Co-op Bank leads Kenya’s banks in digital search visibility

Co-operative Bank has emerged as Kenya’s most visible commercial bank in online searches, according to an analysis by iX ML Analytics, a data science, artificial intelligence and business analytics company based in Accra, Ghana.

The study, which examined 38 commercial banks across 41 urban centres over 40 weeks between January 1 and September 30, 2026, ranked Co-op Bank first with a Share of Search Interest (SSI) score of 100.

Absa Bank followed with 61.24, Equity Bank at 45.90, KCB Bank at 37.96 and Family Bank at 26.42.

The analysis also found that 12 banks recorded zero measurable search interest relative to the leading institution during the study period, highlighting disparities in online brand visibility across the banking sector.

The banks included Ecobank Kenya, Gulf African Bank, UBA Kenya, Bank of India, ABC Bank, Consolidated Bank, DIB Bank Kenya, Guardian Bank, Habib Bank AG Zurich, Mayfair CIB Bank, Paramount Bank, Prime Bank and Spire Bank.

Geographical analysis showed varying levels of online interest across the country, with Co-op Bank recording 82% in Siaya, 81% in Mariakani and 80% in Maua. Absa Bank recorded 100% in Masimba and 65% in Garissa, while KCB led in Webuye at 55% and Voi at 42%.

The report, led by iX ML Analytics Chief Executive Officer Bernard Okyere, also identified a surge in online banking searches during the week of July 26, 2026.

Equity Bank’s SSI rose to 79 from 33.4, while KCB’s increased to 70.5 from 27.5. Credit Bank recorded a 23-fold increase to 48 from a baseline of about 2.1.

Co-op Bank maintained the leading position throughout the 40-week period, averaging an SSI of 72.55 and reaching 100 in February.

The bank also had a strong social media presence as of June 2026, with 2.2 million Facebook followers, 744,900 on X, 468,000 on TikTok and 88,000 on YouTube, leading its peers on these platforms.

The findings underscore the growing role of digital visibility in banking competition as lenders seek to attract younger and digitally connected customers.

However, online search interest does not necessarily translate directly into new accounts, customer acquisition or market share.