Umba is a digital-first bank founded in 2018, which entered the Kenyan market by acquiring a majority stake in Daraja Microfinance Bank in July 2022. It operates in Kenya under Daraja’s microfinance banking licence. Umba’s model emphasizes app-based account access, secured lending (including vehicle financing), and SME loans, with a physical head office footprint rather than a large branch network.
Head Office
- Location: Timshack House, 2nd Floor, Dagoretti Corner, along Ngong Road, Nairobi
- Postal Address: P.O. Box 100854 – 00101, Nairobi
- Telephone: 0746 555222
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.umba.com
Branches
Head Office / Ngong Road Branch
- Location: Timshack House, 2nd Floor, Dagoretti Corner, Ngong Road, Nairobi
- Telephone: 0746 555222
As of the most recent available information, Umba operates a single central branch in Nairobi (its head office), with the bulk of customer service and account management delivered through its mobile app (UmbaPay) rather than a network of physical branches.
Operating Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
In-app banking services (transfers, loan applications, savings) are typically available beyond these hours since they don’t require a branch visit.
Summary Table
| Bank | Current Name / Owner | Nairobi Head Office | Key Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Century Microfinance Bank | Century MFB (84.89% owned by Branch International) | Bihi Towers, Moi Avenue | +254 20 2664282 |
| U&I Microfinance Bank | U&I Microfinance Bank (independent) | Asili Complex, River Road | +254 713 112791 |
| Daraja Microfinance Bank | Now branded Umba (66.06% owned by Umba Inc.) | Dagoretti Corner, Ngong Road | 0746 555222 |
| REMU Microfinance Bank | Now Key Microfinance Bank (73.2% owned by LOLC Mauritius) | Finance House, Loita Street | +254 20 2214483 |
| Umba Bank | Umba (operates via Daraja’s licence) | Timshack House, Ngong Road | 0746 555222 |
A Note on Accuracy
Kenya’s microfinance banking sector has seen significant consolidation in recent years, with several small MFBs acquired by fintech and international investors seeking to meet rising capital requirements (the proposed Microfinance Bill 2026 would raise the core capital floor for micro-lenders from KSh 60 million to KSh 250 million). Because of this, bank names, ownership, and branch counts for smaller players like Century, Daraja/Umba, and REMU/Key can change with little public notice. Branch lists for these smaller banks are also far less consistently published online than for larger microfinance banks. Always confirm current branch locations, hours, and contact details directly with the bank before visiting, particularly for the smaller, recently-acquired institutions.
Compiled from Central Bank of Kenya’s Directory of Licensed Microfinance Banks, official press releases on bank acquisitions, and each bank’s published contact listings.