0111027203, 0111027200    info@kuscco.com     | Careers  | Office Mail | Swift Hr


Commercial banks have taken advantage of a legal loophole allowing them to load extra charges on customers’ loans to drive the cost of credit way above the current statutory cap of 14 per cent.
The average cost of loans based on the banks’ own online portal that discloses lending charges currently stands at 19.1 per cent, with some borrowers shouldering effective repayment rate of up to 26.5 per cent on a reducing balance basis.
The impact of the extra fees on the total cost of credit is evident on the www.costofcredit.co.ke portal that was created by the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) and the Central Bank of Kenya to boost transparency of loan pricing.
The KBA data shows major variations in charges by different banks, resulting in the effective lending rate rising up to 26.5 per cent based on what it would cost a customer to take a one-year Sh1 million personal unsecured loan.
Extra charges that banks load on borrowers, besides the interest cost, include disbursement, legal, insurance and appraisal fees.
The KBA data shows that most of the banks are charging an interest rate of 14 per cent in compliance with the legal limit, but the level of fees wrapped in the loan products is the ultimate determinant of how high the annual percentage rate (APR) will be.
KBA’s chief executive, Habil Olaka, defended the bank charges, saying the online disclosure offers prospective borrowers a tool to shop for the best deals in the loans market, taking into account factors such as the cost of credit and value added.
“The website allows customers to take to task banks that appear expensive. Alternatively, they can simply go to those offering cheaper loans,” said Mr Olaka.
Family Bank, Equity most costly
Family Bank and Equity Bank  are the two most expensive lenders due to their relatively higher charges.
A one-year Sh1 million loan from Family, for instance, costs a total of Sh140,085 or an effective interest rate of 26.5 per cent. This includes charges of Sh62,640.
At Equity, the total cost of credit is Sh132,445, representing 24.9 per cent of the principal. This includes fees of Sh55,000.
At the cheaper end of the spectrum, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) has the lowest loan pricing of 14.02 per cent, which is based on its nominal charge of Sh110.
While the fees are one-off items, they are a significant driver of profits and have attracted the attention of lawmakers.
Cost of credit
*On a Sh1 mn, 12-month personal unsecured loan
Bank    Effective Rate (%)    Cost (Sh)
Family    26.52                         140.09
Equity    24.93                         132.45
Prime    22.67                          121.45
Barclays    22.46                      120.41
NIC         21.15                        113.95


*Costs differ mainly due to varying bank charges

Read More: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/news/Bank-charges-loophole-raises-cost-of-loans-to-19pc/539546-4255160-b43os8/index.html

ISO 9001

KUSCCO QUALITY POLICY

We commit to consistently promote SACCOs through advocacy and provision of quality technical and financial products that exceed the members’ expectations.
We shall comply with the statutory requirements and actively pursue continuous improvement of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) processes, capabilities and effectiveness

© 2023 Kenya Union of Savings & Credit Co-operatives Ltd. All Rights Reserved.