Victoria Commercial Bank Celebrates 40 Years in an Interfaith Musical & Thanksgiving Service

Victories in institutions’, or even human beings’, history and journeys are often observed and celebrated in happy, momentous activities and in highly celebrated events. For Victoria Commercial Bank (VCB) PLC, its 40th anniversary milestone was recently launched with ‘Voices of Unity’, an interfaith musical program and thanksgiving service; it was revealed on October 19th, 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Held under the theme, “One Stage, Multiple Faiths, One Message,”, the event congregated leaders and internationally acclaimed artists from the Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian faiths & communities. The artists’ performances were observed by the Bank’s clients, partners, stakeholders, Board Directors and management. Through devotional music and prayer, attendees celebrated VCB’s four-decade journey and gave thanks for the customers and employees who have shaped its success, while offering prayers for the continued peace and prosperity of Kenya.

The bank started as an initiative of the St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu, under Bishop Henry Okullu, who sought to fight poverty and financial exclusion at the Lake Victoria Basin. Businessman Kanji D. Pattni then mobilized its founding capital leading to its launch as the Victoria Finance Company and which opened its door with few staff at Victor House, Nairobi. It later converted into a commercial bank and moved to Upper Hill as its headquarters to serve corporate and industrial clients.

“Although our different faiths and traditions enrich us as human beings, it is our shared values – respect, compassion and service – that really and indeed unite us. As Victoria Commercial Bank celebrates 40 years, may we continue building a future in which every person feels valued and where every community can thrive,” affirmed Mrs Ketaki Sheth, the bank’s Board Chairperson.

Currently, VCB operates six branches nationally and boasts in a total asset base of K sh 70 billion (B).   The bank’s customer lifespan has significantly grown to an average of 15 years. Further, it has been recognized on numerous occasions as the Most Customer-Centric Bank at the ‘Think Business Banking Awards’ as well as Best Bank in Digital Banking and Best Bank to Borrow From. The bank is now pursuing a digital-first strategy to include “smart branches”. Moreover, VCB has also introduced Green Financing for SMEs and has worked tirelessly to assist the ‘Faraja Cancer Support Trust’ for over five-year in a partnership that provides financial support for children battling cancer.

“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. As we look ahead, our ambition is to remain a trusted financial partner while becoming more innovative, accessible and responsive to the evolving needs of the generations we serve,” asserts the Bank’s CEO, Dr Yogesh Pattni.

“At the VCB, inclusion has been firmly embedded in who we are and how we lead. Women make up 55 per cent of the workforce and manage 66 per cent of our branches, hold 50 per cent of our middle-management positions and account for 38 per cent of our C-suite and senior-management roles; yet, the Board is also chaired by a woman. These figures reflect a workplace where women are not only represented, but are trusted to lead, influence decisions and shape the Bank’s future. We are proud to be advancing meaningful inclusion within the financial services sector,”Dr Pattni explained.

The bank has quickly positioned itself as an innovative corporate bank whose customer-first approach has seen it maintain a steady balance of relationship banking, serving niche tailor-made solutions while pushing the bar in digital innovation.

Notably, the Victoria Commercial Bank PLC remains a leading financial institution headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and providing a comprehensive range of banking and financial services to Individuals, SMEs and mid-sized corporates. The Bank is recognized for its strong governance, client-centric approach, and commitment to supporting sustainable economic development across the Kenya and eastern Africa.