KCB reassures customers in South Sudan

NAIROBI: Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Group is confident its operations in Southern Sudan will not be affected by the ban on expatriates in Africa’s newest oil-rich nation.

East Africa’s largest bank says it sees no potential impact on its business, following a directive by the Government of South Sudan that put caps on positions in private firms and non-governmental organisations that should be held by expatriates.

“KCB has over the last eight years worked closely in developing strong talent pipeline in South Sudan with over 85 per cent of its staff being qualified national staff,” said Joshua Oigara, the Group’s Chief Executive.

ECRUITMENT POLICY

In a statement yesterday, Mr Oigara said the bank has continuously supported the Government’s initiative to develop strong talent across the country through its open recruitment policy, talent development programme and localised training for all employees.

“All our customers are therefore advised that they can still conduct financial transactions at their convenience in all our branches in the country,” he said.

KCB South Sudan has 21 branches in South Sudan.

But the Government of South Sudan has directed that some cadre positions existing in various institutions to be filled by the country’s nationals.

“Our objective for this subsidiary eight years ago was to open branches in each State strategically located to support the country’s economic activities and create synergies with our operations in other regional markets,” said Oigara.

He said the bank has also completed the construction of two additional branches in Juba, which will be operational next month (October) to capture increased business opportunities.