Victoria Commercial Bank marks 40 years with interfaith thanksgiving service

Victoria Commercial Bank (VCB) has kicked off celebrations to mark its 40th anniversary with an interfaith musical programme bringing together Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian communities.

The event, dubbed Voices of Unity, was held under the theme “One Stage, Multiple Faiths, One Message” and brought together the bank’s board of directors, management, staff, clients and other stakeholders.

The October 19 event featured devotional music and prayers, with participants reflecting on the bank’s four-decade journey and offering thanksgiving for its customers and employees, alongside prayers for Kenya’s continued peace and prosperity.

VCB Board Chairperson Ketaki Sheth said the anniversary offered an opportunity to celebrate shared values across different faiths and communities.

“Our different faiths and traditions enrich who we are, but it is our shared values - respect, compassion and service - that bring us together,” Sheth said.

She added that the bank hoped to continue building a future in which every person feels valued and every community can thrive.

VCB traces its origins to an initiative by St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu under Bishop Henry Okullu, who sought to address poverty and financial exclusion in the Lake Victoria Basin.

Businessman Kanji D. Pattni subsequently mobilised the institution’s founding capital, leading to the establishment of Victoria Finance Company, which began operations with a small team at Victor House in Nairobi.

The institution later transitioned into a commercial bank and relocated its headquarters to Upper Hill, where it focused on serving corporate and industrial clients.

Today, the bank operates six branches nationally and has an asset base of Ksh.70 billion. It also reports an average customer relationship lifespan of 15 years, which it attributes to its focus on customer service and relationship banking.

The lender has received recognition at the Think Business Banking Awards, including awards for customer-centric banking, digital banking and lending.

Chief Executive Officer Yogesh Pattni said the 40-year milestone reflected the trust customers had placed in the institution and the relationships it had built over the years.

“Reaching 40 years is a great milestone for Victoria Commercial Bank. It reflects the trust of our customers, the dedication of our people and the strength of the relationships we have built over four decades,” Pattni said.

He said the bank would continue working towards becoming more innovative, accessible and responsive to the changing needs of its customers.

As part of its growth strategy, VCB is pursuing a digital-first approach that includes the introduction of “smart branches”. It has also introduced green financing products targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The bank further highlighted its partnership with Faraja Cancer Support Trust, which has supported children battling cancer for more than five years.

VCB also reported that women account for 55 per cent of its workforce, manage 66 per cent of its branches and occupy half of its middle-management positions. Women hold 38 per cent of its C-suite and senior-management roles, while the bank’s board is chaired by a woman.

The institution said it would continue pursuing innovation, tailored financial solutions and inclusive leadership as it enters its fifth decade of operations.