Equity Bank Connects with Diaspora in Washington State

Equity Bank has dispatched a dedicated team to Federal Way, Washington, for a five-day engagement with the Kenyan diaspora, running from Thursday, October 17, 2025, to Monday, October 21, 2025. The initiative seeks to provide personalised financial services, enabling Kenyans abroad to invest, save, and manage their wealth back home.

The outreach programme is set to take place at two convenient locations in Federal Way: the Huduma Center, with Jeff Gitahi as the contact person, and the Holiday Inn Express, where Jane Nyaga will be available to assist.

Tailored Financial Solutions for Kenyans Abroad

Kenyans in Washington State will have the opportunity to explore a range of financial products and services specifically designed for the diaspora community. These include opening Diaspora Dollar Accounts for managing foreign currency, applying for mortgages to purchase or build property in Kenya, and accessing business loans to support entrepreneurial ventures back home.

Equity Bank's team will also offer expert wealth management advice and seamless personal banking solutions, including remittance services. The bank has a history of offering tailored mortgage solutions for property ownership, encompassing residential, commercial, and construction loans for Kenyans living abroad. These loans can finance up to 70% of the Bill of Quantity for construction, with repayment periods of up to 10 years.

Historical Context and Policy Support

Equity Bank established its Diaspora Banking division in 2014, demonstrating a long-term commitment to supporting Kenyans abroad. This aligns with broader efforts to facilitate the engagement of the diaspora in Kenya's economic development. The bank emphasizes a partnership approach, grounded in trust and understanding, to support the financial aspirations of its diaspora clientele.

The bank also provides advisory services on stock market and real estate trends in Kenya, and can assist with property scouting and valuation. Furthermore, Equity Bank offers various account types for diaspora clients, including Business Accounts, Junior Member Accounts, Current Accounts, and Jijenge Accounts, alongside diverse money transfer solutions.

Dedicated Support and Future Outlook

To enhance customer experience, Equity Bank operates a 24-hour Contact Centre specifically for diaspora clients, offering personalised service through multiple communication channels, including live chat and email. This ensures that Kenyans in different time zones can access support whenever needed.

The bank aims to reach 100 million clients by 2030, underscoring its ambitious vision for growth and expanded accessibility across Africa. This outreach in Washington is part of a series of engagements designed to build personal connections and understand the unique needs of diaspora clients.

Evidence/Data Box

• Event Dates: Thursday, October 17, 2025 – Monday, October 21, 2025
• Location: Federal Way, Washington, USA
• Key Services: Diaspora Dollar Accounts, Mortgages, Business Loans, Wealth Management, Remittances
• Mortgage Financing: Up to 70% of Bill of Quantity for construction loans, repayment up to 10 years (Equity Bank, November 2024)
• Diaspora Contact Centre: +254 763 026 481 (24/7 availability)

What to Watch

The success of this and similar diaspora engagements will likely influence future strategies by Kenyan financial institutions to tap into the significant economic potential of Kenyans living abroad. Observers will be keen to see the uptake of these tailored financial products and how they contribute to increased diaspora investments in Kenya. The bank's commitment to expanding its global reach and client base remains a key area of focus.