes to the pricing of Kenya Shilling variable-rate loans.”

The bank linked the move directly to monetary policy action, noting: “Following the February 2026 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting and the subsequent adjustment of the Central Bank Rate (CBR), the Bank has updated its loan pricing reference rate in line with regulatory guidelines.”

Effective 13 February 2026, NBK announced that, “all new Kenya Shilling variable-rate loans will be priced at CBR 8.75%, plus a Risk-Based premium (‘K’) determined by the borrower’s risk profile and other parameters approved by the Central Bank of Kenya.”

It added that, “Loans issued prior to 1st December 2025 will be transitioned to the revised Risk-Based Credit Pricing Methodology (RBCPM) by 28th February 2026,” while, “Existing loans issued after 1st December 2025 will be adjusted to CBR 8.75% + premium ‘K’ effective 13th March 2026.”

NBK underscored its policy stance, stating: “NBK remains committed to transparency, fairness, and responsible lending. We will continue to disclose the total cost of credit, including all applicable fees and charges, to enable customers to make informed financial decisions.”

Also Read: Equity Bank Announces Cheaper Loans for Customers After CBK Lowers CBR Rate

Access Bank Implements 30-Day Adjustment Window

Access Bank similarly confirmed that the adjustments follow, “the revision of the Central Bank Rate (CBR) by the Monetary Policy Committee from 9.00% to 8.75% in February 2026.”

The bank said: “All new facilities will be priced at the revised CBR of 8.75% plus a risk based premium (‘K’) determined by the borrower’s risk profile and other parameters approved by the Central Bank of Kenya.”

For existing facilities priced at CBR plus premium, Access Bank stated: “For facilities currently priced on CBR + Premium (K), the CBR component will be adjusted from 9.00% to 8.75%. This change will take effect 30 days from the date of this notice.”

It also confirmed that, “Existing Variable-Rate Loans Disbursed Before 1st December 2025 will be transitioned to the revised Risk Based Credit Pricing Methodology (RBCPM) by 28th February 2026, as previously communicated.”

Borrowers were encouraged to reach out to their Relationship Manager, Branch Manager, or the Contact Centre for further enquiries.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

Central Bank of Kenya for illustration purposes. PHOTO/ CBK