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Kenyan lawyer Desterio Oyatsi has scored a $6.7 million boost in the market value of his stake in NCBA Group Plc so far this year, mirroring the sustained increase in the lender’s share price on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) since the beginning of the year.
Oyatsi, who serves as the deputy group chairman of NCBA, owns 21.7 million units of the bank’s shares, representing a 1.32 percent stake in the lender. The market value of his stake has increased from Ksh1.05 billion ($8.09 million) at the start of the year to Ksh1.92 billion ($14.86 million) reflecting an increase of Ksh874 million ($6.77 million).
NCBA shares up 83%, boosting Oyatsi’s stake
The steady climb in Oyatsi’s stake mirrors NCBA’s growing appeal among investors. The bank’s share price has increased by 83 percent this year, rising from Ksh48.2 ($0.37) in January to about Ksh88.5 ($0.68). That increase has pushed the lender’s market cap above $1.1 billion, cementing its position among Kenya’s most valuable banks.
The recent rise in Oyatsi's stake is more than just a rise in the value of his shares. It highlights his confidence in NCBA’s business direction and the strength of its leadership team. The year-to-date increase in the bank’s share price reflects sustained trust among investors who see NCBA as well-positioned for future growth in the region’s banking sector.
NCBA thrives despite economic pressure
Founded in 2019 through the merger of NIC Group and Commercial Bank of Africa, NCBA has built a strong presence across East Africa with operations in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Côte d'Ivoire. The merger brought together two well-established, family-owned institutions and helped NCBA grow into one of the region’s top financial services groups.
Despite high interest rates and tight liquidity its profit rose to Ksh8.92 billion ($69 million) in the first half of 2025, up from Ksh8.39 billion a year earlier, thus boosting investor confidence. Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest lender, is in talks to acquire NCBA through its Kenyan unit, Stanbic Holdings, a deal that could create Kenya’s third-largest bank by assets.
